Top best State Lawyers in Birmingham | 404 available

Twenty-four years ago, I crossed the Alabama state line at the age of 21 for only the second time in my life.  The first time I was a sixth-grade student in Marietta, Georgia on a field trip to the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center.. This second time was in 1991 when I enrolled in law school at Samford University's Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama.  I graduated from Furman University in 1991 with a degree in Economics and while I never intended to be a lawyer, I thought the law school education could always benefit me no matter what course I ultimately chose.  I also knew myself well enough to know that if I were going to pursue additional education following college, it would need to be immediately after college.. Being from Marietta, Georgia, Cumberland School of Law seemed like a good choice as it was fairly close to home and was similar in many ways to Furman University where I spent a wonderful four years and developed meaningful and lasting friendships.  So, in August 1991, my mother, father and I packed my belongings in a U-Haul truck and headed west on I-20.  As we drove, I considered the journey ahead and where it might take me (in law school, not on I-20) and imagined it would only include a brief three-year stay in Birmingham and a return trip on I-20 East in 1994 to begin a career.. I was surprised to find law school interesting and it did not take long to realize that I could enjoy a nice quality of life in Birmingham.  Prior to graduation, I was fortunate to receive an offer of employment from  a mid-size law firm and I accepted knowing that my plans to return to Georgia may never come about.  It was at this law firm that I learned the importance of a doing a job well, on time and paying attention to detail.  I also worked with a great group of people and those friendships developed during those first few years of law practice remain some of my closest today.  And, I was lucky to find two mentors that I considered my "professional" father and grandfather that took a real interest in me.. Birmingham was becoming my home and it was about to get even better.  In 1996, I took Ashley Herring on our first date to Legion Field for an Olympic Soccer game.  Despite having no interest in soccer, Ashley was great company at the game and ignored the absolute downpour that started right at kick off and continued all night.  We never thought about leaving the game and Ashley never complained - not once.  I knew a good thing when I saw it.  In 1997, Ashley and I married and it was the best decision I've ever made.  She still has not complained even though I can give her plenty to complain about.. In 2002, I was ready for a change from the world of litigation.  Through a chance meeting with my law school classmate Shelly Moss while Christmas shopping for our children (Caroline, at the time 19 months and Paul, 5 months), I learned that Shelly was moving to Texas and leaving her busy real estate closing practice.  The prospect of continuing her practice was attractive to me for several reasons.  First and foremost however, I liked that I would be providing a needed service at a known and reasonable price for those who chose to be involved in the transaction - not usually the case in litigation.. As I write these words, I feel fortunate to be celebrating my thirteen-year anniversary (now 22 years) in the real estate closing business and I have enjoyed it even more than I thought I would.  There are many things I like about it including those that I thought I would.  But what I find most rewarding, I believe, is that I am a part of a community and I get to play a small part in someone's decision to choose a home.. I enjoy our life here and am proud to call Birmingham home. I'm also grateful that I'm not fighting that Atlanta traffic!  Ashley and I have three happy and healthy children (Brian, our third, joined us in 2003) that actually get along and enjoy school.. And, I continue in a job that I find enjoyable and rewarding and always feel flattered when someone allows me to handle their real estate transaction for them.  So much so that I hope to be updating this statement another twenty-three years from now!

Nicholas Papasifakis advises clients on business and estate planning matters, asset protection strategies, and probate and trust administration and litigation.

My practice is a transactional practice encompassing public and privately-held companies, with services from formation to acqusition by a purchaser or liquidation.  Services include employment agreements, customer contracts, executive compensation planning, mergers and acquistitions and the like.   I also do a lot of individual work, including estate planning, asset protection planning, prenuptial agreements, trust planning, estate administration, trust administration, trust modification, probate litigation and representation before the IRS and Alabama Department of Revenue.   Services for non-profit corporations and trusts include formation and obtaining tax-exempt status from the IRS.

Megan Elder is a native of New Orleans, LA. In 2011, she graduated from Thomas Jones School of Law and became licensed in Alabama shortly thereafter. In order to further advise clients on ways in which marriage and divorce affect their taxes and finances, she received a Master of Laws (LLM) Degree in taxation from the University of Denver.. Since 2011, her practice focus has been domestic relations, estate planning and probate. Megan joined , P.C., in January, 2016, serving as an associate in both the Estate, Probate & Adoption Practice Group and the Divorce & Family Law Practice Group.. Megan was recognized as one of the Top Women’s Attorneys of Birmingham in 2015 by B·Metro Magazine. She was awarded the 2013 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year by the Birmingham Bar Association. She is an active member in both the Alabama State Bar and the Birmingham Bar Association. Outside of work, she has coached the Client Counseling Team at Cumberland School of Law.

Matthew J. Tavi is the Principal Attorney of Tavi Law PLC, a leading Michigan law firm proudly providing sophisticated counsel to a select clientele both locally and nationally from its' principal office located in Birmingham, Michigan.. With a particular focus on matters involving High Net Worth Tax and Estate Planning, Real Estate Transactions, and Commercial Litigation, Tavi Law PLC consistently provides innovative and effective solutions to our clients’ most complex legal and business challenges, routinely representing publicly and privately held corporations, financial institutions and asset managers, and affluent individuals and business owners.. Tavi Law PLC is committed to delivering outstanding results, unparalleled service, and exceptional value in the form of strategic advice and preventative counsel.

Martha Reeves Cook was born in Houston, Texas and raised in Selma, Alabama, where both her parents were born and raised. Martha began her career with the law as the Director of Human Resources with a large firm in downtown Birmingham. She then attended Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, the same law school her great grandfather graduated from 100 years earlier. She earned her Juris Doctorate in 1996 and was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in the same year.. Martha practiced business and consumer law, representing both plaintiffs and defendants, for 20 years, before opening Martha Reeves Cook, LLC in 2016. The firm has a large focus on mediation, but Martha continues to represent small business and non-profit clients.

Law For Baby Boomers.. I  protect my clients and their families in these legal areas: estate planning, elder law, business and real estate, probate and trust administration, charitable giving and non-profit organizations.

La Brenda Norman is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. A product of the Birmingham Public Schools, Mrs. Norman is a graduate of A. H. Parker High School. From there, she matriculated to the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama Birmingham where she earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She later received the Juris Doctorate from Birmingham School of Law and is a licensed attorney in the State of Alabama.. Employed for many years as general manager of a local printing business, Mrs. Norman entered the legal profession as a legal assistant and from there went on to help form the Jefferson County Public Defenders Office in the Birmingham division of Jefferson County. As an attorney with the Public Defenders Office, Mrs. Norman successfully provided competent and compassionate legal service to the city’s most vulnerable.. Over the years, Mrs. Norman has been quite active in the community, serving in leadership roles of the PTAs of Glen Oaks Elementary, Forest Hills Middle and Fairfield High Preparatory Schools. In addition, she served as Athletic Booster and Band Booster parent.. She works with her church, Faith Chapel Christian Center on the Project Homeless Initiative. She has served as Service Coordinator and Sunday Team Lead in the Student Ministry and Administrator of the Women’s Ministry.. In the legal community, Mrs. Norman works regularly with the Birmingham Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program. As a member of the Alabama State Bar Association, she serves on the Diversity Committee and the Women’s Section. In addition, she is also a member of the Bessemer Bar Association, the Magic City Bar Association. Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers, Black Women Lawyers Association of Alabama and the Alabama Lawyers Association.. She is married to Cedric Dale Norman and they are parents of three children, all of whom are products of the Fairfield City School System. They are also grandparents to three adorable grandsons.

Kay Wilburn is engaged in estate and business planning, probate, and trust matters.  She also has served as mediator in business disputes and as a volunteer arbitrator with the Better Business Bureau.  She works with clients in addressing asset protection matters, including preparing prenuptial agreements and trusts for inherited assets.

Joseph Somma is a Family Law attorney practicing for the last 16 years out of Birmingham Alabama. In addition to family law, Mr. Somma also provides help to clients with real estate & probate matters. Before entering the legal field Mr. Somma studied political science at the University of Mississippi and then attended Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law where he obtained his Juris Doctor.. Mr. Somma’s philosophy is to provide caring, compassionate, and knowledgeable services for clients, while truly listening to the needs of his clients. Joseph has the unique approach prefering to have a smaller number of clients who use him for all their legal needs and who feel comfortable and confident in his representation.. When he is not practicing law Mr. Somma enjoys woodworking, his dogs, home improvement, spending time with friends and enjoying classic car collecting and restoration.

Jason received his B.S. in Political Science from the University of Montevallo and his Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama in 1994.  During law school he was an officer on the Trial Board and served as Director of the Negotiation Team Competitions.  After graduation, he began his practice as an associate in a well established general practice firm in Birmingham where he concentrated on representing small businesses and estate planning and administration.  His growing civil practice led him to form his own firm where he served as managing partner and provided oversight and guidance of the litigation of civil claims, including class action and mass tort claims.  He was responsible for the day to day operations of the firm as well as implementing all litigation strategy.  He resolved numerous complex legal matters through the process of negotiation and mediation.  While managing the litigation practice, he continued to maintain a business practice.. Since joining Moses & Moses in 2012, his list of business clients has continued to grow.  He represents numerous types of small to medium sized closely-held businesses including physicians, healthcare related companies, construction companies, online and local retailers, manufactures, software developers, restaurants and various types of service related industries.   He serves as Secretary and General Counsel for multiple companies helping to provide the corporate governance and legal framework necessary to transact business.  The focus of his practice covers formation of entities for start up businesses as well as providing general legal counsel services for existing companies, business succession planning and estate planning and asset protection planning for individuals.. He is admitted to practice in Alabama and the U.S. District Court for all Districts of Alabama. He is a member of the Alabama Bar Association’s Business Law Section, Elder Law Section, Real Property, Probate and Trust Section.  He is also a member of the Birmingham Bar Association’s Business Law and Probate Sections and a member of the Shelby County Bar.. Jason is a lifelong resident of the Birmingham area, an active member of Dawson Baptist Church and resides in Vestavia Hills with his wife and three children.  Jason is involved in Scouts and has served as a Cub Scout leader for many years. In his spare time Jason enjoys hunting, camping, playing guitar and any activities that involve his family.

I  concentrate my practice in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, business planning and general business and corporate matters. In addition, I have extensive experience in the areas of commercial lending and finance, equipment leasing, commercial real estate and technology law. While my practice has historically focused on representation of closely-held businesses and start-up companies, I have also been counsel to public companies and venture capitalists.. In some jurisdictions, this site may be considered to be advertising. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon written information contained on this site or other written information about my qualifications and experience. In accordance with Alabama State Bar requirements, no representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.. The opinions expressed here are my personal opinions, and do not constitute legal advice. Content published here is not reviewed or approved by Baker Donelson before it is posted, and does not necessarily represent the view and opinion of Baker Donelson. I am expressing personal opinions and not legal opinions on this site, and disclaim any and all legal responsibility and liability for the personal comments posted on this site.. I am licensed to practice law only in Alabama and Georgia.  The posts I make on this site are intended as general information only, are not provided as legal advice in connection with any specific case or matter, and do not create an attorney-client relationship.

I primarily assist people with disabilities in advocating for equal access under the Americans with Disability Act, Rehabilitation Act, Fair Housing Act and other civil rights legislation in Federal Court.  I also handle other types of discrimination, workers compensation and personal injury including vaccine injuries.  I am AV rated by Martindale Hubbell.  http://www.martindale.com/Mr-Edward-Ira-Zwilling/2671285-lawyer.htm

I practice in the areas of international and domestic asset protection planning; and in the further areas of: international estate planning, selected clients for domestic estate planning; international entity taxation.. My practice involves working with foreign asset management firms; foreign private banks, foreign trust companies and foreign professionals such as lawyers, chartered accountants, etc.  I also work with experienced CPAs with respect to their preparing foriegn tax returns for foreign trusts, foreign LLCs, foreign corporations and other entities.. I have worked in what is referred to as an "offshore" asset protection planniong practice beginning in the latter part of 1991.. I previously was an adjunct professor of law at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Master of Laws in International Taxation program.

I practice dispute resolution -- mediation and arbitration, and estate planning. I mediate appeals (appellate mediation), domestic relations (including pro se divorce mediation), large and complex cases, mass torts, labor and employment case, and securities, banking and financial services disputes.. I recently became a member of the Tennessee Bar and opened an office in Chattanooga; the address is 633 Chestnut Street, Suite 600, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37450.. I am a member of the Commercial, Consumer, and Large and Complex Case panels of Arbitrators for the American Arbitration Association and serve as an arbitrator and mediator for the Financial Regulatory Authority, Inc., (“FINRA,” the successor to the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and the regulatory arm of the New York Stock Exchange). In January 2020, the Court of Arbitration in Art in the The Hauge appointed me to its panel of mediators and arbitrators. I am also on the panel of arbitrators for the National Futures Association. I am an experienced arbitrator, with appointments to over one hundred arbitration panels, serving as chair in approximately half of those arbitration matters.. My estate planning practice includes drafting wills, powers of attorney, advance directives, revocable (living) trusts, irrevocable trusts, asset protection trusts, and gun trusts.

I am the son of a United States Army General and  was born in Augsburg, Germany. My wife , Debbie, and I were married in 1990 and have two sons, Nathan and Jacob. I have been a long-time resident of Trussville, Alabama and is a member of Faith Community . A  vast majority of my time is spent representing his many clients and handling my  responsibilities as Senior Partner, but I also enjoy spending time with my family, attending and coaching his sons’ various athletic events, running and presently building an orphanage..

Having practiced with midsize and larger law firms to begin my career, I have obtained vast experience in the tax and business areas, including business litigation in my more than thirty years of practicing law, previously licensed in Kentucky and Louisiana before settling down in Alabama.. Before practicing law, I obtained my CPA certificate, successfully passing the CPA exam while attending Tulane Law School. After practicing in New Orleans for two years, I then obtained a Masters of Law (LL.M.) degree in Taxation from the University of Miami School of Law in Coral Gables, Florida.. I have successfully passed bar examinations in the states of Louisiana, Kentucky and Alabama, where i am presently licensed and practicing, and have called home for more than twenty-five years. (I do not practice in Louisiana or Kentucky, and have not practiced in years there. For several years after moving to Alabama, I maintained all three licenses, even though I did not practice there, and then decided not to continue those licenses, so please consider me for Alabama legal representation only.). I have been fortunate to be able to teach budding lawyers Income and Estate Tax Law in law school for sixteen years, as well as business law at the university level for a number of years as well.. I have often been found teaching seminars to attorneys, certified public accountants and others, and enjoy those endeavors. But nothing compares to me being able to join forces with my clients and helping them in their business, with their taxes, their estate planning, asset protection, or other legal need. Being a solution finder to their issues is a special thing that gives me pride.. As a sole practitioner, I often can pass cost-savings to clients who expect "big firm" quality representation, but need to be efficient with their legal fee expenses as well. In addition, I am affiliated with a larger firm in an "of counsel" relationship such that in the event that more resources are needed, I have those readily available.

Greer Mallette understands that part of zealous representation is looking beyond the dispute at hand and focusing on the client’s broader business needs and goals. Some of the most valuable counsel he provides to Christian & Small clients is helping them pick and choose battles that are worth fighting in the context of their business goals.. Greer litigates disputes among business owners, including claims of shareholder oppression, squeeze-out and breach of fiduciary duties. He also works with banks, title companies and other property owners to resolve real estate problems, such as title and boundary disputes. Greer represents a number of vendors and subcontractors with respect to construction disputes and payment matters.. Greer frequently lectures on property litigation matters, lien and bond claims, and small business disputes.

For over 35 years, Greg's law practice has focused on estate planning and probate, with an emphasis on charitable planned giving. Greg is a past chairman and still active on the University of Alabama Planned Giving Advisory Committee,  as well as serving on several other boards at the University of Alabama.  He currently serves on the Professional Advisors Committee of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.. Greg is listed in "The Best Lawyers in America®" and "Super Lawyers" in the areas of Trusts and Estates.. Personal: Married to Sharon since 1982; two sons, Foster (1985) and Harrison (1989).. Hobbies: Crimson Tide athletics, hunting and fishing. PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC AFFILIATIONS. Birmingham Bar Association; Alabama State Bar; The Florida Bar; Estate Planning Council of Birmingham; Alabama Planned Giving Council

Brett joined Badham & Buck, LLC in May 2008. Prior to Badham & Buck, Brett was an associate at a large Birmingham law firm. Brett has represented clients in state and federal courts throughout Alabama.. Brett focuses his practice on general commercial litigation, business disputes, class actions, lender liability cases, and arbitrations. Brett previously served on the Executive Committee of the Young Lawyers Section of the Alabama State Bar and on the Junior Board of the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation.. Brett graduated magna cum laude in 2005 from The University of Alabama School of Law where he served on the Managing Board of the Alabama Law Review. He also holds a bachelor of arts degree in history from Davidson, College of North Carolina.

Anne received her B.A. from Barnard College and her Juris Doctor from St. John’s University School of Law.  She is admitted to practice in New York and Alabama and is engaged in estate and business planning, probate, and elder law planning.  She is certified as an Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. She is Co-founder of the Elder Law Services Committees of the Birmingham Bar Association and the Alabama State Bar; past president of the Birmingham Bar Association Women Lawyer’s Section.  She is past president of Alabama Women in Business, Estate Planning Council of Birmingham, and SOS Foundation, and serves on the Advisory Council of Positive Maturity.. Anne has been selected as a Super Lawyer for the years 2010 - 2015 and as one of the Best Lawyers in America by Consumer GuideSM.  She is the author of “Planning Ideas to Manage the Maze of Medicaid Eligibility” published in the February, 2013 edition of Estate Planning Magazine.

Adam practices in the areas of probate law, estate planning, and criminal matters in the Birmingham area and throughout Alabama.  Adam combines his backgrounds in public accounting, tax, business planning and advisory, legal expertise, and litigation to deliver quality service to each individual, family, and small business that he represents.. Adam, a native of Leeds, Alabama, attended the University of Alabama, where he earned his Bachelor and Master degrees in accounting in 2005 and 2006.  The State of Alabama certified Adam as a Certified Public Accountant in 2007, a credential that he continues to hold.  In May 2014, Adam earned his law degree from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham and was admitted to the Alabama Bar later that year.

A lifelong resident of Jefferson County, Alabama, Mr. Blankenship obtained his Bachelors of Arts from Samford University and his Juris Doctorate from Cumberland School of Law. During his time at Cumberland, he served on the American Journal of Trial Advocacy, and as a Director on the Trial Advocacy Board.. Upon his admittance to the Bar, Mr. Blankenship opened his own practice where he provided dedicated service to his clients ever since.. Mr. Blankenship has experience in the following areas of practice:. -          Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. -          Telephone Consumer Protection Act. -          Debt Resolution and Defense. -          Real Estate Title. -          Alabama Tax Deeds. -          Wills and Estates. -          Business Startup. -          Business Contracts. -          General Trial Practice

A former prosecutor, public defender, Legal Services staff attorney, and guardian ad litem, Christopher has spent countless hours in the courtroom. He has experienced litigation from all angles and understands how to advocate accordingly.. Christopher has conducted research on matters including Federal Consent Decree Applicability; Creditors Rights and Responsibilities within the FDCPA, FCRA and landlord/tenant law; Garrity Use and Derivative Use Immunity within public sector employment; Nexus concerns involving 18 USC 924(g) Enhancements, and Involuntary Administration of Medications Purposed for Execution Competency.. While in school, and working, Christopher also served internships and externships for the United States Attorney’s Office, two Federal Public Defender Offices, and the former Chief Magistrate Judge for the US District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. And prior to law school, Christopher served as a sworn law enforcement officer and EEO Analyst for the Jefferson County Commission.. After passing the bar exam, Christopher started his own law practice from the ground up, and within a year, Bham Magazine recognized him as one of Birmingham’s Top Lawyers. Christopher associates his successes with Providence, the Lord leading him into certain situations, and his grit and determination to make the most of those situations. Christopher best relates to our clients who put in the work to see and keep their businesses, non-profits, municipalities, etc. at the top of their game.. Christopher was recruited to NWKT to utilize his comprehensive skillset. He brings to the practice of law a rare mix of intellectual rigor and client empathy. With an interest in legal research, a skill set in advocacy, and the ability to understand the client perspective, Christopher is at his professional best diving headfirst into complex legal matters requiring both impeccable attention to detail and sincere advocacy. As a firm associate, Christopher’s practice spans the gamut of general and complex civil litigation. He also maintains a selective criminal defense practice.. Outside of work, Christopher is a simple man who enjoys spending time with his wife, two young sons, and Watson, the dog. Alongside his faith, Christopher considers his family as the most important part of his life, and all of the information above is purposed toward their best interest.