David B. Walston, Employment Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama
focused on Employment and Litigation
Birmingham, AL
Trusted employment attorney serving Birmingham.
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Quick answer
David B. Walston is an attorney based in Birmingham, ALABAMA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.
- Based in
- Birmingham, ALABAMA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Employment · Litigation
- Handles Employment and Litigation matters from Birmingham, ALABAMA.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Labor and Employment (Birmingham) (2018).
About David B. Walston: David B. Walston is an attorney based in Birmingham, ALABAMA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by David B. Walston
David concentrates on employment and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment cases in Birmingham, Alabama
David takes employment matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Birmingham, Alabama
David takes litigation matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Biography
About David B. Walston — Attorney of Alabama employment experience
David B. Walston is an attorney based in Birmingham, ALABAMA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.
After more than 25 years of practicing labor and employment law, David Walston has developed a formula for building successful client relationships. He believes that all good engagements begin with a face-to-face meeting to perform an assessment of the current policies and practices of the client’s human resources operations. David’s assessment is designed to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and agency and court interpretations. David then offers day-to-day employment advice on workplace issues and suggests possible courses of action available to the client – suggestions to aid the avoidance of administrative charges and lawsuits. He provides these services through the client’s election of a flat-fee retainer arrangement or on an hourly-rate basis.
If an issue evolves into administrative proceedings or a lawsuit, before any response or pleading is filed David conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the underlying facts, and the claims and applicable defenses. He then has an extremely candid conversation with the client regarding the risks the matter presents so the client can make a fully informed decision regarding how to address the matter. With the client’s goals developed, David maps out a strategic case management plan. David keeps in constant contact with the client regarding all significant developments so he and the client modify the model as the defense of the matter proceeds.
This approach has served David well, whether he is planning the defense of employment discrimination, hostile work environment or retaliation claims, FLSA individual and collective actions, defending unfair labor practice charges before the NLRB, directing the opposition to a union organizational campaign, or negotiating with governmental agencies in audits or charges of violations of employment laws or regulations.
How David handles employment matters
After more than 25 years of practicing labor and employment law, David Walston has developed a formula for building successful client relationships. He believes that all good engagements begin with a face-to-face meeting to perform an assessment of the current policies and practices of the client’s human resources operations. David’s assessment is designed to ensure compliance with applicable…
The kind of cases David takes
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment and litigation matters in Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area.
Credentials
David B. Walston's legal education and bar admissions
Vanderbilt University
J.D. · 1987
Vanderbilt University
BA · 1984
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
Alabama, Alabama Sta
ACTIVE
David studied at J.D. in Vanderbilt University and BA in Vanderbilt University.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in Vanderbilt University and BA in Vanderbilt University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Alabama is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of David B. Walston
David has received 10 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Labor and Employment (Birmingham)
2018
Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Labor and Employment (Birmingham) (2018). Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026).
Locations
David B. Walston's office in Birmingham
David's primary office is at 420 Twentieth Street North, Suite 1900, Birmingham, Alabama, 35203. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of David B. Walston
David has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire David B. Walston — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Birmingham, Alabama
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David B. Walston
How much does it cost to hire David for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in Alabama typically take?
Simple employment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Birmingham?
David is licensed in Alabama. Matters governed by Alabama law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new employment clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile in Alabama
David handles employment matters throughout Alabama. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated employment attorneys in Alabama
If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Birmingham handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





