Blackburn, Rhonda Jennings

It may have been fate or providence that brought Jeff Blackwell to our firm.  Either way I am grateful. He has been a distinct asset.

When Dave Meginniss announced in 1995 that he was going to leave the law and go into the ministry we recognized that he would have to be replaced.  But could he be?  Then a colleague, who also recognized our new need, called.  He related that he had been in deposition in Birmingham with a young lawyer who had really impressed him.  When he inquired he learned that Jeff was from Athens - near Huntsville - and wanted to move closer to home.  The more we learned the more we liked. - an outstanding undergraduate record at the University of South Alabama; an accomplished appellate lawyer; and experience handling cases throughout Alabama.

Jeff joined us soon after.  Within a year his skills, his intelligence, and his work ethic had moved him into partnership.

At his prior firm in Birmingham, Jeff handled cases involving devastating injuries as well as complex commercial issues throughout Alabama.  At our first meeting, we concluded that we had found the right person for our firm.  At the time, we were looking for an attorney who could handle injury cases, business litigation, and complex appellate matters.  Jeff fit that need perfectly.

However, what most impressed me is how quickly he grasps new and complex information.  At the time Jeff joined our firm, I had developed a large workers' compensation practice.  Although Jeff had not handled workers' compensation cases prior to joining us, he saw our need in this area as well.  After our initial meeting he commenced a thorough and methodical study of the Alabama Workers' Compensation Act.  By the time he came on board he hit the ground running, trying workers' compensation cases within weeks of joining us.  Jeff advocates for his clients on a daily basis.  He does not stop until they get the help that they deserve.  Jeff's passion for his clients does not end at the successful trial.  Jeff fights hard for his clients if a case is appealed, and he does so with great success.

Jeff's a brilliant appellate lawyer.  He is highly skilled and respected trial attorney.  He is a graduate of the National College of Trial Advocacy.  He has become a recognized expert in Workers' Compensation who has lectured on this topic and has been called regularly by sitting trial judges for consultation.

Jeff's ability to grasp quickly and understand issues continues to impress me most of all.  During our partnership, I have watched Jeff undertake and successfully litigate cases involving such diverse matters as complex business trusts, chemical explosions in factories, the toxic disposal of chemicals, defectively designed products and workplace issues involving OSHA violations with devastating injuries.  Jeff employs a thorough and methodical approach to every case.

Jeff is a member of the Alabama State Bar and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Northern and Middle Districts of Alabama, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit.  Jeff is also a member of the Huntsville-Madison County Bar Association and the Alabama Association for Justice, where he serves on the Executive Committee.

This firm regretted losing Dave Maginniss. However, when we gained Jeff, we found the perfect fit for our firm.  I am proud to call him both a partner and friend.