After nearly 30 years on the federal bench, U.W. Clemon, former Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District, returned to the practice of law in 2009. His practice also includes arbitration and mediation matters, along with service as an appointed Special Master in complex civil actions.

In 1974, Clemon became one of the first two blacks to be elected to the Alabama State Senate since Reconstruction. In his two terms, he chaired the Rules and Judiciary Committees, respectively, and vigorously opposed Governor George C. Wallace on various racial issues.

President Jimmy Carter appointed Clemon as Alabama’s first black federal judge in 1980. He served as Chief Judge of the court from 1999-2006, and he is credited with addressing some of the most important issues of our time. Under his administration, the court adopted a more juror-friendly and representative jury plan, increased minority presence in the workforce of the court, and transitioned to electronic case filing and management. He has served on the executive committee of the Eleventh Circuit Judicial Council.