Hank Sherrod

Hank Sherrod is a civil rights trial lawyer at Hank Sherrod, Civil Rights Trial Lawyer, who focuses on holding government actors accountable for misconduct and constitutional violations. His practice covers police brutality, excessive force, false arrest, illegal search and seizure, and prisoner rights claims. He represents individuals in Section 1983 litigation and other complex civil rights disputes. Through strategic advocacy and strong courtroom skills, he has helped clients pursue justice, secure compensation, and enforce protections guaranteed under federal law. He builds cases based on evidence and law.

Hank earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1989, graduating summa cum laude and Order of the Coif, and serving on Vanderbilt Law Review as Associate Articles Editor. He completed his B.A. from Birmingham-Southern College in 1986, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. His academic record includes multiple book awards in contracts, constitutional law, administrative law, and criminal constitutional law, reflecting strong legal research and writing skills. These honors show excellence in his legal education.

Hank began his legal career as a law clerk to a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, gaining deep insight into appellate practice. He later worked as an associate in a Dallas firm before focusing on civil rights litigation. Licensed in Alabama and Texas, he practices in multiple federal courts, including district courts, appellate courts, and the United States Supreme Court, handling complex and high-impact cases. His experience supports strategy and advocacy.

Hank Sherrod has handled notable cases before the Eleventh Circuit, helping shape outcomes in jail-death, police-liability, and civil-rights matters. His work includes cases involving detainee safety, use of force, and constitutional protections. He works closely with clients to understand facts, build strong claims, and present clear arguments in court. His approach focuses on accountability, fair treatment, and the protection of the rights of individuals facing government misconduct. He aims to secure results, persistence, and the application of civil rights law.

Law Office Affiliations

• Owner, Hank Sherrod, Civil Rights Trial Lawyer
• Member, Lauderdale County Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association, Sections on Litigation, Labor & Employment Law
• Member, Alabama State Bar Association, Section on Labor & Employment Law
• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Founding Board Member & President, National Employment Lawyers Association
• Member, The National Police Accountability Project
• Member, American Association for Justice, Sections on Employment Rights & Civil Rights
• Member, Alabama Association for Justice
• Founding Board Member and President, Alabama affiliate of the National Employment Lawyers Association
• Member, American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, Legal Committee

Licensed State

• Alabama
• Texas

Education

• Vanderbilt University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD) Honors: Summa Cum Laude
• Birmingham-Southern College
  Bachelor of Arts, Honors: Summa Cum Laude, Honors: Phi Beta Kappa

Awards & Badges