Attorney Spotlight: Get to Know Stanley Blackmon

When did you join the firm?

I joined the firm in September 2016. I began working at Bradley as a summer associate after my first year of law school.

In which office are you located?

I am in the Birmingham office.

Tell us a little about your practice.

My practice focuses on appellate litigation and pharmaceutical products liability litigation. I have also litigated a variety of cases, including breach of contract, fraud, and business torts, as well as briefed cases in several federal circuit courts of appeal.

Why did you want to become an attorney?

There are a lot of attorneys in my family (two uncles and five first cousins), and so we grew up around lawyers. That showed me the impact that the law—and lawyers—have on so many aspects of daily life and the ways that the law can benefit society. 

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far in your career?

The most valuable thing I have learned is to always see the big picture and think long term in a case. That means thinking several steps down the road in terms of litigating the case. Of course, the details always matter, but it’s important to think about how a decision—no matter how small it seems—can ultimately result in obtaining a beneficial result for the client.

What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction?

I have worked on several trials that ended in favorable verdicts for the client in high-stakes litigation. I also recently worked on a pro bono matter for a client involving an alleged constitutional violation. I had the opportunity to brief and argue the pro bono case before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and was able to obtain a favorable result for the client.

What do you feel passionate about?

From a young age, I learned that it was important to help others, so I am passionate about mentorship and diversity in higher education and in the legal profession. In college, I worked every summer as a program counselor and mentor for incoming, diverse freshmen who were interested in STEM majors. I also was an orientation leader for incoming freshmen. I have tried to have that same energy and drive to work with college and law students as a practicing lawyer, through the firm’s recruiting efforts, community events, scholarship committees at my alma mater, and involvement in organizations such as the American Bar Association. 

What community activities or outside organizations are you involved in?

I am involved in the Executive Committee of the Young Lawyers Section of the Birmingham Bar Association. The section hosts CLEs, social events, fundraisers, community activities, and other events for the newest and youngest members of Birmingham’s legal community. I am also involved as a vice-chair of an American Bar Association committee and with the Defense Research Institute.

What was your upbringing like?

Both of my parents worked in the education field. My mother taught middle school science for 36 years, and my father is a retired principal. They always emphasized the importance of education and hard work, giving back to the community, and trying to make an impact. They were great role models and made sure that we had a wide variety of experiences.

What is on your bucket list?

Skydiving. I think it would be an amazing and unique experience.