by Joseph D. Bryant
Suspended Jefferson County Probate Judge Yashiba Blanchard denies all allegations in a 120-page complaint against her that was sent to a state judicial disciplinary court.
Lawyers for Blanchard, who was suspended May 21 after a complaint was forwarded to the Alabama Court of the Judiciary by Alabama's Judicial Inquiry Commission, submitted a general denial regarding the seven charges against her.
"Judge Blanchard asserts all legal and equitable defenses as to the allegations in these charges," lawyers wrote in the June 13 filing.
The filing is the judge's first public declaration since her suspension. Blanchard is represented by lawyers Emory Anthony Jr., Luckie Milad and Moses Stone.
Under the Alabama law, a judge is automatically suspended when the Judicial Inquiry Commission brings a case to the Court of the Judiciary. The Court of the Judiciary has authority to clear judges of wrongdoing, suspend without pay, censure them or remove them from office.
Among the allegations, the complaint claims that Blanchard's erratic schedule caused unnecessary delays in multiple legal proceedings, including hearings for probate cases and involuntary commitments.
According to the complaint, Blanchard was responsible for some mental health patients having unnecessary extended hospital stays or being denied needed care.
The probate court is also responsible for millions of dollars from estates that are managed by lawyers appointed by the judge. The complaint alleges that Blanchard improperly removed conservator cases from one firm and gave them to another.
The Judicial Inquiry Commission's complaint accuses Blanchard of acting in bad faith by removing attorneys from the law firm of Hand Arendall serving as conservators in probate cases without following procedures or providing legal justification.
She is also accused of using her authority to settle personal disagreements rather than taking reasonable judicial action.
The detailed report, which includes input from multiple participants, alleges "a pattern and practice of bullying and retaliation against probate court staff" that they say began on Blanchard's first day.
In one alleged incident, Blanchard is accused of holding a meeting with employees on Jan. 5, 2026, where she threatened them with suspension or firing if they complained against her.
"Judge Blanchard told employees that if anyone tried to report her to HR, they had first better make sure that they themselves are 'clean,'" according to the complaint. "At that meeting, Judge Blanchard declared that she was the 'ultimate authority,' and that she had no boss. She told the staff that whatever she says goes."
While Blanchard and her lawyers have declined to comment, the judge's supporters on social media and on talk radio have dismissed allegations against her as retaliation because Blanchard changed the traditional operations of her court by using different lawyers.
A pretrial hearing is scheduled July 9 in Montgomery.
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Suspended Alabama probate judge denies all accusations of bullying and other misconduct
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