While studying for my undergraduate degree at the University of Alabama, I came to appreciate the value of hard work as I had three different jobs and a full-time course schedule at school. These jobs helped support me financially, but balancing all of those responsibilities also taught me better time management and people skills that have a positive impact on my work today. I worked at the Student Union Center, was an Apartment Manager and a Mental Health Aid Worker at Brewer Poarch Children’s Center. These jobs complimented my studies in political science and psychology at UA.
After completing my undergrad, I was truly excited to end that chapter and enter law school — to finally take my first steps toward becoming a lawyer. But the summer before my law school classes even began at OU Law, I had the opportunity to clerk for Congressman Robert “Bud” Cramer in Washington D.C. He is instrumental in the North Alabama Space and Defense Industry and founded the National Children’s Advocacy Center. I respect Congressman Cramer for many reasons, but these two especially. And since I had worked with abandoned, neglected and abused children in college, I knew how meaningful it would be to work in his D.C. office. My time in Washington was a valuable lesson in the world of public policy. An exciting, educational time that primed me for law school. I’ll always be grateful to Congressman Cramer for this experience.
It’s a privilege to help the people of my community through their financial hardships. Whatever struggles they may be facing, I’m happy to provide help and support in any way that I can.
Starting My Own Firm
I graduated from law school in 1999 and was honored to begin work with an experienced bankruptcy and creditor rights attorney. My mentor William H. Roe, is a retired 101st Airborne Veteran having once been a Pathfinder Instructor at Ft. Benning. I learned so much through this initial career experience. We quickly became friends and I held a deep respect for his military background and legal knowledge. He won the Alabama State Bar Legal Service award in 2001— the same year I won 3rd place at the Alabama State Bar sporting clay tournament. While this may seem insignificant, the thing is, he taught me how to shoot a shotgun during this time. I didn’t grow up shooting sporting clay, so we would go shooting on Fridays right outside Oneonta, discuss cases, and then talk more about life and law as we reloaded the shells back at his home. They are some of the most memorable times of my life.
That experience inspired me to open my Huntsville bankruptcy practice in 2002. Rather than jumping on board with a large firm, I knew that I wanted to start my own because I wanted to have control over the cases that I took and the way that I managed my clients. I chose to focus on bankruptcy because I knew my knowledge of the law was excellent and also due to my passion to help others. I knew firsthand how difficult financial struggles can be and that there were thousands of other people that have debt and tax issues despite working hard for everything they had. These are the people that I knew I could, and wanted to help. So, I opened the doors to my law office, Jeffrey B. Irby, P.C.
Commitment to Community
I completed my first triathlon in 2003; racing with Team in Training, in my mentors his honor. Through the ups and downs of life, I continued triathlon training and ultimately finished two 140.6 full, Ironman-distance triathlons in 2012 and 2013. My heroes are all the veterans and public servants who put the best interest of the community first. I’m fortunate to have learned so much and primarerely the reality that serving others is what the legal profession is all about.
Outside of the office, I strive to maintain regular community support and service, as I believe that giving back to the community is vital for our common goals as a people. Since earning my J.D., I have enjoyed working with members of my community and pride myself on being a leader who can be counted on. Having worked as a Board of Director with Family Services of North Alabama and LIFT Housing I have a unique perspective and know of community resources to help families in need.
I am honored to have been selected by thousands of folks in North Alabama over the past 20 years. I work hard and care about, not just my cases, but the people I am helping. With two decades of experience helping countless clients with issues of bankruptcy, I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to use my knowledge and legal skill to help people through some really difficult times. No matter what issues they may be facing, I do my best to stand with my clients, help them understand what they’re up against, and inform them about all of the options they have available.
I understand that dealing with financial struggles can feel like a never-ending war for a lot of people. I feel like a pathfinder to help people find a better place where things are safe. Working with me, you don’t have to worry about creditors knocking on your door, garnishment of your check, repossession of your car, foreclosure of your home, and all the scary creditor rights that hurt good-intentioned families. As I tell all of my clients — financial struggles can be scary, but you don’t have to face them alone. Come in for a free consultation and learn for yourself.
Bar Admissions
Alabama State Bar, 1999
US District Court – Northern District of Alabama, 1999
Education
B.A. Political Science & Psychology – The University of Alabama, 1995
J.D. – The University of Oklahoma College of Law, 1999
Resume