Heather Dawn Collier

I am originally from California.  I have been in the South for the past ten years.  My undergraduate degree is in Psychology and my law degree is from Thomas Goode Jones School of Law.  I attended the National Criminal Defense College in 2011.  Prior to going to law school, I taught 9, 11, and 12 grades at Pensacola High School, as well as tutored for the No Child Left Behind Act.  

 While in law school, I clerked for the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, Legal Division.  While at the Board, I gained valuable experience in the criminal field.  I gained first-hand knowledge of the pardon and parole system, which has helped me represent my criminal clients before the Board in a variety of areas, including: early parole hearing applications, pardons, revocation hearings and parole hearings before the Board.  Having the opportunity to work at the Board also helped fuel my passion for criminal law.  

Two other areas of law that I practice are family law and estate planning.  Family law is important to me due to the fact that these clients are often at some of the most emotional and lowest points of their lives and have a genuine desire to do what is best for their family.  Any uncertainty that I am able to take away from them and any way that I am able to help them protect their rights and help ensure  positive outcome for their family is important to me.

 Last but not least, estate planning is also equally important to me due to the fact that I have experienced first-hand the devestation that can arise when you have a death of a loved one and those important decisions have not been made regarding end-of-life care, appointment of a power of attorney to handle financial matters, a will to explain your last wishes and dispose of assets, etc.  Having unexpectedly lost my sister to a car accident March 17, 2014, this area of law holds an even greater significance than it did prior.  Before, I understood how important it is to have all estate planning affairs in order prior to losing a loved one, and I have informed my clients of this importance since 2010, however, it really hit home in 2014.  Planning for your family's future after you are gone is one of the best gifts you can leave them.

I am currently on the Board of Mary's Shelter, a member of the Baldwin County Bar Association, Mobile Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association, South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and the AL Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association.