At Heninger Garrison Davis, the pursuit of justice is more than a profession—it’s a legacy. Few stories illustrate this better than the shared success of Steve Heninger and his son, Erik S. Heninger. Over the past five years, between them, they’ve earned Best Lawyers®’ coveted Lawyer of the Year designation in their practice area for an astonishing four out of five years—an extraordinary achievement spanning generations.
Father: Stephen D. “Steve” Heninger
Steve, founding partner and senior figure at HGD, was honored as Lawyer of the Year in 2025 for Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs in Birmingham. This isn’t his first recognition—in 2011 and 2014, he also received the same title in that practice area in Birmingham. His decades-long career combines courtroom success with leadership—serving roles like President of the Birmingham Bar Association and presidency of the Alabama Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Son: Erik S. Heninger
Erik has carried forward his father’s legacy with distinction, bringing his own unique energy and strategy to the courtroom. He earned Lawyer of the Year honors in 2022, 2024, and 2026, all in Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs for the Birmingham area. These consecutive awards underscore not only his peer-acknowledged excellence but also his ability to navigate the most complex, high-stakes litigation. Erik’s practice spans medical malpractice, product liability, commercial litigation, and personal injury—areas where his meticulous preparation and client-first approach have consistently delivered outstanding results.
What Makes Lawyer of the Year So Prestigious
Best Lawyers in America®, founded in 1983, is widely regarded as the premier peer-review ranking in the legal field. The Lawyer of the Year accolade is awarded to only one lawyer per practice area and region — a testament to exceptional peer-regarded ability, integrity, and accomplishment.
A Shared Legacy of Excellence
With Steve and Erik each earning this honor multiple times—Steve in 2011, 2014 and 2025, and Erik in 2022, 2024, and 2026—they’ve collectively been named Lawyer of the Year four times in five years. This remarkable continuity speaks volumes about their expertise, ethics, and enduring impact in medical malpractice litigation and beyond.
Together, their achievements reflect a family—and a firm—committed to litigation excellence, client-centered advocacy, and long-term impact. They’re not just shaping successful outcomes today but influencing the practice of law for generations to come.
