The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) on Monday announced its endorsement of State Rep. Matt Fridy (R-Montevallo) for the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals seat being vacated by Judge Scott Donaldson.

In a statement, AFA executive vice president said,  “We believe that Matt Fridy is the most qualified candidate in this race. He has the background and legal experience that makes him an excellent addition to the Court.”

Fridy is an attorney with the well-respected Birmingham law firm of Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff, and Brandt, where he focuses on appellate practice with an emphasis on constitutional law, agricultural law, critical motions and corporate litigation.

He graduated magna cum laude from Stamford’s Cumberland School of Law, where he served as the executive editor of the Cumberland Law Review. Following graduation, he served a one-year appointment as a law clerk to United States District Judge Edwin Nelson. Fridy also served as a staff attorney on the Alabama Supreme Court and the Court of Civil Appeals for several years.

Accepting the endorsement, Fridy commented, “I am excited to have the endorsement of the Forestry Association.”

“They are the leading conservative association in Montgomery and I am proud to stand with them,” he added.

During his time in the House, Fridy has served in various leadership roles, including as vice chairman of the Judiciary Committee and chairman of the Committee on Constitution, Campaigns and Elections.

During the 2019 regular session, Fridy successfully championed a new law safeguarding freedom of speech and expression on collegiate campuses in the Yellowhammer State.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn