BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Gulf Shores attorney B. Andrew Monaghan hit the ground running late last week, overseeing emergency guardianship cases and commitment hearings, after being appointed temporary Baldwin County Probate Judge.

Monaghan was tapped for the job April 7 by state Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb to replace Adrian Johns, who retired.

Gov. Bob Riley is expected to appoint a permanent replacement when the state Legislature’s term ends April 26. John’s term expires at the end of 2012, and carries a yearly salary of about $130,000.

Political observers have speculated that state Department of Revenue Commissioner Tim Russell, former Foley mayor, and former president of Baldwin Mutual Insurance Co., is a forerunner on Riley’s list.

Contacted Tuesday, Russell said he had “no comment.”

Riley appointed Russell to the state post Feb. 22, 2008.

Monaghan, 42, will hear emergency court cases while continuing his private practice. Probate Office chief clerk David Wood will hear non-emergency cases, Monaghan said Tuesday.

Violetta Smith, a Probate Court administrator will handle election duties. Smith moved to the position after a 25-year stint as a Baldwin County Board of Registrars staffer.

The temporary Probate Judge post will pay $100 a day for Monaghan’s intermittent schedule. The compensation is based on a 1940s state statute “which may need updating,” Monaghan said.

“I am still a private attorney and juggling both hats,” he said Monday. “They need me only for contested matters.”

The 1995 University of Alabama School of Law graduate served as a Baldwin County assistant District Attorney. His practice now includes criminal law, wills and estates, civil litigation, probate, bankruptcy and business law.

Johns said Monday he has offered to advise probate staffers about election matters, including the upcoming June primaries.

“I am always available during this transition and will be glad to help, but only as a sounding board,” Johns said Monday. “I will not be in any hands-on capacity.”