Abby Blankenship

Robert Walthall is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group. He counsels clients on a broad range of federal tax and related matters. Robert provides tax-planning advice to individuals and businesses, represents clients in administrative and judicial tax controversies at the state and federal levels, including the US Tax Court and other federal and Alabama courts, and represents clients in civil and criminal tax defense. He also counsels clients with respect to organizing and tax planning fo...

William T. Paulk is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Banking and Finance. William T., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Nicole joined the Birmingham office of Watkins & Eager after practicing law in Alabama courts for more than twenty years with the law firm of Harris & Harris, LLP. Nicole’s practice has centered around commercial litigation matters while representing client interests through all phases of litigation including alternative dispute resolution, jury trials and appellate review. Nicole represents a variety of business entities from small entrepreneurial companies to large corporation...

M. Lee Johnsey, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. M. Lee, who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which M. Lee is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Personal relationships have always been the backbone of Sonny Ferguson’s law practice. He says parties respond to someone who will listen to their issues and provide them with a truthful evaluation of the facts. Once the parties engage the firm’s services, as a mediator or as a Private Judge, Sonny believes they deserve 100% of his attention to their issues and a timely resolution to their matter. Sonny joined Christian & Small after serving as a judge for 15 years in the Dome...

Christopher P. (“Chris”) Couch advises banks and other financial institutions on regulatory and operational matters as well as on compliance with banking and lending laws, rules, and regulations. He counsels national, regional, and community banks with respect to deposit operations, payment systems, treasury management products, consumer regulatory regimes, and new services offerings, including electronic and mobile banking. Chris also represents financial institutions, finance co...

Lee Birchall’s practice focuses on public finance in Alabama, where he serves as bond counsel to cities, counties, utilities, school boards, and various other types of governmental entities that issue tax-exempt and taxable securities. He also represents cities and counties in negotiations with private developers for economic development transactions. In addition to representing public bodies, Lee has experience serving as counsel to underwriters, trustee banks and commercial banks in t...

Sean W. Shirley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Sean W., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sean W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Scott is a member of the firm’s Trusts and Estates and Tax Practice Groups. Part of Scott’s practice focuses on estate planning strategies designed to minimize estate and other taxes, as well as ensure that assets left under a decedent’s will or trust for family members can be effectively and efficiently managed. In addition, Scott has significant experience in advising clients with respect to the administration of trusts and estates, and handling trust and estate litigation...

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...