The Birmingham and Huntsville communities are mourning the loss of Judge Teresa Tanner Pulliam, a devoted wife, mother, friend, and respected jurist, who passed away unexpectedly. Known for her courage, intellect, and unwavering pursuit of justice, Judge Pulliam’s passing leaves a tremendous void in Alabama’s legal community and in the hearts of those who loved her.
Early Life and Education
Teresa Pulliam grew up in Huntsville, Alabama, where her leadership and determination became evident at an early age. She graduated magna cum laude from Birmingham-Southern College in 1980, then went on to attend the University of Alabama School of Law, earning her degree in 1983. Her dedication to the law was rooted in a profound belief in fairness and service to others — values that guided her throughout her career.
A Career of Service and Leadership
Judge Pulliam began her career as a prosecutor in the Mobile District Attorney’s Office, later joining the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office in 1986. After years of courtroom experience, she entered private practice, building a respected firm where she worked for 14 years.
In 2005, she was elected as a Circuit Judge in the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Alabama, serving in the Criminal Division for nearly 18 years until her retirement in 2023. During her time on the bench, she earned a reputation for fairness, wisdom, and compassion.
Her expertise extended beyond the courtroom. Judge Pulliam served as an instructor for the National Judicial College in capital murder litigation and was a mentor to countless new judges across the state. She was also deeply involved in efforts to reform Alabama’s prison and sentencing systems, working on the State’s Prison Reform Task Force and the Alabama Sentencing Commission. Her contributions shaped meaningful policies that continue to impact lives today.
Recognitions and Community Involvement
Judge Pulliam’s leadership extended far beyond the bench. She served as Past President of the Alabama Circuit Judges Association, the Birmingham Bar Foundation, and the National Alumni Association for Birmingham-Southern College. She was active in organizations including the Rotary Club of Birmingham, the Junior League, and Independent Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder.
Her achievements were recognized with numerous awards, including the NAACP Justice Award, the Community Impact Award from the Girl Scouts of North Alabama, and the Drayton James Award from the Birmingham Bar. She was also honored as a Fellow of both the Birmingham and Alabama Bar Foundations.
A Personal Legacy of Strength and Compassion
While Judge Pulliam’s professional accomplishments were vast, those who knew her remember her most for her heart, integrity, and resilience. She was described as the “epitome of class, honor, and integrity” — a woman who lived with grace but never shied away from difficult battles.
One of her most defining moments came early in her career, when she prosecuted one of Alabama’s oldest rape cases. She stood by the victim for years, fighting tirelessly to ensure justice was served. Her courage in that case — and many others — changed lives and set precedents for the protection of victims across the state.
Family Above All
Teresa shared 38 years of marriage with her husband, Max Pulliam, a respected Birmingham attorney. Together, they raised their daughter, Alice Jordan Pulliam, who now carries forward her parents’ legacy of achievement and service. Family was at the center of Teresa’s life, and she cherished every moment as a wife, mother, and friend.
Remembering Judge Pulliam
Since her retirement, Judge Pulliam continued to consult, practice law, and volunteer her time to serve when called upon. Even after leaving the bench, she remained committed to mentoring, community service, and advocacy for those without a voice.
Her sudden passing has left colleagues, friends, and loved ones stunned and heartbroken. Tributes have poured in, describing her as a “force of nature”, a “rock in times of struggle”, and a woman whose wisdom and courage touched countless lives.
Judge Teresa Pulliam will be remembered not only as a brilliant jurist and reformer but as a woman of deep compassion, strength, and grace. Her life’s work continues to inspire, and her legacy of justice and love will remain a guiding light for all who had the privilege of knowing her.
