Lightfoot Remembers Respected Jurist and Valued Colleague Justice Gorman Houston

September 19, 2024

Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC honors the memory of former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Gorman Houston, who died this week at 91. In addition to appearing before Houston when he served on the bench, many at the firm had the privilege of calling him a colleague when he joined Lightfoot for several years after retiring in 2005. 

“Justice Houston was a dedicated servant, an esteemed jurist, a fine man and a dear friend to those of us who knew him,” said Lightfoot’s managing partner Melody H. Eagan.  

Houston served on the Supreme Court for 20 years and became acting chief justice in 2003. Known for his dedication to justice, he was passionate about civility, professionalism and equitable access to the courts. He was recognized by multiple legal associations throughout his long career for his contributions both on and off the bench. 

“Gorman was an outstanding lawyer, a great justice and, above all, a true gentleman and scholar,” said Lightfoot founding partner Samuel H. Franklin. “The example he set as a lawyer and judge should challenge us all to be the very best we can be. And he did it all with a smile and generous demeanor.” 

In 2022, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama recorded a video documenting Houston’s life and career. It includes Houston reading a letter he received from the author Harper Lee, a longtime friend. The clip ends with the tribute: “So long as you are around, there will be one voice of reason, sanity and Christian principles.” 

Our thoughts are with Justice Houston’s family, many friends and all of Alabama. We have lost a pillar of the state’s legal community and an indomitable force for justice.