News Post

POINT CLEAR, Ala. – Mobile attorney Frederick G. “Fred” Helmsing, Jr. was installed as the 150th president of the Alabama State Bar during the Grand Convocation, the closing event of the Bar’s 2025 Annual Meeting held July 16-19.

Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sarah H. Stewart administered the oath.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be named the 150th president of the Alabama State Bar, a milestone that reminds us just how enduring our profession is,” Helmsing said. “This role comes with a deep sense of responsibility, not only to those who came before me, but to the lawyers across Alabama working every day to uphold justice and serve their communities.”

Helmsing’s presidential theme, Supporting What Matters, emphasizes the foundational role the Bar plays in both the professional development and personal well-being of its members. The theme recognizes that justice, service, and lawyer wellness are not competing priorities, but pillars of a healthy legal life.

“Lawyers need strong foundations—ethically, mentally, and professionally,” he added.  “This year, we will focus on how the Alabama State Bar can continue to help our members thrive at work and in life.”

Helmsing is a partner in the Mobile office of Jones Walker LLP, where his civil and criminal trial practice focuses on white collar criminal defense, complex commercial litigation, and products liability. He frequently represents clients in cases in connection with governmental investigations, both civil and criminal, and routinely counsels companies involved in high-stakes contract and shareholder disputes. Helmsing also represents manufacturers and distributors in cases involving pharmaceuticals, medical devices, industrial equipment, and toxic substances in products liability disputes.

He has served on the Alabama State Bar’s Board of Bar Commissioners for nine years, including two terms on the Executive Council. Helmsing has chaired the Bar’s Finance and Audit Committee and has served on numerous other committees and task forces. He also served for more than a decade on the Mobile Bar Association Executive Committee.

Helmsing is a member of the American Bar Association, the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association, the Product Liability Advisory Council, and DRI. He is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in Alabama.

Helmsing is a 1996 graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law and a 1993 graduate of Washington & Lee University.

He is married to Greer Megginson Helmsing, and they have three children: Sara Margaret Helmsing, Frederick G. Helmsing III, and Joseph Greer Helmsing.

Serving alongside President Helmsing on the 2025-2026 Executive Council are:

• President Elect: Jana Russel Garner (Tuscaloosa/Selma)

• Vice President: Jeffrey Bowling (Russellville)

• Secretary: Terri Lovell (Executive Director, Alabama State Bar)

• Executive Council: Raymond Bell (Mobile)

• Executive Council: Joel Connally (Montgomery)

• Executive Council: William “Will” Lovard Lee, IV (Dothan)

• Parliamentarian: Mark Boardman (Chelsea)

• Immediate Past-President: Tom Perry (Demopolis)

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The Alabama State Bar (ASB) is the official licensing and regulatory organization of lawyers in Alabama. Created in 1879, the Alabama State Bar became an integrated bar in 1923 by an act of the legislature. Since then, ASB programs and activities have continuously served the public and improved the justice system. It is dedicated to promoting the professional responsibility and competence of its members, improving the administration of justice, and increasing the public understanding of and respect for the law.

Media Contact:
Melissa Warnke
Director of Communications, Alabama State Bar
(334) 517.2218
melissa.warnke@alabar.org