Kendall Dunson

Kendall Dunson started his journey at Beasley Allen in 1999. He focuses on product liability, general personal injury, and workers’ compensation cases involving defective industrial machinery. 

Kendall’s journey into the legal world was sparked by two profound influences: the iconic 1980s television series “L.A. Law,” which ignited his initial curiosity, and the pivotal role of the court system in the Civil Rights movement, with landmark cases inspiring his pursuit of a legal career. His dedication and excellence have earned him numerous accolades, including Beasley Allen’s Litigator of the Year in 2013 and 2015, Personal Injury Section Lawyer of the Year in 2014, and inclusion on the Best Lawyers in America list since 2016 and the Midsouth Super Lawyers list since 2012. Additionally, Kendall has been named to the prestigious Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America and the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers lists, highlighting his status as one of the top 500 attorneys in the nation in this category. He is also AV-rated and has been recognized as the YMCA of Greater Montgomery Kershaw Family Branch Volunteer of the Year in 2019.

Representing clients who have lost a loved one or sustained injuries affecting their future earning potential is a deeply rewarding yet challenging endeavor for Kendall. Among his notable cases, the most memorable is his first jury verdict against Goldkist Farms, where his client lost her husband due to a truck lacking a backup alarm. Despite initial resistance from the court, Kendall’s novel theory prevailed, leading to a verdict and subsequent safety improvements across Goldkist’s fleet. This case set a significant precedent in Kendall’s career, showcasing his ability to secure substantial verdicts and settlements for his clients. Other notable achievements include a $151 million verdict for Travaris “Tre” Smith in a Ford Explorer rollover injury case, a $160 million verdict against a major heavy truck manufacturer for cab design issues that resulted in the driver’s incomplete quadriplegia, a $24.75 million premises liability verdict, an $18.79 million commercial truck product liability case, an $8.5 million defective airbag settlement, a $7.2 million fatal on-the-job injury case, and a $4.25 million verdict for a client crushed by a street sweeper. Kendall’s work has consistently resulted in significant safety changes and financial recoveries for his clients, demonstrating his commitment to justice and client advocacy.

He has held several prestigious positions in the legal community, including serving as president of both the Alabama Lawyers Association and the Capital City Bar Association. Kendall was inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2017 and the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2019. He has also been a board member for the National Bar Association and the Montgomery County Bar Association, where he made history as the first African-American president. Kendall is actively involved with the Alabama State Bar, contributing to the Client Security Fund Committee and the Alabama Curriculum Committee for the Board of Examiners. Additionally, he is committed to community service, participating in various organizations aimed at improving legal services for underprivileged populations, including the 100 Black Men of Birmingham.

Kendall grew up in LaGrange, Georgia, and is married to Samarria Munnerlyn Dunson, who was appointed as District Judge for the 15th Judicial Circuit in 2025. They have three children and worship at both First Baptist Church and Resurrection Catholic Church. In his free time, Kendall is passionate about ensuring his children have fulfilling childhoods and loves to travel and play golf. Although golf and travel often take a backseat to his daughters’ school and travel basketball schedules, he’s perfectly okay with that. He and his son enjoy bonding over professional wrestling.  

Education

Kendall graduated with honors from LaGrange High School in 1989, where he served as senior class president. He went on to earn a Corporate Finance degree from the University of Georgia in 1993 on a full scholarship and was elected president of the Zeta Iota chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

The Calloway Scholarship recipient then graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1996.

Licenses

• Alabama (1996)
• Georgia (2000)