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LBW Community College’s 2024 Outstanding Alumnus is Wesley Laird, a 1981 associate in arts graduate.

Laird transferred to the University of Alabama where he graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Commerce and Business in 1983 and a Juris Doctorate in December 1985.

He began his law firm in Opp in 1987 where he still practices with Laird, Baker & Blackstock, LLC and Laird Trail Law.

“Being the first in a farm family to attend college from a small town, I’m not sure how well I would have adapted to the University of Alabama if I had started there,” Laird said.

“Attending LBW allowed me to adjust to college life in a more relaxed and hands-on environment and it gave me academic scholarship opportunities that were much needed. My instructors were bright and amazing people who mentored me and guided me into the next phase of my college career.”

Laird is currently President of the Alabama Association for Justice, past President of the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation, past Chairman of the South Alabama Regional Airport and Opp Ducks Unlimited, and past President of Opp Rotary Club. He served as President of the Southern Independent Bank Organizing Group, helping found the bank, where he continues to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

Recognized among the state’s top 100 civil trial lawyers, Laird has been successfully representing injured clients for 37 years, winning numerous verdicts and settlements in large commercial trucking, farm tractor, oil rig, and auto accidents.

Most recently he was part of the trial team in Andalusia that reached a $5 million settlement on the fifth day of a jury trial in the wrongful death of a young man in Washington, D.C.

Laird has been married to his wife, Deidra, for 39 years, having raised two daughters, Laken Laird Patton and Leah Laird McCain, both successful businesswomen in Huntsville.

“I am humbled to be chosen as LBW Alumnus of the Year by people in this community whom I hold in high regard. It is truly an honor to be recognized for my accomplishments in this manner,” Laird added.

LBW’s Career Technical Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 10 at 10:00 a.m., and the Academic Transfer Ceremony will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Kiwanis Community Center located in Andalusia.

“We are proud of Mr. Laird and his accomplishments and honored to recognize him at the 2 o’clock graduation,” said LBW President, Dr. Brock Kelley.