News & Insights

Liz Huntley Delivers Commencement Address for 2022 University of Alabama School of Law Graduates

May 13, 2022

Lightfoot Senior Counsel and Director of Community Relations and Engagement Liz Huntley delivered the commencement address at the University of Alabama School of Law’s 2022 graduation ceremony on May 8th.

This year’s commencement holds special importance as it marks the 50th anniversary of the graduation of the first African American students from the School of Law. Those students, Michael Figures, Booker Forte Jr., and Ronald E. Jackson, were honored along with Alabama civil justice giant, Mr. Fred Gray, who received the Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree.

In her speech, Huntley addressed the challenges, honors and undertakings of a legal career. “Every day when you engage in the practice of law, you are the gatekeeper of liberty and justice,” Huntley said. Watch Huntley’s full commencement address here.

A seasoned advocate beyond the courtroom, Huntley currently serves on the Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute Board of Directors, Auburn University Board of Trustees and University of Alabama School of Law Board of Governors. She serves as a Birmingham Bar Association and Alabama Law Foundation fellow and is a dedicated member of the Alabama School Readiness Alliance, Magic City Bar Association and Defense Research Institute. Huntley is also the co-founder and president of The Hope Institute.