In a significant judicial appointment, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has named Judge Tiffany McCord to serve on the Montgomery County Circuit Court. McCord will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of longtime Judge Johnny Hardwick, who officially stepped down on March 31, 2025, after over two decades on the bench.
The appointment was formally announced on April 3, and McCord was sworn into office in courtroom 4-A of the Montgomery County Courthouse. The venue holds historic significance, as it is the same courtroom where Judge Hardwick began his own judicial service in 2001.
“I am very thankful to Governor Ivey for the trust and the confidence that she has placed in me by appointing me to serve on the 15th Judicial Circuit as a circuit court judge,” McCord said during the ceremony. She also emphasized her commitment to impartiality, fairness, and the rule of law.
A Seasoned Legal Professional
Judge Tiffany McCord brings more than 23 years of legal and public service experience to her new role. Her impressive career includes serving as Montgomery County District Court Judge and previously being elected as the county’s Circuit Clerk. Her wide-ranging legal background and experience in court administration made her a strong candidate for the circuit court role.
In addition to her judicial duties, McCord is a current member of the Alabama State University Board of Trustees, further demonstrating her commitment to public service and education in the state.
McCord holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Auburn University at Montgomery and earned her Juris Doctor from the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law at Faulkner University, both respected institutions in Alabama.
Filling the Shoes of a Judicial Veteran
The vacancy McCord fills was left by Judge Johnny Hardwick, a highly respected jurist who served the 15th Judicial Circuit for over 20 years. Known for his fairness and dedication to justice, Judge Hardwick also made history as one of the prominent African-American judges in the state. His retirement marks the end of a notable chapter in the Montgomery County judicial system.
Governor Ivey expressed her appreciation for Hardwick’s decades of service, noting his “distinguished and honorable career” that set a strong foundation for future judicial leadership.
Governor Ivey’s Statement
“I am proud to appoint Judge Tiffany McCord to the 15th Judicial Circuit,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “With her extensive legal experience and a clear commitment to justice, I am confident that she will serve the people of Montgomery County with fairness, integrity, and dedication.”
This latest judicial appointment aligns with the governor’s ongoing efforts to ensure Alabama’s judicial system remains strong, diverse, and committed to upholding the law.
Looking Ahead
Judge McCord now takes her seat on the bench during a time of significant attention to judicial transparency and public trust in legal institutions. Her deep roots in Montgomery County and longstanding dedication to legal service position her well to navigate the challenges of the role.
With this appointment, McCord becomes one of the key decision-makers in Alabama’s capital, responsible for presiding over a broad range of civil and criminal cases. Her work will directly impact the lives of thousands of residents in the region.
Learn More
For more information on judicial appointments in Alabama, visit the official Office of the Governor of Alabama.
To learn about the 15th Judicial Circuit and Montgomery County Court, visit the Alabama Judicial System.
To explore educational opportunities at the institutions Judge McCord attended, visit Auburn University at Montgomery and Faulkner University.
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