News Post

Alabama State Bar Honors 50-Year Members at Second Annual Milestone Luncheon

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Alabama State Bar proudly celebrated its second annual Milestone Luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, at Ross Bridge Resort in Birmingham, honoring attorneys who have reached 50 years of service in the legal profession.

The luncheon recognized members of the Class of 1975 for their decades of dedication to the practice of law and their impact on clients, communities, and the justice system throughout Alabama. The program, attended by family, friends, colleagues, and members of the legal community, served as a meaningful opportunity to honor the careers and contributions of this year’s 50-year members.

“This milestone is more than a marker of time; it is a testament to perseverance, integrity, and a lifetime of service,” said President Helmsing. “Through five decades of changes in both law and life, these honorees have remained steadfast in their commitment to the people of Alabama.”

The keynote address was delivered by Judge Gaines C. McCorquodale, who retired as Presiding Circuit Judge of the First Judicial Circuit after more than a decade on the bench. Judge McCorquodale reflected on his own years of service and the ways the legal profession has evolved, while emphasizing that a lawyer’s work doesn’t end at retirement.

He spoke about the lasting impact experienced attorneys can make, from mentoring young lawyers to guiding the next generation of leaders. He encouraged the honorees to continue sharing their knowledge and wisdom.

“Even after 50 years, there are still countless opportunities to serve,” Judge McCorquodale said. “Whether through mentoring or simply being a steady example for others, we each have a role to play in strengthening the profession and inspiring those who will come after us,” he said.

This year’s event was made possible through the support of generous sponsors:

  • Legacy Sponsor: Alabama Law Foundation

  • Gold Sponsors: Black & Hughston, P.C., Hare Wynn, Maynard Nexsen PC, Rosen Harwood

  • Bronze Sponsors: Alabama Bench & Bar Historical Society, Cory Watson Attorneys, Evans Law Firm, Hand Arendall Harrison Sale

“The Alabama State Bar is proud to honor these distinguished attorneys,” said Executive Director Terri Lovell. “Their service has shaped our profession, strengthened our courts, and inspired generations of lawyers. Today’s celebration is about recognizing not only their professional achievements but also their mentorship and leadership over the past 50 years.”

The Milestone Luncheon has quickly become a cherished tradition for the Alabama State Bar, offering a dedicated time and space to celebrate the legacy of members who have devoted their careers to upholding the rule of law in Alabama.

A total of 164 attorneys were recognized as part of the Class of 1975, each representing 50 years of service to the legal profession. Of those, 60 attorneys were able to attend the luncheon in person, collectively representing 3,000 years of legal service.

During the ceremony, each attendee was recognized individually and presented with a certificate and pin to commemorate this extraordinary milestone.

Honorees in attendance included:

Richard Alexander, David Arendall, Douglas “Marcel” Black, Judge Delores R. Boyd, Jane Brannan, Michael Brown, Frank Buck, Robert Bunch, Peter Burns, Judge Edward “Ed” Carnes, Allan Chappelle, Judge John Coggin, Judge John Dana, Edward “Eddie” Davis, Jim DeBardelaben, Joel Dillard, Patrick Dunagan, Stephen “Steve” Etheredge, George Daniel “Danny” Evans, Judge Aubrey Ford, Randolph Fowler, John Haley, Larry Harper, David Hassinger, James “Jim” Hedgspeth, Judge William Hightower, Dean “Lee” Hodges, Charles “Charlie” Hooper, David Howard, Henry “Hank” Hutchinson, Billy Jackson, Charles Richard “Rick” Johanson, Dennis “Kyle” Johnson, Justice Shirley Mahan, Joseph “Joe” Letzer, Edwin Burks “Win” Livingston, Alan Lubel, Jonathan Eric “Rick” Lyerly, Samuel “Sam” Maples, Alice Schaffer Mitchell, Judge Sam Monk, Stanley “Stan” Murphy, Harold Odom, Caine O’Rear, Wilmer “Buddy” Parker, Jerry Powell, Michael “Mike” Quillen, Charles Michael Quinn, Frank Grey Redditt, Judge William “Bill” Rhea, Michael Riddle, Ray Robbins, Patricia “Pat” Boyd Rumore, John Russell, Ronald “Ron” Sims, James “Jim” Sledge, Anthony “Tony” Snable, Murray Stovall, Fred Suggs, Steven Tipler, Glynn Tubb, John William “Will” White, Donald Wiginton, Judge Thomas “Tom” Woodall, and David Wooldridge.

The full list of Class of 1975 honorees, including those who could not attend, is available at: www.alabar.org/50-year-members/#class-of-1975.

Professional photos from the event can be found at this gallery link: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCucBi

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The Alabama State Bar (ASB) is the official licensing and regulatory organization of lawyers in Alabama. Established by the Legislature in 1923, the ASB works to promote professional responsibility and competence, improve the administration of justice, and increase public understanding of and respect for the law.

Media Contact
Melissa Warnke, Director of Communications
Alabama State Bar
(334) 517-2218 | (256) 338-0621
melissa.warnke@alabar.org