"Jason is an extraordinarily accomplished lawyer who has been an invaluable member of our firm for over 12 years, " said Gary London, managing partner of Burr & Forman's Birmingham office. "His success as an attorney and his commitment to justice make him well-qualified for this appointment. We are thrilled for him and wish him the best in his new role."

Woodard focused his legal practice on financial and bankruptcy matters, and has extensive experience in the representation of clients in distressed debt situations, typically secured creditors in the bankruptcy, receivership, foreclosure and out-of-court workout arenas. He is a past chairman of the Birmingham Bar's Bankruptcy & Commercial Law Section and formerly sat on the board of directors for the Birmingham Bar Foundation and the executive committee for the Birmingham Bar Association. Woodard is a member of both the Turnaround Management Association and the American Bankruptcy Institute. He is a past recipient of the American Bankruptcy Institute's Medal of Excellence. Active in the Birmingham community, Woodard served as chairman of the board of directors and later as president of the Advisory Board for Hands on Birmingham.

Woodard is frequently recognized by his peers for his excellence in legal service, and has earned accolades from Martindale-Hubbell, The Best Lawyers in America and Alabama Super Lawyers. He received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Alabama. Upon taking the bench, Woodard will be among the youngest bankruptcy judges in the country.

"Throughout his career, Jason has been responsible for recoveries approaching $1 billion, an impressive accomplishment considering that receivership is unique in Alabama; foreclosure laws are more direct, resulting in fewer cases," added Michael Hall, who chairs Burr & Forman's Creditors' Rights and Bankruptcy practice. "He routinely handled eight-figure matters, but treated every client the same, no matter how large or small. Jason's achievements as a practitioner make him well-suited to serve in this capacity."