Vernetta R. Perkins is the District Judge in Dallas County, Alabama. She is the first female judge on the county bench in Dallas County history. Before becoming a judge, Ms. Perkins was a licensed attorney, practicing in Alabama for over 22 years, specializing in criminal law, education law, non-profit management and project management. Judge Perkins formerly served as General Counsel for Montgomery Public Schools, in Montgomery, Alabama. As General Counsel, she was responsible for all legal affairs of the board of education and the school district, while also serving as advisor to the superintendent and senior staff on strategic planning, public policy, community engagement, general compliance issues and fiscal issues affecting the district.

Before coming on staff as the attorney for MPS, Judge Perkins served as a full-time prosecutor for the Office of Ellen Brooks, District Attorney (15th Judicial Circuit), part-time homicide prosecutor for the Office of Michael Jackson, District Attorney, (4th Judicial Circuit) and was a solo practitioner. In her solo practice, she handled juvenile court, family law and general civil cases. She was also formerly an associate attorney with the Montgomery law firm, Davis & Hatcher, LLC.

Judge Perkins is very active in her community and has served as a consultant on project management and strategic planning projects for various nonprofit organizations and community initiatives.

Judge Perkins is a product of Selma City Schools, graduating from Selma High School in May of 1993. She is also a graduate of Spelman College, University of Alabama School of Law.