Jonathan M. Hooks

Jonathan Hooks is a products liability litigator who has represented an array of clients throughout the southeast. He has defended manufacturers and distributors of products such as heavy and light machinery, consumer electronics, chemicals, nutraceuticals, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. In addition, he has represented skilled nursing facilities, hotels, windstorm insurers, premises owners, transportation companies, energy companies, and professionals such as engineers, home inspectors, and real estate agents. Jonathan is licensed in Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee.

Jonathan has an active voice within the broader legal profession. Jonathan is the President of the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association (ADLA), a statewide organization of civil defense attorneys. He has previously served on ADLA’s board and chaired its Legislative Committee. Jonathan is also a member of the Defense Research Institute (DRI). Jonathan is a frequent author of amicus curiae briefs to the Supreme Court of Alabama on behalf of ADLA. He has also served as outside counsel to select committees of the Alabama House of Representatives. 

In addition to his legal work, Jonathan is a teacher at heart. He teaches deposition techniques at an annual "boot camp," has lectured on CLE presentations regarding litigation and appellate practice, and frequently teaches in his church.  

Samford University, B.S.B.A., 2000
cum laude

Cumberland School of Law, J.D., 2003
Scholar of Merit
Alabama Trial Practice and Procedure

• Alabama
• Florida
• Tennessee
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
• U.S. District Court, Middle District of Alabama
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Alabama
• U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
• U.S. District Court, North District of Florida
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida

Defense of food manufacturer against allegations of adulteration and misbranding.

Defense of consumer appliance distributors against wrongful death claims arising out of house fires.

Dismissal of breach of contract claims against windstorm carrier arising out of Hurricane Michael.

Defending automobile suppliers against various premises- and product-related claims.

Representation of material witnesses in international construction arbitration. 

Defense of nationwide mortgage servicer against various postjudgment attacks on foreclosure process.

Guidance of many Alabama telecommunications providers through deregulation.

3 years of experience within Alabama's appellate courts:

• 2 years as Staff Attorney for Justice R. Bernard Harwood, Jr., 2004-2006
• 1 year as Law Clerk for Justice J. Gorman Houston, Jr., 2003-2004

The Best Lawyers in America®, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2023-2024)

Birmingham Magazine, Top Attorney (2017)

Birmingham Business Journal, Rising Star Lawyer (2015-2016)

Alabama State Bar

• Chairman,  Appellate Practice Section, 2012-2014

Alabama Defense Lawyers Association

• President (2023-2024)
• President-Elect (2022 - 2023)
• Secretary-Treasurer (2021 - 2022)
• Board of Directors (2018-2023)
• Teacher, ADLA Deposition Boot Camp (2015 - present)
• Legislative Committee Chair (2019 - present)

Defense Research Institute, member

International Association of Defense Counsel, IADC Trial Academy, 2016

Birmingham Boys Choir, President of Board of Directors

Vann v. Geovera Specialty Insurance Company, [No. 5:19-cv-272, May 22, 2020] (N.D. Fla. 2020)

 McCuistian v. LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc., 2016 WL 8729835 (M.D. Ala. 2016)