Britt sworn in as Elmore County Probate Judge

The “J-Club” grew Thursday.

Its members were Jimmy Stubbs, John Enslin and John Thornton. Jason Britt is now part of the club after his investiture ceremony for Elmore County Probate Judge at the Elmore County Historical Courthouse.

Thornton laughed as he introduced the four living Elmore County Probate Judges.

“Jimmy, John, John and now Jason,” Thornton said. “Some of us joked with Jason after the election about the J-Club and it just kind of stuck.”

Thornton swore in Britt but it wasn’t without a stumble or two by Britt.

“I didn’t know Judge Thornton was going to be such a stickler for the language,” Britt joked. “Can’t you tell I’m nervous?”

Britt said he will lean on the previous probate judges for advice and guidance as he takes on the job.

“They have a world of experience and know how,” Britt said. 

The new probate judge said he would not change much to start with as he wants to watch and learn from staff and the former judges.

Britt was surrounded by his family, wife Allison and children Ashley and Noah, as he was sworn in but not before a little roasting by friend and Montgomery attorney Ed Parrish. He is an attorney specializing in probate work much like Britt. Parrish explained what many attorneys do to get in good graces with judges.

“We have to always make them think they're right, even when they're not.” Parrish said. “We laugh at their silly jokes that are ridiculous. It's called The Black Robe syndrome, and there's no way of not acknowledging their authority and respecting them.”

But Parrish said there is one person who can ignore the Black Robe syndrome and that is Britt’s wife Allison. 

“Allison, you have been tasked with keeping him humble and grounded,” Parrish said. “When he comes home. I know that black robe means nothing to you.”

Parrish said judges are put on a pedestal for a reason. They are watched by the public and held to the highest standards.

Probate judges often rule on touchy subjects for families such as conservatorships, adoptions and commitments.  

“He has to rule on things that are difficult for families,” Parrish said.

The Montgomery attorney is confident Britt will do well in the new job as he has a history of the area graduating from Wetumpka High School, University of West Alabama and law school. Britt also got his Master of Laws in taxation from the University of Alabama all while serving in the Alabama National Guard.

“That makes him very select company in his knowledge and wisdom,” Parrish said. “It serves him well in his practice. His accounting experience, that's the most detailed guy you've ever seen. That'll drive you crazy.”

Parrish said Britt is quiet but not to let that deceive anyone.

“We had a big case,” Parrish said. “It was a very passionate situation.”

The judge asked Britt and Parrish to step outside to speak and work through things.

“The first thing he does is he sticks his hand out, shakes my hand and smiles,” Parrish said. “He says, ‘How are you doing? Let's talk about this.’ He took down all my fences, all my wrestling to be reasonable and logical and we came to a solution where everybody wins. The court and lawyers saved money and time because of his demeanor.”