“God has blessed me with wonderful parents. They taught my sister and I the value of hard work and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of the people around us.”
Before founding Dunson Group, LLC, Samarria Dunson served as an Assistant Attorney General for the Alabama Department of Public Health for over a decade, where she played a vital role in regulating healthcare facilities and later established the agency’s first Office of Compliance and Ethics. Her sister, Lloria James, inspired her to consider becoming a judge after her election to the Circuit Court Bench in 2020, recognizing Dunson’s unique legal experience and dedication to serving vulnerable populations as ideal qualifications for the Municipal Court bench.
On the Job
I am a healthcare compliance attorney and part-time Municipal Judge. I specialize in HIPAA/HI-TECH regulations with clients across the state of Alabama, and I assist my clients with protecting the privacy and security of their client’s healthcare data by helping them navigate complicated federal regulations. I am currently Of Counsel with the law firm of Balch & Bingham, LLP. As a Municipal Judge, I hear Misdemeanor cases in my hometown of Montgomery, Alabama. Matters that generally come before me include Assault and Harassment cases, Criminal Mischief cases, Theft of Property and a host of other misdemeanor actions.
Helping Hand
I was named the 2023 Person of the Year by the Greater Montgomery YMCA, and I am a member of two internationally- recognized service organizations, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Incorporated. I serve as President of the University of Alabama Advisory Board for Community Affairs, Chair of the Baptist Health Foundation Board, Audience Development Chair for the Alabama Shakespeare Festival Board and am a member of the Federal Defenders Board and the Board of Saint James School. For several years, I organized an annual Christmas Party for underprivileged youth through the Family Guidance Center Success by Six program. For the past five years, I have spearheaded a Summer S.T.E.A.M. Academy for youth.
Personal Best
I am the newest member of the Rising Tide Campaign Cabinet, appointed by University of Alabama President Stuart Bell. The Cabinet is tasked with raising an historic 1.8 billion dollars for scholarship endowments, faculty initiatives, facilities and athletics.
Influential Figures
My faith has always been my biggest strength. God has blessed me with wonderful parents, Sam and Marielle Munnerlyn. They taught my sister and I the value of hard work and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of the people around us. My husband, Kendall Dunson, is the pivotal element that allows me to take on so much. He is extremely supportive of both my professional and service-related endeavors. He shares a passion for ensuring that we do all that we can to uplift the next generation. My sister and my cousin, Janay Smith, are hands down the biggest factors in me staying grounded. Like many sibling groups, we have a very fun and energetic relationship. But our relationship is coupled with a level of (sometimes brutal) honesty that is natural and well received.
Off the Clock
My life outside the office/courtroom is usually spent in a basketball gym with my daughters who play for Saint James School and also participate in AAU travel ball. Aside from the gym, SEC football demands a good bit of my attention in the fall. My goal is to scale back a bit to create more work-life balance. I have a son who is currently in law school and two daughters in 7th and 9th grade. These days, I’m carving out time to make as many memories with them as possible.
Love List:
SHOP LOCAL: ISHI? Boutique
CAFFEINE KICK: Chai Tea Latte
GO-TO TUNES: Beyonce
MAIN MOTTO: “Success isn’t about how your life looks to others. It’s about how it feels to you.” – Michelle Obama
