At Heninger Garrison Davis, we believe our people are our greatest strength. Few stories reflect that truth better than the journey of Noah Lunsford, a Birmingham native whose time with our firm has helped shape both his career path and his vision of the lawyer he aspires to become.
A Strong Beginning
Noah graduated as valedictorian from Birmingham-Southern College, where he knew early on that he wanted to pursue a legal career. Unsure of the exact path forward, he decided to spend what he thought would be a single gap year gaining practical experience at a law firm. That “one year” turned into two transformative years at HGD.
“I was more than fortunate that Heninger Garrison Davis was the firm to provide me that opportunity,” Noah reflects. “Working here gave me a real picture of what it means to ‘be a lawyer.’”
Lessons in Advocacy
As a legal assistant, Noah immersed himself in case preparation, client service, and firm operations. What started as clerical and investigative work quickly evolved into deeper involvement—reviewing cases, contributing ideas in meetings, and supporting major litigation efforts.
That growth gave Noah a front-row seat to HGD’s client-first philosophy and commitment to white-glove service. “Only dedicating one year would have meant I never saw through the projects I started,” he explains. “Staying longer showed me how collaboration, camaraderie, and persistence are essential—not just to winning cases, but to serving people well.”
One turning point came while working alongside partner Bill Bross during the settlement phase of mass tort cases. “I saw firsthand the effort our attorneys put in to secure the best outcomes,” Noah says. “Yet I also saw the systemic barriers that keep injured people from getting the compensation they deserve. That’s what motivated me to go to law school—not just to practice law, but to be a lawyer who works to change the system itself.”
Looking Ahead
This fall, Noah begins his studies at Vanderbilt Law School with a strong sense of purpose. He feels drawn to public service and regulatory law, areas where he can help address systemic issues and protect individuals from corporate misconduct.
Noah also carries with him the personal lessons he learned at HGD. “When I was in seventh grade, I told people I wanted to be an ‘honest lawyer.’ Everyone laughed. At HGD, I learned that wasn’t a joke—it was a reality. I worked with lawyers who embodied honesty and integrity every day. That experience solidified the kind of lawyer, and person, I want to be.”
Advice for Others
To future interns and paralegals considering law school, Noah offers simple but powerful advice: “Immerse yourself in HGD’s culture. You are surrounded by people who care deeply about their work and their clients. If you commit to learning from them, you’ll be ready for whatever challenge law school—or life—presents.”
From Birmingham-Southern valedictorian to HGD legal assistant, and now on to Vanderbilt Law, Noah’s story is a reminder of the firm’s commitment not only to clients but also to nurturing the next generation of lawyers who share our values of integrity, resilience, and excellence.
