image via AL.com.

Meet Shanta Owens and Shera Grant. The twin sisters from Birmingham, Alabama have lived their lives in tandem, every step of the way. Born four minutes apart, they were raised by a single mother, who worked as a librarian, and fostered their love of reading. Both Owens and Grant graduated from Alabama State University and then graduated from law school at Louisiana State University. While they lived in different cities after graduating, Owens in Birmingham, and Grant in Atlanta, they both went on to work as prosecutors.

Owens and Grant married their husbands, who happened to be best friends from kindergarten, 3 months apart in 2003. They each have a 6-year-old-daughter, born four months apart, and 3 year-old-sons, also born four months apart.

When Shanta became a Jefferson County district court judge in 2008, it should come as no surprise that her sister Shera eventually followed suit. Last week, Shera was appointed to the post of district court judge, following the retirement of previous district court judge Jack Lowther.

“I’m really elated … I’m excited for her,” said Owens about her sister’s appointment. “We’re grateful to God and grateful to the Governor.”

Bo Landrum, executive director of the Birmingham Bar Association, also commented on the rarity of twin judges.