David Dorris

Mike Brown is the head of the Real Estate Litigation Team at the firm. Mike is a member of the firm’s Environmental and Toxic Tort Practice Group and the General Litigation Practice Group. Mike’s emphasis in both practice groups is on real property and land use matters. Because of this emphasis in his practice, Mike also works very closely with the Real Estate Group. For the past several years, Mike has served as an adjunct Professor at the University of Alabama School of Law wher...

Richard Smith, one of the founding partners of Christian & Small and a partner with its predecessor, Rives & Peterson, has been an integral member of the firm’s litigation group for his entire legal career. He served as the firm’s Managing Partner for five years. Richard’s practice focuses primarily on complex and corporate litigation for clients in the financial services, health care and construction industries, as well as corporate entities in other industries. His...

Kelly Lewis is a partner in the tax practice and leads the tax credit finance team. For the majority of her practice, Kelly has focused exclusively on representing investors and lenders in LIHTC transactions across the country. Kelly focuses on all aspects of the representation of lenders and investors in connection with affordable housing transactions, including the use of traditional construction and permanent financing, federal and state tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, tax exempt loans, MTE...

J. Ben Ford is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. J. Ben practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized J. Ben Ford since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which J. Ben Ford is...

Janell M. Ahnert is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Janell M. practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized Janell M. Ahnert since 2015. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Janell M. Ahnert is held by other l...

Robert D. Reese is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Robert D. practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized Robert D. Reese since 2020. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Robert D. Reese is held by other lawyers.

S. Chris Still is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Energy Law. S. Chris practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized S. Chris Still since 2009. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which S. Chris Still is held by other lawyers.

Matthew Hinshaw focuses on economic development incentive package structuring and negotiation. Matthew also represents a variety of clients in general corporate and tax matters and assists nonprofit entities with tax and governance issues. He helps clients form new companies, negotiate tax incentive packages, close deals, draft legislation, manage and grow operations, and manage their relationships with local and state government officials. Matthew was privileged to represent clients on two o...

Gaile Pugh Gratton Greene is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Birmingham, Alabama office. She is a member of the Employment and Labor practice group, where she has considerable experience litigating employment claims. Gaile advises clients on the development and implementation of workplace policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance. She conducts investigations of discrimination claims and employee misconduct and also performs labor audits. Gaile prepares employee and personnel ...

Michael Waters is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group. He focuses on issues facing banks, financial institutions, and other financial-services entities. Mike has practiced corporate and securities law, primarily in the financial institutions area, for more than 30 years. He routinely represents banks, bank holding companies, and other financial entities in acquisitions, capital raising transactions, SEC and shareholder issues, new bank formations, and board fiduciary duty issues. He has...