Overview
Tommy dedicated his life to mentorship, philanthropy, leadership and uplifting those around him. A native of Gadsden, Alabama, Tommy graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1975, and proudly served his country as a member of the Air Force, working as legal counsel in the Pentagon. He later became a founding partner of Maynard, Cooper & Gale, now known as Maynard Nexsen. His storied career as a litigator and environmental lawyer was consistently recognized through legal accolades such as Chambers USA, Best Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America.
“Tommy was a dear friend and a great mentor to many of our lawyers, including me,” said Jeff Grantham, CEO and managing shareholder of Maynard Nexsen. “He was an exceptional trial lawyer, and I had the privilege of watching him in action. No matter the difficulties of any case or circumstance, Tommy was up to the challenge.”
“He was unflappable,” Jeff added. “His calm demeanor, good humor and positive nature were contagious and made those around him better. He was respected by his partners, opposing counsel, clients and judges. He loved everything about the profession, and it showed. It showed in his passion.”
Throughout his career, he dedicated himself to what he called “common core values that unite” the legal profession: access to justice, independence of the bar and judiciary, diversity and the rule of law. His service was honored by Legal Services Alabama, who created the “Tommy Wells Justice Award” to recognize outstanding service in promoting access to justice and legal services.
Tommy served as president of the American Bar Association from 2008 to 2009. He held several other leadership roles in the organization, including chair of the House of Delegates, chair of the Section of Litigation and co-chair of the Special Committee on Disaster Response after Hurricane Katrina.
He was also initiated as a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the Litigation Counsel of America, and the American College of Environmental Lawyers. Tommy was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from Suffolk University in 2008.
“Tommy Wells was a foundational member of our firm whose contribution is hard to measure,” said Greg Curran, Chairman of the Board and Head of Client Relations for Maynard Nexsen. “Tommy was not only a superb lawyer, but he was also a great teacher, mentor and friend. Tommy loved our firm and never missed an opportunity to be a cheerleader and enthusiastic supporter. If you worked at our firm, you were Tommy’s friend. We will miss him.”
A community leader, Tommy served on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Greater Birmingham, the Board of Directors for Scholarships for Kids, the University of Alabama President’s Council, the Board of Governors for Shoal Creek, and as the former director of the American Judicature Society.
Community & Professional
- American Bar Association, President (2008-2009); House of Delegates, Chair (2002-2004); Section of Litigation, Chair (1999-2000); Alabama State Delegate (1992-2001)
- American Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Diversity Law Institute, Elected Member
- Trial Law Institute
- American Law Institute
- Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow
- International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Fellow
- Alabama State Bar
- Inns of Court
- Birmingham Bar Association
- American College of Environmental Lawyers (ACOEL), Fellow
- The University of Alabama, Member of President's Cabinet
- Birmingham Metro YMCA, Board of Directors, Chair (2003-2006)
- Shoal Creek, Board of Governors, (2004-2009)
Admissions
- State Bar: Alabama
- U.S. District Court: Alabama (Northern, Middle, Southern)
- U.S. Court of Appeals: Fifth Circuit, Seventh Circuit, Eleventh Circuit, D.C. Circuit, Armed Forces
- U.S. Supreme Court