Marcus M. Maples of Baker Donelson has been elected to serve a two-year term on the board of directors of the Cave Canem Foundation, a national organization committed to cultivating the artistic and professional growth of African American poets.
A 501(c)3 non-profit literary service organization based in Brooklyn, New York, Cave Canem Foundation was founded in 1996 to remedy the under-representation and isolation of African American poets in the literary landscape. Its programs include an annual writing retreat for emerging African American poets, book prizes delivered in partnership with five prestigious presses, community-based workshops for emerging adult poets, and Legacy Conversations with legendary poets and scholars.
Mr. Maples, a shareholder in the Birmingham office of Baker Donelson, serves as national counsel for domestic and international construction companies handling all aspects of construction law including drafting contracts, pursuing and defending claims, arbitrating disputes, and litigation matters in various jurisdictions throughout the country. He also advises business clients from a broad range of industries in all matter of business disputes, including defending directors and officers in litigation involving fiduciary duty claims, shareholder disputes, and allegations of minority oppression.
Mr. Maples is immediate past president of the Alabama Lawyers Association. A graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law, he is a frequent speaker on leadership in the legal profession. He is an active member of the Defense Research Institute and has been recognized as a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers and the Birmingham Business Journal. Mr. Maples is a member of the Magic City and American Bar Associations, and is currently serving as co-chair of the Diversity Committee of the Alabama State Bar Association. He is a member of the board of directors of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation and serves on the board of trustees for the University of North Alabama.