About Maxwell Tillman

Our story, rooted in Alabama

Maxwell Tillman

Maxwell Tillman was founded in 2015 by Leroy Maxwell Jr. with a clear purpose: build a Birmingham trial firm that stands with people who are too often expected to accept less from the legal system. Many clients still know us by our legacy name, Maxwell Tillman, and that history matters. It reflects years in Jefferson County courtrooms, thousands of hours spent listening to families in crisis, and a reputation for taking on cases others would not touch.


We started in criminal defense and criminal appeals, and that trial-driven foundation still shapes every case we handle. As the firm grew, so did the needs of the community. Today we fight across personal injury, civil rights litigation, employment law, and civil litigation, while keeping our criminal practice strong. The work changed because Alabama’s communities need lawyers who can step into any courtroom and make the playing field fair.

Person on crutches with leg in cast, walking on wooden floor in a hospital room.

Our values guide every fight we take on.


Badge with a star inside a circle, with a bow at the bottom.
Service

Service is at the core of Maxwell Tillman. From representing underrepresented communities to providing clear legal guidance, our firm was built on the foundation of serving those who need it most. Our attorneys have dedicated their careers to fighting for justice and helping people reclaim their power—whether in the courtroom, on the streets, or in the prison system.

Handshake with shield and stars, symbolizing trust and agreement.
Trust

Maxwell Tillman believes in the power of trust. We build lasting relationships through transparency, clear communication, and proven results. Our clients are never just a case number—they are our partners in the pursuit of justice. Every step of the way, we ensure you understand your options and feel confident in our approach.

Hands cupping a heart with a star inside, representing care or support.
Dedication

With deep roots in Birmingham and the surrounding communities, Maxwell Tillman is committed to giving back. From supporting local initiatives that uplift underrepresented groups to advocating for clients from all walks of life, our dedication to justice extends beyond the courtroom. We believe in creating positive change for the people and places that define Alabama.

The mission that guides us

Civil justice for people who feel overlooked

Our mission is simple to say and hard to live out: we represent people who want lawyers with the skill and courage to even out the playing field. That includes Black clients and other underrepresented communities across Birmingham, the counties surrounding Jefferson County, and the Black Belt. It also includes anyone who has been harmed by negligence, mistreated at work, or had their rights violated by people in power.


Maxwell Tillman is left-leaning in the best way that matters here. We believe civil justice should be practical, not theoretical. We believe courtroom wins should come from preparation, not posturing. And we believe every client deserves to be treated like their case is the one that matters most, because to them, it is.

A diverse team with a shared backbone

Lawyers you can recognize and rely on

Representation matters in Alabama courtrooms. Our firm is multi-racial, led by prominent Black attorneys who are deeply connected to the communities we serve. Clients come to us because they want a team that understands the reality of being underestimated in this state, and still knows how to win inside its legal system.


With eight to nine attorneys today and more on the way, we bring a mix of backgrounds and strengths to every file. What ties us together is how we practice: trial ready, community grounded, and unafraid of hard fights. If you want to know who will be standing next to you in court, you can meet every attorney on our team.

Family loading luggage into a car trunk; smiling people gather outdoors.

Meet the attorneys who will fight for you.

Leroy Maxwell Jr.

Leroy Maxwell Jr.

partner

Ontario J. Tillman

Ontario J. Tillman

partner

David Coleman

David Coleman

Partner

Drake Conway

Drake Conway

Attorney

Darrius Culpepper

Darrius Culpepper

Attorney

Daron Drew

Daron Drew

Attorney

Kristen Gochett

Kristen Gochett

Attorney

Abigail Hallman

Abigail Hallman

Attorney

Gigi Hayes

Gigi Hayes

Attorney

Heather

Heather

General Manager

Seven people in business attire pose in a room with brick walls and windows.

Community presence, not just billboards

Showing up in real life and online

A law firm can’t say it stands with the community if it only shows up when there is a case fee attached. Our attorneys are visible across Birmingham, in neighborhoods from Ensley to East Lake, and in Black Belt counties where people often struggle to access legal help.


We run prison outreach and an inmate contact system so incarcerated people and their families have a direct way to reach counsel. We use event and social QR codes to make it easy to start a motor vehicle accident intake after a crash. And we are active on social media with civil rights education and updates, because people deserve clear information long before they ever need a lawsuit. That steady presence is part of how we earn trust and how we keep pushing Alabama forward.

Results and recognition

Prepared to win, respected for it

Maxwell Tillman has built a reputation for results by treating every case like it might end in trial. Clients come to us after hearing about our conversion rates, our wins in criminal and civil rights matters, and our track record of serious recoveries in personal injury. We are also proud of what people say about us in public. Our Google rating stays near the top because our clients feel heard, protected, and fought for.

FAQ :

Questions we hear often

  • What kinds of cases does Maxwell Tillman handle

    We focus on personal injury, civil rights litigation, criminal defense and appeals, employment law, and broader civil litigation. If your situation does not fit neatly into a label, call us anyway. We will tell you honestly whether we can help.

  • Do you only take cases in Birmingham

    No. Birmingham is home base, but we represent clients statewide, including counties bordering Jefferson County and Black Belt communities like Dallas, Perry, Hale, Marengo, Wilcox, and Sumter.

  • Why do clients look for Black attorneys in Alabama

    Many clients want lawyers who understand the pressures they face and who have a history of standing up to discrimination and unequal treatment. Our leadership and team reflect that commitment, and our work backs it up.

  • How do I talk to a lawyer at your firm

    Start with a free case review. You can call the office or send a message through our site, and we will respond quickly.


Ready when you are

Start with a conversation

If you are looking for a Birmingham law firm that is serious about trial work and serious about community, Maxwell Tillman is here. Tell us what happened. We will take it from there.