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Biography

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 the firm, 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.

Representative Matters

Securing a judgment as a matter of law (JMOL) on behalf of a hospitalist in a wrongful death matter, successfully arguing that the patient's estate failed to present substantial evidence showing the hospitalist breached applicable standards of care in treating the patient post-surgery.

Secured a favorable trial result in Washington, D.C. in a multimillion-dollar personal injury case for a national rental equipment company that admitted liability, with the jury awarding less than 10% of the plaintiff’s demand after siding with the defense on causation and damages.

Serving as lead counsel in the successful defense of a cardiologist in Alabama against wrongful death claims with a team of female lawyers. The wrongful death medical malpractice claim alleged that the physician improperly prescribed a drug that caused toxicity and the patient’s death. At the close of plaintiff’s case before the jury, the trial court granted the motion for judgment as a matter of law and dismissed the claims against the cardiologist.

Representing a Fortune 500 company against claims arising from an accident involving catastrophic injuries to a minor in which the plaintiff presented a life care plan valued at more than $70 million. After summary judgment briefing concluded, obtained a very favorable settlement on behalf of the client.

Representing a top 10 Fortune 500 company in a business dispute against allegations of fraud and breach of contract. Obtained summary judgment on behalf of the client.

Representing a beneficiary in claims seeking millions of dollars against fiduciaries for breach of their fiduciary duties, obtaining a favorable settlement on behalf of the client.

Articles

Events

News

Presentations and Publications

Speaker, “Ethical Considerations in Challenging Environments,” CLE presentation, (2018)

Panelist, “What Not to Do — Mistakes We Have Seen,” U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit Appellate Practice Institute, (2010)

Author, “Retail Store Size-Capping Ordinances and the Dormant Commerce Clause Doctrine,” The Urban Lawyer: The National Journal on State and Local Government, (Fall 2005)

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