ASTA

Ashley U. Schmidt

Attorney Ashley Schmidt is focused on helping clients navigate the often-complex area of property casualty law. Having experienced the devastation of Hurricane Katrina firsthand, Ashley understands the struggle homeowners face after a storm and takes the time with each client to walk them step-by-step through the process by analyzing the issues and providing an in-depth, methodical approach that provides clients with peace of mind that they are receiving the help they need.

Before attending law school, Ashley worked for eight years as a paralegal in a large downtown New Orleans firm where she learned the importance of the procedural side of the law. Today she brings that understanding to her practice as an attorney.

Prior to joining Hair Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, Ashley represented clients in both state and appellate court. She was previously employed as In-House Counsel for a Florida holdings company advising them non-compete agreements and various labor and employment issues as well as reviewing master service agreements. She then worked in the Jefferson Parish Attorney Office as an Associate Attorney where she reviewed agreements to ensure compliance with ordinances, advised various departments on parish polices and reviewed resolutions and agreements for placement on the Council agenda.

Ashley is a proud New Orleans native who graduated from the University of New Orleans and later attended Southern University Law Center. When not working Ashley enjoys cheering on the New Orleans Saints, watching movies with her husband and daughter and traveling to find the best places to scuba dive.

Ashley also serves as the President of the Ursuline Academy Family Network and is also a member of Ursuline Academy’s Planned Giving Committee.

Jeanmarie Whalen

Ms. Whalen is an experienced civil trial lawyer and a leader in trucking litigation as well as rideshare and Uber/Lyft accidents. She has first chaired many complex trials and obtained over 35 multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for her clients. She is Past Chair of the American Association for Justice Trucking Litigation Group and was the second woman in the history of the organization to lead this prestigious group of attorneys who handle complex and catastrophic cases arising from trucking accidents.

Ms. Whalen has achieved an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating available from the nation’s oldest guide to the legal profession, for her legal ability and ethical standards.  She has consistently been selected by The Best Lawyers in America in the field of personal injury, LawDragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, Florida “Super Lawyers” and as a “Top Lawyer” by the South Florida Legal Guide. She is also the recipient of several prestigious awards including the Justice Barbara Pariente Award which recognizes innovative women in law who demonstrate a commitment to promoting women in the legal community. 

Ms. Whalen is admitted to the Florida Bar, the New York Bar, and the Connecticut Bar. In addition to her successful law practice, she has held several esteemed leadership roles. She currently holds positions in both statewide and national trial lawyer organizations, serving on the Board of Governors of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) and the Florida Justice Association. She is a past President of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL), Florida’s statewide women’s bar association. She has also served as a two-term President of the Palm Beach County Chapter of FAWL and was selected as a 2020 Leader in the Law.  Ms. Whalen is a past Chair and Co-Founder of the Florida Justice Association Women’s Caucus and a past Chair of the Florida Bar Convention. The annual awards ceremony honors women who demonstrate excellence in their chosen professions or who have made a significant difference in Palm Beach County through their volunteer work. 

Ms. Whalen is a frequent lecturer sharing her knowledge and expertise with trial lawyers throughout the country. She has also been active in establishing a number of seminars and popular legal education programs designed specifically for women lawyers. She has also authored numerous articles in national and international legal publications. Ms. Whalen’s other professional associations include the Palm Beach County Justice Association, the National Association of Women Lawyers, the Palm Beach County Bar Association, the National Women’s Political Caucus and the National Association of Female Executives. Ms. Whalen received her Juris Doctorate from Whittier College School of Law and her undergraduate degree from The Catholic University of America.

Ms. Whalen’s other professional associations include the Palm Beach County Justice Association, the National Association of Women Lawyers, the Palm Beach County Bar Association, the National Women’s Political Caucus and the National Association of Female Executives.  Ms. Whalen received her Juris Doctorate from Whittier College School of Law and her undergraduate degree from The Catholic University of America.

Mitri S. Shatara

Mitri S. Shatara, J.D. serves as an attorney and Executive Vice President of Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys. Mitri is an integral member of the firm’s leadership team, growing the law firm into the leading and most recognizable personal injury law firm in the Southeast and now nationwide.

Mitri’s forward-thinking strategy and vision for business development led to tremendous growth nationwide, with seven new offices and multiple partnerships opening in 2020, 2021, and 2022 . Mitri continuously identifies and explores new opportunities for increased growth and reach while always supporting and leading the local Birmingham team.

Mitri has worked for Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys full-time since high school graduation, supporting the firm in a variety of roles and functions. In addition to managing the business development and firm growth, Shatara serves as Alexander Shunnarah’s right-hand man regarding firm happenings and community involvement initiatives. He has worked with the firm since 2009.

Mitri is currently on the Smile-A-Mile Junior Board tosupport kids in Alabama who are affected by childhood cancer to thrive during treatment and the years beyond. He also supports animal rescue groups.

Mitri earned his Juris Doctorate from Birmingham School of Law in 2020 after graduating from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a bachelor’s degree in history. He lives in Homewood with his wife and their dogs.

Leia T. Leonard

Leia T. Leonard began working with Alexander Shunnarah Personal Injury Attorneys as a legal assistant before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Montevallo. She joined Alexander Shunnarah Personal Injury Attorneys as an attorney following the passage of the Alabama State Bar.

Leonard obtained her Juris Doctorate from the Birmingham School of Law in 2014 and is admitted to practice law in all Alabama State Courts, and in the United States Court for the Northern District of Alabama.

Mother of two daughters, Leonard and husband Andrew attend Church of the Highlands and enjoy trips to the beach and North Carolina with friends and family.

Brett M. Ostronic

Brett began his legal career over six years ago right here with Alexander Shunnarah Personal Injury Attorneys.  In 2018, Brett began attending night classes at Birmingham School of Law while maintaining his full-time position with the firm.  To Brett, he striving to bring about a positive impact while guiding his clients throughout the process of a personal injury case is of utmost importance. His area of focus will be in car accident, trucking accident, and premises liability cases.

Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Brett has resided in Birmingham since 2014. His wife, Taylor, is a ballet dancer, teacher, and the ever-present motivator to live better and to do so with humility.  In his spare time, Brett is an avid golfer, bookworm, and enjoys solving crossword puzzles.

Shaun Capps

Shaun began his legal career while in law school by working for UAB Hospital in the Lien Unit where he distinguished himself by recovering millions of dollars from third parties. Following a clerkship in the Domestic Relations Division of the Alabama Tenth Judicial Circuit in Jefferson County, Shaun began working at Alexander Shunnarah and quickly proved himself as a talented and relentless negotiator and began working directly under Alexander Shunnarah, serving as his personal Case Manager for 3 years. After passing the Alabama Bar, Shaun now leverages his unique skillset and claim experience to secure the best possible result for clients. He primarily handles cases involving automobile accidents, trucking accidents, wrongful death, and premises liability. Shaun and his wife, Olya, live in Alabaster with their daughter Solomiya and son Roman. Shaun is active at Christian Life Church where he teaches various classes and leads widow and orphan projects.

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