Suspended Alabama probate judge denies all accusations of bullying and other misconduct

Suspended Jefferson County Probate Judge Yashiba Blanchard has broken her silence, officially denying all allegations of misconduct brought against her in a sweeping 120-page complaint currently before a state judicial disciplinary court.

Attorneys representing Blanchard—who was suspended on May 21 following an investigation by the state’s Judicial Inquiry Commission—filed a formal, general denial regarding the seven charges leveled against the judge. In the June 13 filing, her legal team, comprised of Emory Anthony Jr., Luckie Milad, and Moses Stone, stated, “Judge Blanchard asserts all legal and equitable defenses as to the allegations in these charges.”

The allegations at a glance

The ongoing complaint against the 2024 electee paints a picture of a courtroom plagued by systemic bullying, professional retaliation, and a blatant disregard for judicial responsibilities.

According to the detailed official complaint, Blanchard’s erratic scheduling habits reportedly caused significant delays for probate hearings and involuntary commitments. The filing further alleges that these disruptions negatively impacted mental health patients, resulting in unnecessary hospital stays or a complete denial of required care.

Beyond internal operations, the probe highlights concerns regarding estate management. The commission alleges that Blanchard acted in bad faith by removing attorneys from the Hand Arendall law firm as conservators in probate cases without following established procedures or offering legal justifications for her actions.

Culture of intimidation?

Internal reports included in the complaint allege that a pattern of bullying began on Blanchard’s first day on the bench. One specific incident from January 5, 2026, claims that Blanchard addressed staff by asserting she was the “ultimate authority” and that she had “no boss.” She allegedly warned employees that reporting her to HR would only be met with retaliation, telling them they had better make sure they were “clean” before challenging her.

While Blanchard remains officially suspended pending the outcome of the Court of the Judiciary proceedings—which hold the power to clear her, censure her, or remove her from office—her supporters continue to push back on social media and talk radio. They argue that the allegations are a retaliatory response to Blanchard’s efforts to change traditional court operations.

A pretrial hearing is currently slated for July 9 in Montgomery.