C. Ellis Brazeal III has built a notable career, born from a lifelong fascination with space, that combines a strong engineering foundation with a distinguished legal background to create a unique path marked by dedication to his alma mater.
Brazeal is a senior partner in the Birmingham office of Jones Walker LLP, a Deep South regional law firm.
From age 10, Brazeal knew that he wanted to be a lawyer, but he didn’t want to study history or political science as an undergraduate. So, out of his fascination with space, he chose aerospace engineering. While at UA, he was president of Sigma Gamma Tau and Tau Beta Pi and graduated with a 4.0 GPA.
His most enjoyable academic pursuits included, while a member of the Computer-Based Honors Program, now known as the Randall Research Scholars Program, writing code to automate the low-speed wind tunnel and for the Bell Huey simulator, both still located in the basement of Hardaway Hall; attending the classes of Dr. George Weeks; and attending the classes of John Burke in the English Honors Program.
After obtaining two engineering degrees, Brazeal attended the University of Virginia School of Law. He began his legal career with a concentration in two areas — corporate turnaround/restructuring and government contracting — and now has more than 30 years of experience in related litigation, including all levels of state, federal, and bankruptcy courts.
Since joining Jones Walker in 2010, Brazeal has combined his government contracting expertise and aerospace engineering background to focus on aerospace and defense litigation, contract review, and regulatory matters.
Brazeal gives back to his engineering alma mater in several capacities. He teaches a course in space law at both the Styslinger College of Engineering and the School of Law. He also serves as chair for the Industrial Advisory Board for the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics and serves as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board. Brazeal is a fellow for the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics.
He also serves on the planning committee for the annual Space Law Symposium of the ABA Forum on Aviation and Space Law.
Brazeal and his wife, Debbie, have three children and one grandson. In his spare time, he enjoys bird hunting and visiting art museums.