Shay grew up in Alexander City, Alabama and has been practicing law for more than 40 years. After establishing his career as a trial lawyer at another prominent firm, Shay came to Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton LLP as a full partner in 1994.
In all his years of practice, Shay has tried hundreds of complex jury trials throughout Alabama, both in state and federal courts. Although he has handled cases involving most areas of civil trial litigation and tort liability, he has dedicated his practice primarily to the representation of individuals and families who were victims of medical malpractice and healthcare negligence. Shay has been the recipient of numerous record million/multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements throughout Alabama. During the course of his career, he has obtained more than 100 Million/Multi-Million Dollar jury verdicts and settlements.
For Shay, the personal relationship he develops with his clients is just as important as their professional relationship, and he believes that gaining his clients’ trust and friendship ultimately helps him serve their needs even better.
Shay is deeply dedicated to serving the Birmingham community. For years, he has volunteered alongside his wife, Colleen, at The Red Barn, which provides equestrian therapy for special needs children as well as others with disabilities and special circumstances.
EDUCATION
Shay worked his way through college and law school. He attended Alexander City Junior College where he was elected president of the Student Government Association and was named the “Most Outstanding Student.” He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1973 and received his law degree in 1976 from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.
University of Alabama (1973)
Cumberland School of Law (1976)
NOTABLE WORK
In all his years of practice, Shay has tried hundreds of complex jury trials throughout Alabama, both in state and federal courts. Shay has been the recipient of numerous record million/multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements throughout Alabama.
During more than forty years of practice, Shay has received nearly 30 Million/Multi-Million Dollar jury verdicts and more than 100 Million/Multi-Million Dollar verdicts and settlements.
ADMITTED
Alabama (1976)
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama
United States Supreme Court
United States Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
United States Court of Appeals 11th Circuit
United States Court of Federal Claims
AFFILIATIONS
Alabama Association for Justice
Fellow Alabama Law Foundation (Limited to top 1% of lawyers in Alabama)
American Association for Justice
Advocate American Board of Trial Advocates (Past President Alabama Chapter)
SEABOTA Member
Fellow American College of Trial Lawyers (Limited to top 1% of lawyers in United States)
Fellow International Academy of Trial Lawyers (Limited to 500 members worldwide)
Southern Trial Lawyers Association
American Trial Lawyers Association
National Trial Lawyers Association
Birmingham Bar Association (Past President, 2000)
Legal Aid Society and the Birmingham Bar Foundation
Life Fellow of the Birmingham Bar Foundation
American Bar Association
Fellow Roscoe Pound Institute
Fellow of the International Society of Lawyers for Public Service
Senior Counsel Member The College of Master Advocates & Barristers
National Association of Distinguished Counsel
Tier 1 Trial Lawyer Chambers United States America
Law Dragon Top 500 Leading Consumer Lawyers
AWARDS
Best Lawyers in America (1999-Present) Recognized for work in:
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Medical Malpractice – Plaintiffs
Personal Injury – Plaintiffs
Products Liability – Plaintiffs
Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers for:
Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs, Birmingham (2021)
Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Birmingham (2016)
Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Birmingham (2015)
Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Birmingham (2013)
Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Birmingham (2011)
Mid-South Super Lawyers (2008-Present) Top 50 (2016- Present)
Benchmark State Litigation Star
Chambers USA – America’s Leading Lawyers “Tier 1”
AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell (Highest rating given for legal ability and ethics by peers and judiciary)
“Top Litigator” by Lawdragon
“Top 100 Trial Lawyer” by American Trial Lawyers Association and National Trial Lawyers Association
“Top 100 Trial Lawyer” by National Trial Lawyers
Who’s Who in American Law
Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals
Who’s Who in the World
“Top Flight Attorney” by B-Metro Magazine
“500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers” by Lawdragon
