Today we’d like to introduce you to Donell Hicks.
Donell, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From Delaware Roots to Courtroom Heights: The Legal Journey of Donell Andre Hicks
Donell Andre Hicks’s legal career is a testament to resilience, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to justice. From humble beginnings in Delaware to becoming a respected shareholder at a prominent national law firm, Mr. Hicks has built a distinguished career marked by legal rigor, professional growth, and leadership in the highly specialized field of construction litigation.
Early Life and Academic Foundations
Raised in Delaware, Donell Hicks’ drive for success was evident early on. He served as Student Council President at Caesar Rodney Senior High School, was a member of the drum line in the marching band, became a thespian, and was involved in more than ten other organizations, many of which he served in leadership roles. He pursued his undergraduate education at Cornell University. Hicks was a member of the prominent Student Assembly, the marching band, a cheerleader, and active in events across campus over the years. He participated in Cornell in Miami in the summer of 1994, where he worked at the Office of Community and Economic Development and lived in Little Havana; thus, beginning a life-long desire to return to Miami. His junior year, he participated in Cornell in Washington analyzing the economic effects of the earned income tax credit. He also served as an intern for Senator Joe Biden working in the legislative affairs office. Hicks earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government in 1997. That academic foundation would prove invaluable as he transitioned to law school at The George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C., where he earned his Juris Doctor in 2000.
Building a Legal Legacy
After law school, Mr. Hicks began his legal career in Washington, D.C., where he spent several formative years developing his skills in general litigation and employment law. He was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 2000, followed by the District of Columbia Bar in 2001 and the United States Supreme Court Bar in 2007. His commitment to broadening his legal reach eventually led to admissions in Florida and Washington, where his career truly flourished.
Mr. Hicks relocated to Florida in 2006 and quickly rose through the legal ranks, becoming a Board-Certified Construction Lawyer in 2013—a prestigious designation that highlights his expertise in one of the state’s most complex legal arenas.
Expertise in Construction Litigation
Over the past two decades, Mr. Hicks has earned a formidable reputation for handling high-stakes construction litigation and professional liability defense cases. His legal journey in Florida includes leadership roles at several top firms, where he honed his litigation skills on complex construction cases. His track record includes representing developers, contractors, and owners in disputes involving building code violations, structural failures, environmental concerns, and construction defects.
A Career Defined by Depth and Breadth
Today, as a Partner at Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, Mr. Hicks leads critical cases in construction litigation, real estate, and environmental law. Mr. Hicks’s career is characterized not just by legal victories, but by a profound understanding of the construction industry and a meticulous approach to litigation. He has successfully represented parties in all facets of construction—from contract drafting and negotiation to defending against design flaws and structural damage claims.
His courtroom presence is matched by his skills in pre-trial strategy, mediation, and client advocacy. Whether assisting local governments like Walton County or representing major developers and homeowners, Mr. Hicks brings precision, insight, and tenacity to every case.
A Lasting Impact
From his early years in Delaware to his current leadership in South Florida’s legal community, Donell Andre Hicks embodies what it means to rise through dedication and merit. His story is not just one of personal achievement, but of service—to his clients, to the legal profession, and to the integrity of the justice system.
As he continues to build his legacy in construction law and beyond, Mr. Hicks remains a role model for aspiring attorneys, particularly those who begin their journeys in modest circumstances but dream big.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Donell Hicks: A Legacy of Volunteerism and Leadership
In a world where time is often treated as a luxury, Donell Hicks stands as a beacon of generosity, dedicating countless hours to service, leadership, and mentorship. His extensive volunteer experience paints a portrait of a man deeply committed to uplifting communities, fostering educational opportunities, and advocating for professional development. Through his involvement in prestigious organizations, Hicks has cemented himself as a champion of philanthropy, ensuring that others have access to opportunities that enrich their lives.
Hicks currently serves at the President of All Ivy+. He is the Cornell Class of 1997 President, which includes actively planning Reunion at Home in June and his 30th reunion in Ithaca in 2027. He serves on the Cornell University Council and is a lifetime member of Cornell’s Black Alumni Association. Hicks serves as the Co-Chair for the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Association for the Miami Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association.
A Lifelong Dedication to Cornell University
Hicks’ alma mater, Cornell University, has remained a focal point of his volunteerism. As President of the Cornell Club of Greater Miami and the Florida Keys from 2011 to 2015, he nurtured alumni engagement and strengthened the university’s presence in the region. His continued role as Past President and Board Member speaks to his unwavering dedication to the institution. Hicks’ leadership extended beyond social engagement—his tenure as Chair of the Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network (CAAAN) played a pivotal role in guiding prospective students toward the Ivy League institution.
Furthermore, Hicks has been a tireless advocate for Cornell’s Black Alumni Association, holding key positions such as Secretary and Treasurer, ensuring that diverse voices are represented and supported within the alumni community. His service on Cornell’s Minority Alumni Initiatives Implementation Committee is further testament to his commitment to fostering inclusion.
Championing the Legal Community
Beyond academia, Hicks has made remarkable contributions to the legal profession. His involvement with The George Washington University Law School’s Black Law Alumni Association, where he served as Vice President and Secretary, reflects his dedication to creating a network of support for Black legal professionals. Similarly, his service as a Board Member of The George Washington University South Florida Alumni Club underscores his belief in the power of alumni connections to drive change.
Hicks’ presence within the National Bar Association, where he held multiple leadership roles—including Board of Governors Alternate and Chair of the Real Estate and Probate Law Section—demonstrates his passion for advocacy and professional development. His leadership as President-Elect of the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association and involvement with the Virgil Hawkins Bar Association exemplify his commitment to empowering Black lawyers.
Empowering Young Professionals and Future Leaders
Hicks’ philanthropic spirit extends beyond academia and the legal field. His tenure as President of the Young Professionals division of the Central Florida Urban League showcases his drive to mentor and uplift young professionals, helping them navigate their careers and personal growth. His involvement with the National Black Law Students Association as Mid-Atlantic Regional Director highlights his mission to nurture the next generation of legal minds.
A Life Defined by Service
From educational institutions to professional networks, Hicks’ volunteer experience illustrates a profound commitment to community building, mentorship, and leadership. Whether working to strengthen alumni networks, promote diversity in education, or uplift legal professionals, his actions continue to leave an indelible mark on countless individuals and organizations. Through his tireless efforts, Donell Hicks exemplifies the spirit of giving—not merely through words, but through consistent, impactful action.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani has been ranked the No. 4 construction law firm in the nation by Construction Executive in the magazine’s 2024 ranking of The Top 50 Construction Law Firms™.
In addition to this ranking, GRSM Construction practice group Co-Chairs Allen Estes and Angela Richie were featured in the magazine’s cover story, “Law and [Work] Order[s].” They shared insights on key risks to consider when construction contracts are signed and touched on whether jurisdiction and venue provisions should be considered when drafting a construction contract.
Angela Richie discussed the financial challenges and risks associated with change orders in construction projects, particularly the delays in payment approvals. “While there may have been financing for the base scope, what we see lacking is the necessary contingency funds that will support paying for all the change-order work that contractors and subs are being asked to perform.”
Allen Estes highlighted the importance of watching what is happening in Washington, D.C., to protect material supply chains, especially in light of evolving federal regulations. “There are a few agencies that are amending [Federal Acquisition Regulation] Part 40 to add security requirements for information and material supply lines.”
Construction Executive developed The Top 50 Construction Law Firms™ ranking by surveying over 600 U.S. construction law firms. The survey collected data on 2023 revenues from construction practices, number of construction attorneys, percentage of total revenues from construction practices, number of states licensed, establishment year of the construction practice, and the number of construction industry clients served in 2023. An algorithm weighted these factors in descending order of importance to determine the ranking.
Under the expert leadership of Estes and Richie, GRSM’s Construction practice group, with its extensive platform of over 200 construction lawyers and offices in all 50 states, offers clients the unique advantage of a national firm with the local insights of a regional firm. GRSM provides comprehensive services to construction clients, including architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers, and governmental entities, leveraging attorneys trained in relevant fields like engineering and construction management alongside extensive experience in industry-related associations and government agencies.
January 2025
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani is pleased to announce that for the ninth consecutive year, it has received a score of 100 on the 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF).
The 2025 CEI report evaluated LGBTQ-related policies and practices, including non-discrimination workplace policies, equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families, the support of an inclusive culture, and corporate social responsibility. With a 100% score for meeting all CEI criteria, GRSM joins the 765 U.S. businesses that will be honored with HRCF’s Equality 100 Award as Leaders in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.
Diversity Committee Co-Chair Franz Hardy emphasized the significance of achieving a 100% score for the ninth consecutive year, stating, “This accomplishment reflects our dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all of our employees.”
GRSM’s Diversity Committee has been dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusivity within the firm for more than thirty years. The firm actively supports efforts to advance diversity in the legal profession by developing, funding, and hosting diversity programs, as well as attending, supporting, and participating in numerous events throughout the country provided by diversity-related legal professional organizations. In 2024, the firm also achieved Mansfield Certification status and has committed to maintaining this certification for 2024-2025 to further enhance its talent practices and diversify its leadership ranks.
“We take great pride in achieving a score of 100 on the Corporate Equality Index. This is a testament to the work we do every day to ensure that inclusion is embedded in every aspect of our culture,” stated Laura De Santos, Co-Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee.
The firm has seven active affinity groups to further its diversity and inclusion goals: African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ+, South Asian, and Women’s Initiative. Each affinity group has its own established objectives and initiatives. The groups meet regularly to network, socialize, and provide mentoring opportunities to their members. Membership is open to all attorneys.
“Through the firm’s ongoing diversity initiatives, such as the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group, we are committed to creating spaces that foster advocacy, mentorship, and meaningful connections,” shared Dominic Campodonico, Co-Chair of the firm’s LGBTQ+ Affinity Group. “These efforts are essential to reinforcing our dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging, ensuring that every individual within the firm feels supported and valued.”
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization, working to achieve equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. Through its programs, the HRCF seeks to make transformational change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people, shedding light on inequity and deepening the public’s understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, with a clear focus on advancing transgender and racial justice.
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