Annesley DeGaris has lived a storied career inspiring others within the profession. Through multiple prominent law firms, teaching aspiring attorneys, and participating in various complex litigation, DeGaris has earned numerous awards showcasing his impressive career.
Career
After receiving his undergraduate degree and J.D. At Samford University and Cumberland School of Law, both with Honors, DeGaris studied at the University of Melbourne Law as a Rotary Scholar. At Melbourne, he received his LL.M. with a concentration in international law.
DeGaris began his legal career as a judicial law clerk at E. B. Haltom, United States District Court. His dedication and commitment to the legal profession led him to serve as a Staff Attorney at the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in Atlanta, Georgia. Later, DeGaris continued his journey as an Associate at Johnson & Cory in Birmingham, Alabama, concentrating on various aspects of trial practice, including personal injury, wrongful death, aviation, and complex civil matters.
Subsequently, DeGaris served as a founding partner of Cory, Watson, Crowder, and DeGaris, where he played a leading role for nearly two decades. Focusing on personal injury, wrongful death, defective device and pharmaceutical drug litigation, aviation, and environmental matters, DeGaris showed his dedication to advocating for clients in complex cases involving catastrophic injuries.
DeGaris also taught as a professor at the Birmingham School of Law, the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and Emory University School of Law. DeGaris continues to teach, as he currently works as an adjunct professor at Cumberland School of Law and recently returned to the Birmingham School of Law. As a professor, DeGaris has inspired his students to take on the legal profession with a sense of change and purpose. While these were all significant landmarks in DeGaris’ career, none were as defining as the inception of DeGaris Law, LLC.
Founding DeGaris Law
Beginning in 2015, with a practice focused on personal injury, wrongful death, and complex litigation, including cases involving defective medical devices and pharmaceutical drugs, DeGaris founded DeGaris Law, LLC., beginning a journey characterized by dedication to his clients. Employing strategic approaches and complex litigation to navigate the legal landscape and bring justice to those in need, his work has impacted countless individuals’ lives.
Since its establishment, DeGaris Law, LLC has become a legal powerhouse known for its pursuit of justice and commitment to securing favorable client outcomes. This has undoubtedly been one of DeGaris’ significant and definitive accomplishments.
Notable Career Engagements
Throughout his career, DeGaris has also found himself serving in other positions. DeGaris holds high positions in various significant appointments and committees such as the State Liaison Committee for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation and The Science and Expert Committee and Member of the Administrative Committee in the Aredia and Zometa Products Liability Litigation, where he served as Co-Chair. His contributions to plaintiff’s steering committees and lead counsel roles in notable multidistrict litigation (MDL) cases outline his value in advocating for justice on behalf of clients. Through his active engagement in these roles, he has contributed to the effective functioning of legal processes, ensuring that a fair and just system is upheld.
DeGaris is a frequent presenter at legal seminars and author of scholarly articles. DeGaris’ active participation in speaking engagements and seminars has further strengthened his role as a respected figure in the legal community. He has addressed various pertinent topics, including multidistrict litigation practices, legal implications of metal-on-metal hip litigation, practical strategies for legal marketing, and judges’ role in settling disputes.
His insights have been shared in leading national and international law journals and legal magazines, showcasing his ability to communicate complex legal concepts to a broad audience. His contributions to legal associations further helped shape the legal discourse and promote a deeper understanding of legal matters among legal professionals and the general public.
Achievement and Success
DeGaris’ career success is shown through his accomplishments. He was named a Topflight Attorney by B-Metro Living in 2020 and holds an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale Hubbell. He has gained consecutive acknowledgment in the “Best Lawyers in America” from 2013 to 2015, coupled with being honored as the “Lawyer of the Year” in Mass Tort Litigation Class Action, Plaintiff, in 2013, 2014, and 2022. Additionally, DeGaris is a Life Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been listed among the Top 100 Birmingham Attorneys by Birmingham Magazine on multiple occasions.
These awards reflect DeGaris’ work. They show his specialization in handling complex cases and understanding legal nuances. Through his speaking engagements and publications, DeGaris has contributed to disseminating knowledge, exchanging ideas, and advancing legal practice and understanding among his peers. His adeptness in navigating these challenging matters has cemented his reputation as a seasoned legal professional dedicated to pursuing justice for his clients. Annesley DeGaris’ journey resonates with notable recognition and accomplishment, showing his role as an accomplished attorney, educator, and influential figure within the legal sector.
Disclaimer: “The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.”
Published by: Khy Talara
