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Alisa Wilkes No One Gets Railroaded on Her Watch

By Susan Cushing

Despite the growing number of women entering the legal profession, certain areas remain heavily male-dominated. One such field is the railroad industry, where the balance of legal representation continues to tip overwhelmingly in favor of men.

Fortunately, there are exceptions to every rule. And, where the rumble of locomotives meets the complexities of injury law, one woman stands out as a formidable advocate for railroad employees. Specializing in the critical area of railroad injury law, attorney Alisa Wilkes not only navigates the intricate regulations of this industry but also challenges the status quo by being one of the few women leading the charge. Her presence in this male-dominated arena is not just rare—it’s revolutionary, offering a powerful voice for workers who need it most.

“I don’t consider myself a huge feminist,” says Wilkes, “however, this is very much a trailblazing experience for me. Representing railroad employees who have been injured on the job, and recognized for doing it just as well, if not better than my male counterparts, is not only gratifying for me personally, but I believe is also helping to eliminate the stigma that has prevailed for so long. Until recently, within the last few decades, there really weren’t any female attorneys involved in this particular legal niche.”

Breaking down gender barriers, however, was not the motivation behind Wilkes’ decision to follow this legal path. For her, the reasons were much more personal and quite devastating.

“My father was employed by the railroad from the time he left high school until a serious injury forced an early retirement,” says Wilkes. “It was all he knew, and he was very good at it. Over the years, his dedication resulted in one promotion after another in fairly rapid succession. He loved trains, the people he worked with, and the career he was passionate about.”

All this was abruptly and cruelly shattered when a job-related incident left her father’s knee so severely injured he could no longer perform his duties.

“I think most people realize there are no ‘easy’ jobs when you work for a railroad,” Wilkes says. “It’s very demanding, physical labor, so injuring his knee permanently put him on the sidelines. Not having training or experience in any other field, this was a catastrophe for him and our family.”

The pain extended beyond the physical, deeply affecting him emotionally and psychologically. As the family protector and provider, her father’s income was not just a necessity but a point of pride. It allowed him to support his family comfortably, even enabling his wife to fulfill her role as a full-time, stay-at-home mom.

“Suddenly everything changed,” Wilkes says. “He had no work, no income, and a series of trial-and-error jobs that left my dad depressed, ashamed, and stressed as he struggled to make ends meet. Although they did their best to protect us kids from the enormity of the situation, it was definitely a financial hardship. Later, when we were adults, we learned that there were Christmases when dad had to borrow money just to make sure there were presents under the tree. I know that took a toll on his pride and self-confidence.”

Upheaval at Home

Wilkes remembers a distinct shift in the atmosphere at home. Financial strain is a well-known trigger for marital discord, and despite their best efforts, the tension was impossible to fully conceal. Yet, the strength of her parents’ love and their unwavering bond carried them through these challenges. Their enduring commitment recently culminated in the celebration of their Golden Wedding anniversary—50 years together and still going strong.

Throughout this ordeal, Wilkes was particularly sensitive to the fact that it took the attorney representing her father five and a half years to resolve the case.

“That’s a long time when your world has been turned upside down,” she says. “Every minute counts when you’re waiting for a judgment that will put food on your table and keep the lights on.

“Because I’m so passionate and care so deeply for those I represent, I’ve been accused of carrying a vendetta against railroads,” she adds, “but it’s not vengeance that drives me, just my keen awareness of what my clients are experiencing. Personally, I would rather hire an attorney who comes into the situation ready to be all-in.

“Time is of the essence in these instances,” Wilkes continues. “Naturally, we’re always striving for a settlement or verdict that will make our clients whole, but it’s just as crucial to move things along. Bills don’t wait, medical care can’t be postponed, and putting food on the table is a daily expenditure not something that can be taken care of several years down the road. In fact, if it takes too long you might also be hiring a bankruptcy or divorce attorney.”

Woman at Work

According to Wilkes, the trajectory that took her first through college and law school, building a practice and then establishing her own firm was not typical.

She met her husband in college. When they married, she dropped out to support him while he finished school and earned his MBA.

“I worked until I started having babies,” she says, “but then they came quickly. I had my first child when I was 19 and my fourth at age 23. Being a stay-at-home mom was a financial decision as much as anything because after paying for daycare for four kids there wouldn’t be much left of a paycheck. I decided I would put my dream of law school on hold while my kids were small. Once they were all in school full time, I could decide what I wanted to do.”

And that’s exactly what she did. Once the youngest was in preschool, Wilkes began applying to schools somehow managing to get her undergraduate degree and then attend law school with four young kids at home.

“I discovered that I was able to test out of many courses which helped expedite things. Going to law school was the dream, but in the back of my mind it was always with the intent of being able to help others who found themselves in situations similar to my dad’s.”

Carrying the weight first of her studies and then beginning a law career involved sacrifices to be sure. And, as Wilkes points out, it wasn’t without going through the familiar Mom Guilt that most mom’s with careers experience. However, her approach to this was rather unique.

“I decided to embrace it,” she says with a knowing smile. “I figured that ‘Mom Guilt’ would keep me balanced and serve as a reminder of what ultimately was always first in my life, which is my family.”

Workin’ on the Railroad

As the daughter of an N&W (now Norfolk Southern) railroad worker and the granddaughter of a Naval Officer, Wilkes developed a deep fondness for the railroad and maritime industries at a very early age. Growing up, she fondly recalls frequent trips with her father and grandfather to the railroad and the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The devastating accident that so cruelly ended her father’s railroad career left her with an unwavering desire to help others in similar situations.

“I always knew I wanted a career that would allow me to help others, but working with those whose life work revolves around the railroad industry was the perfect combination of two things I’ve always felt passionate about.”

It hasn’t always been easy for Wilkes. The railroad plaintiff’s bar is still very much comprised of the “good ol’ boys club” so she has had to continuously prove herself over and over.

Now in practice for nearly 15 years, Wilkes sits at the helm of a very successful firm that primarily deals with railroad injuries (FELA). An important philosophy at the firm of Wilkes & Mee is reflected in their promise, “Changing the way people think about lawyers.”

“When clients come to me, I want them to know, without any doubt, that I am 100% in their corner,” she says.

In order to be as effective an advocate as possible, Wilkes has dedicated a lot of her time building relationships within the railroad industry and the unions that represent their workers.

Wearing several hats is nothing new to Wilkes who proved how adept she is at juggling several important tasks at once while attending school with four youngsters at home. Today, she just as gracefully manages to operate her firm like a business with two offices, one in Jacksonville and the other in Atlanta, Georgia, while also showing up as an avid and dedicated advocate for every client.

She still finds time to enjoy her eight beautiful grandchildren and host the numerous family gatherings her tight-knit “home team” enjoy.

“I’m doing what I love for people who need someone who not only cares but truly understands their situation,” she says.

At a Glance

Wilkes & Mee
13400 S. Sutton Park Dr. 1204
Jacksonville, FL 32224
(904) 620-9545
wilkesmee.com

Georgia Office
730 Peachtree St. NE, 570
Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 796-8330

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Alisa Wilkes No One Gets Railroaded on Her Watch

Upheaval at Home

Woman at Work

Workin’ on the Railroad

At a Glance

Practice Areas

Education

Honors

Professional Memberships

Family

Favorite Quote

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