Hayden is a native of rural Conecuh County in southeast Alabama. She served her community and worked alongside first responders for several years as an emergency dispatcher at the Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff's Department and Poarch Creek Tribal Police Department. She continued in public service as a Classification Specialist for the Alabama Department of Corrections at Holman Prison in Atmore. After ten years in public safety, Hayden decided to pursue a legal education. During law school, she served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Judge Patrick D. Pinkston in Elmore County and in the Criminal Appeals Division of the Alabama Office of Attorney General. Seeking courtroom experience, Hayden participated in Alabama's Legal Internship Program where she practiced criminal defense in the 19th Judicial Circuit under the supervision of local attorney Tray Richardson. After graduating with honors, Hayden was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in September 2020 and immediately began her solo practice. She was later admitted to the federal bar in the Middle District of Alabama in November 2020.

​

In addition to her solo practice, Hayden has worked in the Mass Torts section of the Beasley Allen Law Firm and as an Associate Attorney at Barfoot & Schoettker. During her time at Barfoot & Schoettker, Hayden primarily served as a public defender in Montgomery Municipal Court where she represented hundreds of citizens against criminal charges. Returning to solo practice in 2024, Hayden primarily practices criminal defense, including trial and appellate work. She represents both juveniles and adults charged with crimes throughout Central Alabama. Hayden has appeared before all of Alabama's appellate courts on direct appeal and extraordinary writs.

 

EDUCATION

Juris Doctor, magna cum laude

Thomas Goode Jones School of Law (2020)

 

Master of Science 

Justice & Public Safety

Auburn University at Montgomery (2013)

 

Bachelor of Science 

Interdisciplinary Studies

Psychology, Health Sciences, & Criminal Justice

Troy University (2022)

 

Bachelor of Science 

Criminal Justice

Faulkner University (2011)

 

During her time at Faulkner Law, Hayden received numerous awards and prestigious positions, including serving as an Editor of the Faulkner Law Review for two years and being selected as a member of the Faulkner Law Board of Advocates. She represented Faulkner Law at national conventions and competitions in New York City, NY and Washington, D.C. She earned several best paper awards, the Justice Lewis Powell, Jr. award for excellence in advocacy, and the best appellate brief award. She was honored to be a member of the Faulkner Law Public Interest Society where she was recognized for completing many hours of pro bono legal work in central Alabama.

 

Hayden has spoken before Governor Ivey's policy council for criminal justice reform, and is involved with several area nonprofit organizations.

 

CURRENT ASSOCIATIONS

Associate, Hugh Maddox Chapter of the American Inns of Court

Member, Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association