April 21, 2025 – (MONTGOMERY, Ala.) – The Alabama Law Foundation proudly announces the selection of its 2026 class of Fellows, recognizing an exceptional group of attorneys whose leadership and service reflect a strong commitment to advancing justice across Alabama. Each year, Fellows are chosen through a nomination and review process led by their peers, with membership limited to no more than one percent of Alabama State Bar members. The 2026 class was honored at the annual Fellows Dinner held April 11 at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Hotel & Spa in Birmingham.

“Being named a Fellow is not only a professional distinction—it reflects a shared responsibility to strengthen our communities and expand access to justice,” said Alabama Law Foundation Board President Jeanne Rizzardi. “This year’s class represents the very best of our profession, and their commitment to service helps ensure that the Foundation’s work continues to reach those who need it most.”

Established in 1995, the Fellows Program honors attorneys who have made meaningful contributions to the legal profession and their communities. Through their leadership and support, Fellows play a vital role in advancing the Foundation’s mission to promote access to justice and support law-related programs throughout the state.

Excellence Award

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Alabama Law Foundation’s Excellence Award to Leslie Barineau (Barineau & Barineau, Birmingham). Barineau was recognized for her steady leadership as Board President during a pivotal transition for the Foundation, guiding its response to the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision to consolidate Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) funds under the Alabama Law Foundation.

Her work helped coordinate efforts across the legal community, ensuring a smooth transition while strengthening the Foundation’s ability to fund civil legal aid and other critical programs. Her thoughtful approach and commitment to the Foundation’s mission have positioned the organization for lasting impact in communities across Alabama.

2026 Fellows

Fellows selected for 2026 are:

• Carvine L. Adams, MOBILE – Presiding Judge, Mobile Municipal Court; Miles College of Law
• Samuel Adams, MONTGOMERY – General Counsel for Troy University, Retired; University of Alabama School of Law
• Tiffanie L. Agee, BIRMINGHAM – 10th Judicial Circuit, District Court; University of Alabama School of Law
• Shawn T. Alves, DAPHNE – Stone Crosby, PC; University of Alabama School of Law
• Conrad Anderson, IV, HOMEWOOD – Balch & Bingham, LLP; The University of Mississippi School of Law
• Mark Andrews, DOTHAN – Morris Andres Talmadge & Driggers, LLC; Faulkner University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law
• Gordon G. Armstrong, III, MOBILE – Gordon G. Armstrong, III, P.C.; University of Alabama School of Law
• Mark Bain, MONTGOMERY – Melton Espy & Williams, PC; University of Alabama School of Law
• Jeffrey R. Baker, TUSCALOOSA – University of Alabama School of Law; Vanderbilt University School of Law
• Will Barfoot, MONTGOMERY – Barfoot & Schoettker, LLC; Faulkner University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law
• David L. Brown, Jr., BIRMINGHAM – Hare Wynn Newell & Newton, LLP; University of Alabama School of Law
• Tracy Cary, BIRMINGHAM – Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC; University of Alabama School of Law
• Warren Cobb, Jr., DOTHAN – Cobb Boyd White & Cobb, PA; Samford University Cumberland School of Law
• LaJuana S. Davis, BIRMINGHAM – Cumberland School of Law; Harvard University
• J.R. Gaines, MONTGOMERY – 15th Judicial Circuit; University of Alabama School of Law
• Tripp Haston, BIRMINGHAM – Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP; University of Alabama School of Law
• Sidney W. Jackson, III, MOBILE – Jackson & Foster, LLC; Samford University Cumberland School of Law
• Charles James, MONTGOMERY – Serious Injury Law Group; University of Alabama School of Law
• Samuel Junkin, FAYETTE – 24th Judicial Circuit; University of Alabama School of Law
• John W. Marsh, MONTGOMERY – Ball Ball Matthews & Novak, PA; University of Alabama School of Law
• Harold D. Mooty, III, HUNTSVILLE – U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama; University of Alabama School of Law
• William E. Pipkin, Jr., MOBILE – Austill Lewis Pipkin & Maddox, PC; University of Alabama School of Law
• Philip Reich, TUSCALOOSA – Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group; University of Alabama School of Law
• Brandy Robertson, BIRMINGHAM – Singleton Schreiber LLP; Birmingham School of Law
• Nicole Schroer, HUNTSVILLE – Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program; Samford University Cumberland School of Law
• Thomas Siniard, HUNTSVILLE – Siniard Law, LLC; University of Alabama School of Law
• Tommy Spina, BIRMINGHAM – Fawal & Spina; Samford University Cumberland School of Law
• J. Clark Stankoski, BAY MINETTE – 28th Judicial Circuit; Faulkner University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law
• Audrey Oswalt Strawbridge, VERNON – Strawbridge Strawbridge & Strawbridge, LLC; Samford University Cumberland School of Law
• Erika Perrone Tatum, MONTGOMERY – Hill Hill Carter Franco Cole & Black PC; Samford University Cumberland School of Law
• Spencer M. Taylor, HOMEWOOD -Barze Taylor Noles Lowther, LLC; University of Alabama School of Law

For nearly 40 years, as the only charitable, tax-exempt organization affiliated with the Alabama State Bar, the Alabama Law Foundation has helped the state’s lawyers make a valuable difference in the lives of Alabama’s citizens.

View a GALLERY of images from the celebration.