Francis Hare Inducted into Alabama Lawyers’ Hall of Fame

Francis Hare (1904 €“ 1983) was inducted into the Alabama Lawyers’ Hall of Fame on May 7, 2010 in a special ceremony held at the Alabama Supreme Court in Montgomery, Alabama. The prestigious award is given to Alabama lawyers who have made extraordinary contributions through the law at the state, national or international level. Those inducted must have a breadth of achievement in their lifetime, demonstrated a profound respect for professional ethics, be a recognized as a leader in their community, and have led, inspired or mentored others in the pursuit of justice. Only lawyers who have been deceased for a minimum of two years are considered.

Among the earliest lawyers in the U.S. to solely represent injured individuals, Francis Hare was highly regarded as an innovative trial tactician, respected leader and founder of the Alabama Trial Lawyers Association, and president of the Alabama State Bar (1949-1950).

Mr. Hare’s commemorative plaque will be placed in the Hall of Fame located on the lower level of the Heflin-Torbert Judicial Building alongside the plaques of an august group of previous honorees, including Judge Frank M. Johnson, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black, Ala. Supreme Court Chief Justice and U.S. Sen. Howell Heflin, attorneys Arthur Davis Shores and Vernon C. Crawford.

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.