Kira Fonteneau
Kira Fonteneau was born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia. Prior to law school, Kira spent several years working in operations management roles with Wachovia Bank. In 2005, Kira began her legal career in Birmingham at a regional employment defense law firm. She later started her own firm that focused on both criminal and civil litigation. During her career, Kira has tried several cases to juries, receiving favorable rulings for her clients in both state and federal court. She has also argued at both the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals.
From 2013 until 2016, Kira served as Jefferson County’s first Public Defender. In that capacity, she opened the office and managed a team of 57 employees who served clients who could not afford counsel. Prior to joining the Public Defender’s Office, Ms. Fonteneau maintained an active practice focusing in criminal defense, employment law, and other civil litigation. She has been a regular guest on Fox 6 Legal Lines and frequently gives speeches on leadership, employment law, and law office management.
She is currently the President of the Alabama Affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, Chairs the American Diabetes Association’s National Legal Advocacy Sub-Committee, and serves on the Alabama State Bar Board of Bar Commissioners.
Education
- University of Georgia School of Law, 2005, J.D.
- University of Virginia, 1994-1998, B.A. (Double Major, Government and African American Studies)
Admissions
- 2017 Northern District of Georgia
- 2009 U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- 2007 Georgia
- 2006 Virginia
- 2005 Southern District of Alabama
- 2005 Middle District of Alabama
- 2005 Northern District of Alabama
- 2005 Alabama
Professional Activities
- Alabama State Bar Board of Bar Commissioners
- Birmingham Bar Association Executive Committee
- Birmingham Bar Association Grievance Committee
- Magic City Bar Association
- Alabama Association for Justice
- Alabama Lawyers Association
- Board Member of the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation
Awards and Recognition
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated
- SuperLawyers Rising Stars
- B-Metro Top Women Attorneys
- University of Georgia Top 40 under 40
- Leadership Birmingham
- Alabama State Bar Leadership Forum
- Birmingham Bar Future Leaders Forum
