Alabama Lawyer Hall of Honor

The Alabama Lawyer Hall of Honor was established in 2020 by the Board of Governors of the Law School Foundation to recognize the outstanding achievement of Alabama Law alumni and faculty. Criteria for the award include making significant and extended contributions to the life of the Law School, having a distinguished career, and sustaining involvement in service activities.

M. Wayne Wheeler
Class of 1966

Wayne Wheeler has been practicing law in his hometown of Birmingham for over 50 years, representing both individuals and businesses. He received his BA from Birmingham-Southern College in 1965 and went on to earn a JD from Alabama Law in 1966. He is the owner of M. Wayne Wheeler P.C. — a law firm initially started by his grandfather Robert James Wheeler, who opened his practice shortly after receiving his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from The University of Alabama School of Law in 1902.

In 2007, Wheeler established the Judge Robert J. Wheeler Scholarship Fund at Alabama Law in honor of his grandfather’s legacy. Because of Wheeler’s generous contributions, the fund has grown to a level where multiple Alabama Law students are now supported by this scholarship each year. Wheeler also plays an active mentoring role by regularly hosting luncheons and offering career advice to these scholarship recipients. Throughout his career, he has provided significant leadership and meaningful service to his alma mater and the legal profession. Wheeler taught as a professor at the Birmingham School of Law for five years, and he is an active member of the Birmingham Bar Association, Alabama State Bar, and American Bar Association.