Burr & Forman, an Am Law 200 firm with over 370 lawyers, pledged $150,000 to support the construction of the Path Makers Legacy Plaza at The University of Alabama School of Law. Plans for the plaza were first introduced in 2023 as a part of a 50th anniversary commemoration celebrating the first Black graduates at Alabama Law. The plaza will be an ADA-accessible, outdoor space where students can gather and the Law School can host events for alumni, visiting scholars, and friends in the community.

“I’m moved by the generosity Burr & Forman has extended in ensuring the Path Makers Legacy Plaza becomes a reality,” said Dean Bill Brewbaker of Alabama Law. “This gift, along with the contributions made by so many members of our Alabama Law community, memorializes the progress we’ve made as an institution as we continue to empower the next generation of leaders in Alabama and beyond.”

Burr & Forman has been a long-time supporter of Alabama Law and its students. Forty years ago, the firm established what eventually became the Burr & Forman Endowed Scholarship, and in 2009 they formed a second scholarship—the A. Brand Walton Jr. (‘70) Endowed Scholarship—in honor of Mr. Walton, a senior partner at Burr & Forman and adjunct professor at Alabama Law. These scholarships have supported generations of Alabama students allowing them to flourish in law school and beyond.

“This project is deeply meaningful, not only because of what it commemorates, but because of what it stands to inspire,” said April Mason, Birmingham Office Managing Partner. “Burr & Forman is honored to support the Path Makers Legacy Plaza and to stand alongside Alabama Law in celebrating the progress we’ve made and the people who made it possible.”

Burr & Forman joins a growing list of organizations and individuals who have made commitments in support of the Path Makers Legacy Plaza, including:  

• Alabama Power Foundation
• Beasley Allen Law Firm
• The Honorable Sonja Bivins (‘88) 
• Bradley Arant Boult & Cummings 
• Bill Brewbaker and Becky Brewbaker
• J.R. Brooks (‘71)  
• The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
• The Honorable Sue Bell Cobb (‘81) and William Cobb
• Ann S. Crosby (‘78) and Samuel N. Crosby (‘78)
• The Honorable Samarria Dunson (‘03) and Kendall Dunson (‘96)
• The Honorable Vivian D. Figures
• Fournier “Boots” Gale (‘69) and Louise Gale
• Larry A. Golston, Jr. (‘98)
• Elizabeth H. Huntley (‘97)
• Frank S. James (‘78) and Jothany James
• Jini H. Koh (‘04)
• Wesley L. Laird (‘86)
• The late Vanessa Leonard (‘95)
• Lightfoot, Franklin & White
• Marcus M. Maples (‘06) and Kwoya N. Maples
• Maynard Nexsen
• Terrence W. McCarthy (‘99)
• John J. McMahon, Jr. (‘68) and Betty T. McMahon
• Joel Nichols and Jenni Nichols
• Dawn L. Oliver (‘00)
• J. Cole Portis (‘90) and Joy Portis
• Robert D. Segall (‘71)
• Navan Ward, Jr. (‘02)
• Stephen W. Williams (‘10)

Additional funds are needed to begin the construction of the Path Makers Legacy Plaza at Alabama Law. To learn how you or your organization can make a difference and explore donor recognition opportunities, please contact our Advancement Office at 205-348-5752 or email Caroline Strawbridge.