Our Firm’s History

Throughout a 57-year legal career from which he never fully retired, Francis Hare's unique approach to his profession left a permanent impact on the system of justice he so faithfully served.

Mr. Hare was born in Lower Peach Tree, a small town in Wilcox County on the Alabama River. At the age of twelve, he lost both parents within the same year and was moved to Monroeville, where he lived with his uncle, Judge Francis Hare (for whom he was named). An honors student at both Auburn University and the Naval Academy, he worked his way, virtually unsupported, through the University of Alabama Law School.

Francis Hare was one of the first attorneys in the United States to commit his practice to representing the rights of injured individuals. Behind his commitment was a genuine sensitivity for each client’s personal loss, coupled with a unique ability to present his or her cause with clarity and force.

Of his numerous contributions to the practice of civil litigation, three stand out in terms of innovation and influence: a complete rethinking of the basis upon which wrongful death claims are made; a personal manifesto on the nature of pain and suffering; and an argument which brought new respect for the often tragic consequences that so-called "small disabilities" can have upon the quality of an injury victim's life.

During the 1950's, Mr. Hare helped found both the Association of Trial Lawyers of America and the Alabama Trial Lawyers Association - serving as the second president of the latter. His many writings, and over three hundred lifetime speech appearances, earned him the reputation as one of America's most articulate spokesmen for both the dignity of his profession and the importance of all clients' rights - regardless of race, income, or social standing.

The impact of Mr. Hare's life was not limited to the law. For nearly six decades, he served the Birmingham community through numerous charitable and civic pursuits. Of those endeavors, he took the greatest pride in the Sunday School class he taught for some forty years.

In 1982, Francis Hare was officially recognized for his lifetime achievements by the Alabama Trial Lawyers Association, during a ceremony held in his honor. His memory still stands as an inspiration to those of us who share his vision of the law as a higher calling and justice as a system that serves to protect all people equally.

Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton LLP