Gaines Brake

One of the firm’s founders, Charles Carr has more than 35 years of litigation experience in state and federal courts in Alabama. Charles has litigated in many other states throughout the United States. He has served as national coordinating counsel on complex and catastrophic personal injury cases in 25 states within the United States for a major national insurance carrier. Currently, Charles serves as national trial counsel for Swift Transportation, one of the largest motor carriers in...

William H. Satterfield is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law. William H., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 1989. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Alva C. Caine is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Alva C., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alva C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Kimberly R. West is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law and Insurance Law. Kimberly R., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kimberly R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Matthew A. Mantle is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote's Birmingham, Alabama office. As a member of the Tax Practice group, he is part of the State and Local (Subnational) Tax team and the Tax Controversy team. Matt is a nationally-known State and Local Tax (SALT) attorney with over a decade and a half of experience helping taxpayer clients with state and local tax planning, legislative, and audit/litigation matters in Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and on a multistate basis. He has represented c...

Ashley L. Neese is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Ashley L., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ashley L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Pugh is a partner in the firm's Construction and Procurement Practice Group. He is also a member of the firm's Litigation and Intellectual Property Practice Groups. David has represented owners, general contractors, subcontractors, engineers, architects, insurance companies and sureties throughout the United States. He has advised clients at every stage of a construction project: conception, planning, performance and closeout. He has drafted and negotiated contracts for several large sc...

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...

Tom Ansley is a shareholder in Dentons’ Birmingham, Alabama office, where he is a member of the Real Estate and Corporate practice groups. He serves as corporate counsel to a diverse range of clients, including real estate developers and investors, commercial and project lenders, and healthcare providers, advising them on the intricacies of state and local laws and regulations, financial matters, industry concerns, and risk allocation. Ansley is involved in the financing, negotiation, e...