Jack Drake, Whatley, Drake & Kallas
written by: Meg Houston | photos by: Eric Holsomback
Jack Drake knows a lot about two things: practicing law and collecting art. He has seen a lifetime of changes in the legal system since graduating from The University of Alabama’s School of Law in 1969, and is a partner at one of Birmingham’s most prestigious law firms, Whatley Drake & Kallas, LLC.
The law firm, with offices in New York, Birmingham and Boston, specializes in mass torts, class actions, complex litigation, and personal injury litigation. A significant portion of the firm’s practice is devoted to representing unions, both in the state and nationally. Drake is the managing partner in Birmingham and heads the Mass Torts practice. While the New York office showcases a panoramic view of Times Square, the Birmingham office overlooks beautiful Linn Park and proudly displays a portion of Drake’s beautiful and eclectic art collection.
Drake has had a long successful career leading up to his current role at his firm. After completing law school, Drake found himself in a turbulent time for Alabama’s civil rights, and devoted his practices to bettering Alabama’s citizens’ civil rights. Shortly after law school, he went to work for the Selma Interreligious Project in Tuscaloosa, resolving to better African-American’s rights in Alabama. Drake’s practice was focused on civil rights for the first seven years of his career.
Through the Selma Interreligious Project, Drake also established a connection with The Freedom Quilting Bee, an organization that stemmed from the Civil Rights Movement. This organization helped people that were losing income by selling locally-made quilts for profit, and offered lots to some that had lost their homes. Drake helped their organization in 1969 to develop part of what is now the Bee’s production center into a daycare.
“I lived through the Civil Rights Movement, and was so involved straight out of law school. People who didn’t live in Alabama during this time think that the Civil Rights Movement ended when the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965, but it sure didn’t. We were still heavily involved in it all after everything was passed.”
Shortly afterwards in 1970, Drake shifted into serving clients that were beginning to question the practices of major health institutions’ policies. He made headlines when representing the landmark case of Wyatt v. Stickney, a lawsuit that established standards for care and rehabilitation for people with mental illness in the institutions across the state of Alabama. Drake was a leader in the case that would set the standards for treating mental health, in crucial areas such as education, safety, and medication. This case was only a beginning to Drake’s long career as an attorney representing health cases statewide.
“This literally changed the mental health system in the entire United States.”
Drake spent his early career in private practice in Tuscaloosa. In 1996, Drake went on to serve at Cooper Mitch Crawford Kuykendahl & Whatley, the firm’s predecessor firm in Birmingham, which later dissolved, giving him and Joe Whatley the chance to build their own firm. In 2006, Drake expanded their partnership with a firm in New York and welcomed Edith Kallas and Deborah Weintraub-Clark as partners. The group has gained great success, winning cases against major, well-funded corporations. While the cases and trials occur all over the country, Drake likes that he still resides close to his roots.
A resident of the downtown Jemison Flats, Drake is committed to Birmingham and its downtown district. When asked why he has stayed close to home, he said, “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
Drake has not only collected a vast array of career experiences, but an impressive collection of art as well. He is a fervent supporter of the arts in Birmingham, serving on a number of boards, including the Birmingham Museum of Art for seven years. His collection has been featured in B-Metro Magazine and Birmingham Magazine, and wows anyone coming into his office in the Park Place Tower downtown.
While Drake describes his collection of over 200 artful pieces “small,” the works and artists he favors capture enormous emotions on their canvasses. Ranging in size and style, his collection is an eclectic mixture of his evolving taste. He particularly enjoys collecting contemporary art.
“I tend to gravitate towards pieces that have something to say about art or life. Unlike some people, I tend to like some edgier pieces.”
Some of Drake’s favorite artists include Hank Willis Thomas and Birmingham native Kerry James Marshall, who has been commissioned to paint a piece for Birmingham’s Museum of Art.
“I wasn’t necessarily into contemporary art from the beginning, but after hearing about a certain collector’s group through the museum, I found that this was what really spoke to me.”
Drake certainly expects their firm to grow. As he and his partners look into expanding, Drake states that constant reflection and strategic planning are the keys to their growth.
“What we focus on now is constantly analyzing the business and testing our business model against the economy and litigation environment in which we practice. You’ve got to figure out what your needs are today and what they’re going to be tomorrow. There are a lot of worthwhile projects and causes, but one has to marshal their resources, especially in the times we currently face.”
When asked why he chose Birmingham to anchor his firm, Drake had a quick response:
“Alabama has always produced outstanding and effective lawyers. Our firm has a long-standing relationship with the state and Birmingham; that is not going to change. Having a presence in New York enhances our national practice and has been a good move for us. Still, Birmingham is one of the most livable cities in the United States, the people are wonderful, and we like being here.”
