Biography

J. Gilmer Blackburn was the founding attorney and senior counsel of Blackburn, Maloney and Schuppert. During his active practice, Mr. Blackburn represented a wide group of clients including banks, insurance companies, large and small corporations, family businesses, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and foundations, many of which are still clients of the firm.

An early tax attorney, Mr. Blackburn was instrumental in establishing the representation by attorneys of clients in federal and state tax law matters. As such, Mr. Blackburn was a leading expert in the area of taxation law, serving as chairman of the Section of Taxation for the Alabama State Bar Association and helping organize a tax seminar primarily for attorneys. Additionally, Mr. Blackburn was a lecturer for the University of Alabama Law School Continuing Legal Education Program, participating in numerous tax seminars.

In addition to being a respected leader in the legal community, Mr. Blackburn was Mayor of Decatur from 1962 to 1968. During his term as mayor, he participated in a major development program for Decatur called “Operation New Decatur.” The program, which helped define the Decatur of today, included the construction of a new city hall, the revitalization of the downtown area, the establishment of new parks and recreation centers, and the implementation of a new master plan for the City. He was also instrumental in conceiving and developing Point Mallard Park, a regional recreation park of the City of Decatur centered upon the first wave-activated swimming pool in the United States.

Mr. Blackburn was an active supporter of his alma mater, Auburn University, having served as president of the Auburn University Alumni Association and as a charter member of the Auburn University Foundation. He served as the Foundation’s president and chairman and was named an emeritus member of its board of directors.

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