Rushton Stakely Welcomes 2025 Summer Clerks

Michael Butler
Michael Butler, from Montgomery, Alabama, has completed his first year of law school at The University of Alabama School of Law. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Alabama and has contributed to neuroscience research through his work in an MRI lab. His professional experience includes roles in inventory management and IT support, where he has developed strong problem-solving skills. He also brings a strong background in customer service and team collaboration. His interests include music composition, college football, and international soccer.

Destiny Cheatwood
Destiny Cheatwood has completed her first year of law school at The University of Alabama School of Law, where she ranks in the top third of her class and serves on the Dorbin Executive Committee, the Student Bar Association, and the Alabama Anti-Trafficking Legal Advocacy Society. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, summa cum laude, with a minor in Criminal Justice, also from The University of Alabama. Her legal experience includes internships with a local law firm and work as a teaching assistant for a criminal procedure course, where she supported students through mock trials and course preparation. She also brings extensive leadership and customer service experience from her role as a lead trainer in retail. Her interests include cooking, graphic design, and volunteering in her community.

Carter Crum
Carter Crum is a Juris Doctor candidate at Cumberland School of Law, where he is active in the Junior Board of Trial Advocacy, Christian Legal Society, and the Sports and Entertainment Law Society. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Auburn University, where he held leadership roles and earned an ethics certification from the NASBA Center for Public Trust. His professional background includes serving as Finance Director of the Auburn University mascot program and contributing to major athletics initiatives in partnership with university and city leadership. He also brings strong interpersonal and leadership skills from his services as a university ambassador and chaplain. His interests include college athletics, public speaking, and community engagement.

Grant Hawkins
Grant Hawkins is joining our firm for a second term. He has completed his second year of law school at The University of Alabama School of Law, where he ranks in the top 20% of his class and has been recognized for outstanding legal writing. Grant served as a 1L Senator for the Student Bar Association and is active in the Federalist Society and Christian Legal Society. He holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, summa cum laude, from Auburn University, where he held leadership roles in both academic and fraternity organizations. Before law school, Grant worked in research and development and innovation advancement, gaining valuable insight into patent evaluations and market research for technology licensing. His interests include genealogy, antiquarian books, musical theatre, and Braves baseball.

Brooklyn Nall
Brooklyn is a rising second year law student at Cumberland School of Law, where she ranks in the top 8% of her class and is active in several organizations, including the Alabama Student Bar Association, the Center for Children Law and Ethics, Women in Law, and the Christian Legal Society. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Law and Justice, summa cum laude, from Auburn University, where she served as President of the Auburn Chapter of the International Justice Mission and Vice President of Operations for the Phi Mu Alpha Mu Chapter. Through previous legal internships, Brooklyn has gained experience in estate planning and real estate law. She is also involved in volunteer work, including teaching English as a second language and mentoring elementary school students through her church.

Grace Waters
Grace is a rising second year law student at Cumberland School of Law, where she ranks in the top 25% of her class and is involved with the Trial Advocacy Junior Board and the Public Interest & Community Service Organization. She earned a B.B.A. in Marketing, summa cum laude, from Mississippi State University, where she was a member of the Pre-Law Society and a Delta Scholar, presenting a justice reform project to faculty at Harvard Law’s Food & Policy Clinic. Through previous internships, Grace has gained hands-on experience in family law by drafting pleadings and preparing trial exhibits. Grace also has an extensive background in community outreach and leadership through roles with the City of Birmingham and various customer service positions. Her interests include cross stitching, crocheting, and playing pool.