Rachel Lary: A National Litigator with Alabama Roots
Rachel Lary has built a reputation as a go-to trial lawyer for some of the country’s biggest companies — but she remains deeply connected to her roots in Alabama. Known for her focus, strategy and trusted advocacy, Rachel serves as national litigation counsel for several Fortune 500 corporations, including a global truck manufacturer, a multinational automaker and a national rental equipment company.
An engaging communicator, Rachel commands attention in any setting, whether she’s in front of a jury, a boardroom of executives, or a room of young professionals she’s mentoring. She has defended high-stakes product liability and medical malpractice cases, and she also handles complex trust, estate and business disputes in courts across the country.
Her track record of success speaks for itself: securing a trial win in Washington, D.C., that slashed a plaintiff’s multimillion-dollar demand in an admitted liability case to just 10 percent; defeating wrongful death claims against an Alabama cardiologist before the jury even deliberated; and winning multimillion-dollar summary judgments and settlements in business and fiduciary disputes.
Rachel’s approach is as strategic as it is personal. She believes every case has a story — and her strength lies in uncovering the details that persuade courts and juries to see it her clients’ way.
A leader within her firm, Lightfoot, Franklin & White, Rachel has chaired the Associate Committee and now leads the Marketing and Business Development Committee. Her peers and the industry have taken notice: she was named one of the Top Birmingham Women by the Birmingham Business Journal in 2024 and a Future Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation. She has also been consistently recognized in Best Lawyers in America since 2018, including as “Lawyer of the Year” in its 2026 edition.
Beyond the courtroom, Rachel is committed to giving back. She serves as Chair of the Board of Girls, Inc. of Central Alabama, an organization dedicated to inspiring girls to be strong, smart and bold. At home in Homewood, she and her husband are raising their teenage daughter and young son, alongside their energetic German Shorthaired Pointer.
