On March 3, the School of Law hosted the annual Alabama Law Alumni Society Banquet at The Florentine in Birmingham. Six distinguished alumni were honored this year for their significant contributions to the legal community and the School of Law.
Sam W. Pipes Distinguished Alumnus Award
Among many moving moments throughout the night, fellow alumni and friends offered a standing ovation in recognition of the Sam W. Pipes Distinguished Alumnus Awardee, James F. Hughey, Jr. (Class of 1970), who recently passed away. The award was presented to his son, The Honorable James F. Hughey III (Class of 1998), by his father’s long-time colleague and friend, D. Paul Jones, Jr. (Class of 1967).
Prior to his death, the School of Law had the opportunity to let Mr. Hughey know he would be the recipient of the highest honor bestowed by The Law School Foundation to Alabama Law alumni.
“He received a lot of awards in his life, but this is the last one he ever received—and that’s fitting,” said his son James F. Hughey III. “[For him to know] that the place that gave him a chance, that gave him an opportunity, was honoring him in the last days of his life means so much.”
Throughout his life, Mr. Hughey was an avid supporter of The University of Alabama and the School of Law. He was a member of the President’s Cabinet, president of the Alabama Law Alumni Association, and a member of the Law School Foundation’s Board of Governors. In recognition of his commitment to the School of Law, Brasfield & Gorrie established a scholarship in his honor at the Law School.
“Alabama Law is proud to honor Jim for his outstanding career and personal achievements,” said Dean Mark E. Brandon. “Jim was an extraordinary lawyer and an exceptional human being – kind, generous, compassionate, and unfailingly thoughtful. We are grateful for his thoughtful and selfless service that spanned his entire life and we extend heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones. We miss him greatly.”
Alabama Lawyer Hall of Honor
Four additional Alabama Law alumni were inducted into the Alabama Lawyer Hall of Honor which was established in 2020 by the Board of Governors of the Law School Foundation to recognize the outstanding achievement of Alabama Law alumni and faculty. This year’s inductees include The Honorable Sue Bell Cobb (Class of 1981), The Honorable L. Scott Coogler (Class of 1984), Elizabeth H. Huntley (Class of 1997), and M. Dale Marsh (Class of 1972).
The Alabama Lawyer Hall of Honor was established in 2020 by the Board of Governors of the Law School Foundation to recognize individuals who have contributed significantly to the legal profession and to the Law School over an extended period of time.
Alabama Rising Young Attorney
Justin L. Jones (Class of 2012) was named the recipient of the Alabama Rising Young Attorney Award which recognizes a recent graduate who has shown significant leadership and purposeful service to the legal profession, their community, and the School of Law.
The 2023 Alabama Law Alumni Banquet offered a beautiful evening for alumni and their families to gather and celebrate the achievements of classmates and friends. If you were unable to attend, we hope you will join us next year. Meanwhile, you can see additional photos from the event and read the bios of each awardee in the banquet program.
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Nominations for the Sam W. Pipes Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Alabama Lawyer Hall of Honor, and the Alabama Rising Young Attorney Award are open year-round. These awards, established by the Law School Foundation Board of Governors and the Alabama Law Alumni Society Leadership Council, are awarded annually during the Alabama Law Alumni Society Banquet which takes place each Spring. Nomination forms are available at www.law.ua.edu/alumni/awards.
