Clarence H. Mullins

Clarence H. Mullins (March 16, 1895 – June 30, 1957) was an American jurist from the state of Alabama. He served as a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama from 1943 until his death in 1957. He was the Chief Judge of the District court from 1948 until he assumed senior status in 1953 as a result of disability. Mullins was notable for his rulings in the 1940s in favor of desegregation, especially in housing discrimination. Education and career Mullins was born in Clanton, Alabama on March 6, 1895. He received a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1914 and went into private practice in Birmingham, Alabama. He became assistant city attorney of Birmingham and was county attorney of Jefferson County, Alabama until 1943. As an attorney, he once represented New York Yankees player Ben Chapman in his divorce. Federal judicial service On March 19, 1943, Mullins was nominated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama created by 56 Stat. 1092. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 7, 1943, and received his commission on April 16, 1943. In 1948, he was named to the newly created position of Chief Judge for the court.