In Memoriam - S. Allen Baker Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Allen Baker’s passing. 

“Allen was a great lawyer, but more than that a dear friend, trusted advisor and a wonderful partner. He personified the Balch family. We feel like we have lost a brother,” said Managing Partner Stan Blanton. 

Allen is survived by his wife, Patty; daughter, Sally; sons, Brad, Will and Mike, and 11 grandchildren. 

Allen graduated from The University of Alabama with a B.S. in pre-law in 1969 and earned a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law in 1973. Immediately upon graduation, he began his legal career at Balch, joining the Litigation Section. He spent 47 years at the firm, during which time he served as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and as the firm’s general counsel for many years. Balch’s culture is enriched by his example. 

Widely-recognized as one of the leading trial lawyers in Alabama, Allen was named a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, an honor extended to less than 1% of the total lawyer population of any state.  He represented electric utilities and related entities in a wide variety of personal injury and property damage litigation and was respected and admired by his adversaries for his collegiality, professionalism and calm demeanor and approach. He had a unique ability to focus on what mattered most in a case, including the rare talent to concisely communicate highly-complex issues.

Allen was a bright light to many and respected and admired not only for being a great lawyer, but also for being a mentor, true gentleman and great friend. Allen was a zealous Crimson Tide fan and enjoyed talking about football Saturdays with just about anyone he met. Aside from Alabama football, one of his favorite pastimes was spending time on the lake with his family and friends. With Allen, family always came first.

Allen was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, Monday Morning Quarterback Club and Canterbury United Methodist Church.

Balch Partner Dave Boyd was Allen’s colleague for nearly 40 years. He shares, “I never visited with him in the hallway when my day wasn’t made better and never left his office without gaining something valuable. What a privilege it has been to be his law partner and friend.” 

A limited seating memorial service will be held at 12:00pm (CST) on October 31 at Canterbury United Methodist Church and streamed online. There will be a drive-through visitation at the church beginning at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Canterbury United Methodist Church or the Bruno Cancer Center/St. Vincent's Foundation.