Gumptown Spotlight: Judge Monet McCorvey Gaines

Montgomery, AL- Judge Monet McCorvey Gaines is deeply rooted in Montgomery, with the honor of having been raised, and living almost all of her life here. She is the daughter of Dr. Roosevelt and Mrs. Vivian McCorvey, her father being the first African American Board Certified Physician in the area of Obstetrics and Gynecology in this city. She is the youngest in the family. Her older sisters are both practicing physicians, with her middle sister, Dr B. Michele McCorvey, marrying another Montgomery native, Dr. John H. Winston, III.  Dr. And Mrs. McCorvey devoted their lives to teaching their children the value of hard-work, discipline, integrity and service to our community.

After earning a bachelor’s degree at Johns Hopkins University, Judge Gaines received her law degree from University of Alabama School of Law where she also met and married JR Gaines, a native of Eutaw, Alabama.  After clerking in Washington, D.C., at the at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Board of Contract Appeals, she came home to Montgomery to be an associate in the law firm of Thomas, Means, Gillis and Seay, P.C., where she gained a wealth of experience practicing in municipal, state and federal courts.  For the next 13 years, she served the people of Alabama in the Attorney General’s Office in a broad capacity, acting as legal counsel for various state agencies, writing legislation, drafting administrative laws, prosecuting violations by licensees, and counseling and advising elected officials regarding state laws.

During this time, Judge Gaines was also an exceptionally active member of the Alabama State Bar, chosen for positions such as Vice President of the Bar, Chair of the Disciplinary Commission and Chair of the Diversity Committee, among others. As Chair of the Diversity Committee, she developed the Minority Pre-Law Conference, a program that engaged minority college students with an interest in becoming lawyers.  As Chair of the Disciplinary Commission, Judge Gaines held a vital responsibility in the disciplinary process to uphold a strong ethical standard for lawyers throughout the state.

Judge Gaines dedicated herself to many projects for the good of the people of Montgomery.  While serving as a Scout leader for more than six years, she earned the District Award of Merit in 2016 for her service to the Tukabatchee Area Scouting Community.  She worked to guide young people toward good decisions and educational goals through I-LEAD, a mentorship program organized by the Montgomery County District Attorney. As a devout servant of God, she used His gifts to serve as a small group leader within her church, and found spare time to tutor at Valiant Cross Academy.  Judge Gaines was also selected for and completed the Alabama State Bar’s Leadership Forum, Class 8.

With much of her schedule now devoted to judicial service, Judge Gaines still works to carve out time for other beloved civic duties, taking opportunities to volunteer or participate in sponsorship opportunities offered by organizations like: King’s Canvas, Valiant Cross Academy, That’s My Dog, Mercy House, Catoma Elementary, Pilgrim Rest College Day, S.W.A.N.S., Montgomery Generals, Jamari Terrell Foundation, Dress For Pink, and Dutchess, Divas & Gents, to name a few.

In her service at the District Court, Judge Gaines strives to ensure that legal assistance is provided to those appearing before her in civil and criminal matters. She works closely with the Montgomery Volunteer Lawyer’s Program and Legal Services of Alabama in Civil Matters, and whenever possible, appoints the Public Defender’s Office in criminal matters. In District Court, Judge Gaines oversees civil cases with amounts not exceeding $20,000, and criminal misdemeanor offenses punishable by not more than one year of jail time per charge. She exclusively presides over the misdemeanor offenses of DUIs and DWIs, as well as handling numerous traffic citations and preliminary hearings. Judge Gaines further oversees countless initial appearances of defendants to determine whether they may be released and the defendant’s bond amount.  Over the past five years, she has disposed of approximately 3,800 criminal cases,  approximately 8,500 small claims matters and 6,500 district civil matters.

As your Montgomery County District Court Judge since 2018, Judge Gaines is seeking the people’s continued support for her service in the position currently held by retiring Montgomery Circuit Judge Jimmy B. Pool. In his wholehearted endorsement, Judge Pool stated that Judge Gaines “has served with distinction and has earned the admiration and respect of all who have appeared before her, whether attorney or litigant. She treats all equally, and is Lady Justice personified.”

Instilled with a steadfast commitment to our community, Judge Gaines is continuing the legacy of service to the citizens of Montgomery County that was taught and demonstrated by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. McCorvey, and which she has worked hard to exemplify for her own children.  “I care deeply for the people of Montgomery and am devoted to the fair and just rule of law.”

Judge Gaines is the only person with judicial experience on the ballot for the position of Circuit Court Judge. Further, Judge Gaines is also the only person whose varied legal experience spans roughly two decades or 20 years.

At Circuit Court in Montgomery County, judges are responsible for handling both civil and criminal matters.  There is no limit to the award that may be given in a civil court matter.  In criminal matters, the balance of a Defendant’s life is at stake as the judge may determine sentencing in the range of greater than one year at one extreme to life, life without parole, or death at the other extreme.  Consideration should be given to the most experienced person for such a position.

The primary election for this Circuit Court seat will be held on March 5, 2024.  Make sure you are a registered voter and know your polling place as soon as possible.

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