Each year, Cumberland School of Law recognizes alumni and friends whose professional achievements, leadership and service exemplify the values of the Cumberland community. The honorees will be recgonized at the law school's alumni reception on October 2nd. The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are:

Distinguished Alumna of the Year: Sharon D. Stuart, JD '90

Given to an alumnus/na who has distinguished themselves in the practice of law, service to the community and leadership in the profession

As the child of a Cumberland School of Law professor, Sharon Donaldson Stuart practically grew up at Cumberland, even serving as a witness and juror for the mock trial program as a teenager.

A 1987 graduate of Samford University and a 1990 Cumberland graduate, Stuart served as associate editor of the Cumberland Law Review and competed as a member of the ABA National Trial Team. After beginning her legal career in Dallas, Texas, she returned to Birmingham to clerk for U.S. District Judge Sharon Lovelace Blackburn during the judge’s first two years on the federal bench.

In 1993, Stuart joined Rives & Peterson, P.C., which later became Christian & Small LLP. She was a founding partner of the firm and spent more than three decades practicing alongside the same group of colleagues.

In 2019, Stuart served as president and claims counsel for Attorneys Insurance Mutual of the South, the legal malpractice insurer established by the Alabama State Bar. In this role, she assisted attorneys navigating malpractice and ethical claims while supporting professionalism throughout the legal community.

Stuart’s lifelong devotion to Cumberland endures. She served on the Dean’s Advisory Board for years before joining the Samford University Board of Trustees, where she currently serves. She was also a member of the formation committee for the Judge James Edwin Horton American Inn of Court, where she served as a master bencher.

Over the years, Stuart has judged countless mock trials, mentored students, spoken in law school classes and co-chaired class reunions. In 2004, she and her siblings established the Frank W. Donaldson Scholarship in Law, awarded to students who demonstrate superior academic achievement and exemplify qualities of civility and professionalism.

Stuart is active in the legal community, serving on the Alabama State Bar Board of Bar Commissioners, chairs the Alabama Supreme Court Standing Committee on the Rules of Civil Procedure and is a member of the Alabama Board of Legal Specialization. She is a past president of both the Birmingham Bar Association and the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association, and, in 2025, Stuart was recognized with the Alabama State Bar’s Tony McLain Professionalism Award.

Young Alumna of the Year: Ruby Villalobos Adams, JD ’20

Given to an alumnus/na who graduated within the past 15 years and has distinguished themselves in the practice of law, service to the community and leadership in the profession

Ruby Villalobos Adams has dedicated her legal career to expanding access to legal services for underserved communities across north Alabama.

A graduate of the University of North Alabama, Adams earned a bachelor’s degree in foreign languages and political science with a minor in legal studies. During her undergraduate years, she served as vice president of her sorority, captain of the mock trial team and was later inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame for her campus contributions.

At Cumberland School of Law, Adams served as president of the Hispanic Interest Law Student Association. Following her graduation in 2020, she returned to her hometown of Florence and launched a solo practice focused on serving minority and Spanish-speaking populations.

In 2023, Adams and her partner, Ivannoel G. Dollar, founded La Raza Legal, LLP, a fully bilingual English and Spanish-speaking law firm created to address the unique legal needs of minority communities. Her practice includes personal injury and immigration law, with a particular emphasis on helping individuals and families navigate complex immigration matters.

Today, Adams devotes much of her practice to immigration law, advocating for clients seeking family-based petitions, citizenship, naturalization, work authorization, juvenile immigration relief, waivers, adjustment of status and U-visas. Her work is driven by a commitment to providing high-quality legal representation to individuals who have historically faced barriers to accessing legal services.

Beyond her legal practice, Adams remains deeply involved in her community. She serves on Cumberland School of Law’s Advisory Board, is a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters and is active in her church, where she serves on the Mother Board and teaches youth classes. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Adams and her husband, Irving Adams, are lifelong Muscle Shoals  residents and high school sweethearts. Together, they are raising their four children: Jonah, Rome, Myla and Micah.

 

Volunteer of the Year: Benjamin Warren, JD ’18

Given to an alumnus/na who has demonstrated exceptional loyalty and commitment to Cumberland School of Law through volunteer service to the school

 Benjamin "Ben” Warren has played a vital role in shaping Cumberland School of Law's nationally recognized alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program through his dedication to coaching, mentoring and preparing future attorneys.

As director of alternative dispute resolution teams, Warren guides students in negotiation, mediation, arbitration and client counseling. Through individualized coaching, competition preparation and skills development, he helps students build the practical advocacy and problem-solving skills necessary for successful legal careers.

In addition to his work with Cumberland’s ADR program, Warren practices law and brings real-world experience into his teaching and mentorship. He is passionate about helping students bridge the gap between legal theory and practice while emphasizing communication, strategy and ethical advocacy.

Under Warren’s leadership, Cumberland students have competed successfully at regional, national and international ADR competitions. His commitment extends beyond competition preparation, focusing on helping students develop confidence, professionalism and the ability to navigate complex legal challenges.

Warren believes dispute resolution education provides students with more than competition experience. It teaches effective lawyering, thoughtful advocacy, and the ability to navigate conflict with professionalism and purpose. He remains committed to supporting Cumberland students as they develop into capable advocates and leaders within the legal profession.

Friend of Cumberland: Gaynor L. St. John

Given to a friend, although not a graduate, has generously contributed time and resources to enhance the quality of the law school and the educational experience of the students

Gaynor St. John has built a distinguished legal career spanning more than 35 years while serving as a steadfast supporter of Cumberland School of Law and the legal profession.

A founder of Schreiber A.D.R., St. John devotes a significant portion of her practice to mediation and arbitration. She has also served as a partner at St. John and St. John, L.L.C., where her practice has focused on civil litigation, including personal injury, health care  litigation, professional medical liability, products liability and business litigation.

Throughout her career, St. John has tried more than 70 civil cases to jury verdicts across north Alabama, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike for her advocacy and professionalism.

Her accomplishments have been recognized through numerous professional honors and leadership roles. As a former state chair and fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, St. John has been an instrumental partner with Cumberland for its bi-annual Jere F. White Jr. Trial Advocacy Institute since 2014.

Additionally, she is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and a member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. She also serves on the board of Attorneys Insurance Mutual of the South.

St. John earned her bachelor’s degree from Denison University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati.