Carol Sue Nelson is a native of Opelika, Alabama. She graduated summa cum laude from Auburn University in 1974 where she received a B.A. degree in Political Science. Ms. Nelson received her J.D. degree from Cumberland School of Law in 1977, graduating magna cum laude.

Ms. Nelson is a shareholder in the firm of Maynard, Cooper & Gale, PC. Ms. Nelson concentrates her practice in representing management in labor, EEO and other employment matters. She is a member of the Birmingham Bar Association, the Alabama Bar Association, and the American Bar Association (Labor Law and Litigation Sections). Ms. Nelson has been recognized as one of the Best Lawyer in America and one of Chambers USA Leading Lawyers for Business. She was recently inducted as a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America. She is a member of the Alabama Law Institute and was recently appointed by the Alabama Supreme Court to serve on the Standing Committee on Rules of Conduct and Canons of Judicial Ethics. She has served as the ABA’s Management Liaison for the Birmingham District of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Additionally, she formerly chaired the Lawyers Advisory Committee for the Rules of Practice and Procedure for the Northern District of Alabama and was a member of the Civil Justice Reform Advisory Group for the Northern District of Alabama. She has also served as a member of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals Lawyers Advisory Committee. She has served on the Birmingham Bar Association's Executive Committee and was an original Board member of the Birmingham Bar Foundation.

Ms. Nelson is involved in a number of civic activities in leadership roles. Ms. Nelson serves on the Alabama Women’s Commission and was the immediate past Chair. In 2007, she was selected as one of the Top Birmingham Women by the Birmingham Business Journal. Ms. Nelson serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for Cumberland Law School and Auburn University’s College of Liberal Arts. She is a member of The Women’s Network and the Women’s Leadership Initiative for the United Way of Central Alabama. She is also active in the Comprehensive Cancer’s Drive Out Breast Cancer program and The Women’s Fund Voices Against Violence campaign.