Lasting Legacy: Honoring Alex Newton

A native of Birmingham, Alex grew up in the North Birmingham neighborhood, near downtown. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama. Prior to returning to Tuscaloosa to attend law school, he served for two years as a company commander in the United States Army Infantry during the Korean War and was discharged Captain.

Alex was with Hare Wynn since his graduation from the University Of Alabama School Of Law in 1957. To say that Alex has dedicated his life to the practice of law is almost an understatement, as he not only has been a leader in the courtroom, but also has earned the lasting admiration and respect of his peers throughout the nation. Alex had a profound influence on preparation, trial practice, discovery, and every aspect of the practice of law.

Alex Newton was a trial lawyer. He knew how to connect with people. In a long, distinguished legal career, Alex tried virtually every conceivable kind of negligence case. Alex had more appellate cases regarding final arguments that he made to juries, than probably any lawyer in the history of Alabama.

Alex stood up and honored what his clients entrusted him with, and made sure he told each client’s story to the jury. There is more to Alex than what he could do for his clients. He had a genuine care and concern about the well-being of his clients that carried over into after his representation was finished. He represented his clients, but he was as well respected and loved by the defense lawyers and judges, as he was by fellow plaintiff lawyers.

He was actively involved in local, state and national bar associations and professional organizations, and served as Alabama chairman of the American College of Trial Lawyers, on the board of directors and as Alabama chairman of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, as president of the University of Alabama School of Law Foundation, and as president of the International Society of Barristers. He also spent seven years as a member of the Jefferson County Judicial Nominating Commission.

Among many awards, honors and other recognition of his skills and leadership, Alex received the Sam W. Pipes Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University Of Alabama School Of Law in 1982, and received the Farrah Law Society Award as Outstanding Alumnus in 1984.He was named the Birmingham Bar Association Lawyer of the Year in 2008. In addition, Alex was recognized by Best Lawyers as “Plaintiffs Lawyer of the Year” for 2013, among personal injury litigators.

Matching his devotion to the advancement of the legal profession was Alex’s commitment to community service. He was a director of the Birmingham Airport Authority, the Birmingham Racing Commission — which he served as vice chairman — the Alabama Trust Fund, the St. Vincent’s Hospital Foundation, and the Jefferson Metropolitan Healthcare Authority. He also was a founding director of First Commercial Bank.

Looking back on a career that was successful in every way, Alex never dwelled on his own triumphs. Rather, he expressed pride in the growth of Hare Wynn into one of the most respected plaintiffs firms in the nation. Alex Newton truly was the quintessential southern gentleman. He was a generous, caring, and compassionate man. Alex has made a positive difference in the lives of everyone that had the honor of knowing him, and he will continue to touch the lives of people forever. He leaves behind a legacy that is honored, respected, and valued by people.