Opp attorney Wes Laird was among the news officers sworn in when the Alabama Association for Justice (ALAJ), a plaintiffs’ attorneys association elected its new slate of officers last week at its annual convention at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

ALAJ represents consumers and businesses seeking redress through the courts,

Laird will serve as treasurer.

“After being asked to serve as a state officer, I considered the time commitment for a couple of days before accepting,” Laird said. “During that time, I reflected on my career and the many lawyers who inspired me and went ahead of me. I was moved by the thought of following in Sid Fuller’s footsteps since he was the local lawyer I looked up to growing up, and admired after starting my practice in 1987 in Opp. Sid and Frank Tilpler both served as president of the Alabama Trial Lawyers, which later became the Alabama Association for Justice.

“This is a long way from growing up in the cotton patch near Florala and eating cornbread and fresh okra at your mama’s table,” Laird said.

Traditionally, incoming officers rotates up each year to become president in five years.

“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as the newest office of the Alabama Association for Justice,” Laird said. “ALAJ is the only association in the state that protects the 7thamendment and stands up for people who have been hurt or cheated. I look forward to representing ALAJ in the courthouse and the Statehouse. “

Other officers include:

President – Steve Nicholas of Cunningham Bounds (Mobile)

President-Elect – Josh Hayes of Prince Glover & Hayes (Tuscaloosa)

1st Vice President – Rip Andrews of Marsh Rickard Bryan (Birmingham)

2nd Vice President – Gina Coggin of The Coggin Firm (Gadsden)

Secretary – Erik Heninger of Heninger Garrison Davis (Birmingham)

Immediate Past President – Frank Woodson of Beasley Allen (Montgomery)