“My practice is built on a belief that there’s no such thing as being over prepared for my clients.”
Overview
Al Teel represents railroads, industrial facilities, and large employers in high-exposure litigation and regulatory matters arising from serious workplace incidents, catastrophic injuries, and fatalities. His practice is concentrated on the railroad and industrial sectors, where he advises clients on risk, response, and defense strategy from the moment an incident occurs through resolution.
Al has extensive experience defending claims under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), including complex cases involving allegations of negligence, strict liability under federal safety statutes, and significant injury exposure. He also handles third-party injury claims, trespasser incidents, FRSA whistleblower claims, and property damage disputes involving rail operations and industrial sites.
Al is known for his rapid-response approach. When serious incidents occur, he works with clients, investigators, and experts to quickly assess the scene, preserve critical evidence, and develop an early defense strategy. His hands-on involvement at accident sites and direct engagement with company personnel allow him to provide practical, informed counsel during high-pressure situations.
Clients value Al’s practical judgment, responsiveness, and his ability to quickly build rapport in high-pressure situations. He is known for being approachable, engaging, and easy to work with—qualities that help him build trust quickly with managers and employees in the field while still delivering clear, strategic legal guidance.
Outside of his practice, Al enjoys spending time with his wife, Liz, and their two sons, James and George. He is active in his community and church, Canterbury United Methodist Church in Mountain Brook. He also enjoys spending time with his family at Lake Martin and cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Al is a member of the National Association of Railroad Trial Lawyers (NARTC), the Transportation Lawyers Association, and is active in the Birmingham Bar Association and previously served as President of the Young Lawyers Section. He earned his J.D. from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and his B.A. from the University of Alabama.
Experience
- Obtained defense verdict for Class I railroad in jury trial in Colbert County, Alabama on FELA hearing loss claim
- Obtained major victory in winning summary judgment in favor of transportation client and driver on claims for wantonness (dismissing punitive damages), negligent hiring and training, and negligent entrustment
- Drafted appellate and amicus briefs for the Supreme Court of Alabama and Alabama Court of Civil Appeals on FELA claims
- Obtained defense verdict in bench trial in favor of premises owner on negligence, wantonness, and AEMLD claims
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of premises owner on sealed package doctrine
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of premises owner in slip and fall case
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of Class I railroad on borrowed servant doctrine
- Obtained dismissal for parent company of major short-line railroad company
- Litigated numerous cases on behalf of employers and co-employees facing negligence, wantonness, AEMLD, anti-retaliation whistleblower, and workers' compensation claims
Honors & Recognitions
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America®: Commercial Litigation since 2026
- Mid-South Super Lawyers "Rising Star," Transportation/Maritime since 2019
Newsroom
News
Speaking Engagements
Events
Articles
Professional & Community
Civic Activities
- Parishioner, Canterbury United Methodist Church, Mountain Brook, AL
- Children’s Hospital of Alabama Committee for the Future
- Camp Sumatanga Board of Trustees
- Birmingham Business Alliance “On Board Birmingham," Inaugural Member
- University of Alabama Honors College Alumni
Professional Activities
- Birmingham Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section, Executive Committee Member (2017-2018); Vice President, Social (2019); President-Elect (2020); President (2021)
- National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel
- Transportation Lawyers Association
Paralegal/Assistant
Legal Practice Assistant
Teresa Shell
(205) 458-5104
tshell@burr.com
