Helen Kathryn Downs

Chad A. Pilcher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice. Chad A., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Chad A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ryan M. Hodinka is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Ryan M., 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 Ryan M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Janell M. Ahnert is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Janell M., 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 Janell M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Vaughn McWilliams specializes in general business and corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and real estate and commercial finance. He represents lenders and developers in a variety of commercial real estate transactions, including senior housing, medical office, self-storage, multi-family, and tax credit financing. Vaughn also represents clients on the purchase and sale and financing of of closely-held businesses, including professional practices. Prior to moving to Birmingha...

Glenn is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and a member of the firm's Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Distressed Investing Practice Group. He regularly represents creditors in out-of-court workouts, bankruptcy cases, and litigation. Glenn also has substantial experience in representing mortgage servicers and other financial institutions in mortgage-related litigation in bankruptcy courts. Glenn practiced at two large Birmingham firms in their bankruptcy and creditors’ rights areas before j...

Graham Gerhardt represents financial institutions in civil litigation throughout the country. He regularly assists clients in both the forward mortgage and reverse mortgage industries. Graham frequently litigates in federal court where he defends lenders and loan servicers accused of violating federal statutes, most commonly TILA, RESPA, the FDCPA, the FCRA, and the TCPA. He also represents clients in state court, defending against claims such as wrongful foreclosure, fraud and deceptive trad...

Trey Bolling is a shareholder in the Firm's Birmingham office, where he is a member of the Tax and Real Estate practice groups. Trey focuses his practice on tax and entity matters, regularly advising investors, sponsors, and developers on the structuring and execution of complex transactions in the real estate and private equity sectors. His work includes investment structuring, joint venture and fund formation, exit planning, and related partnership tax matters. Trey also advises clients on ...

Aaron B. Thomas assists companies and individuals in a wide variety of business and transactional related matters, including but not limited to the areas of real estate development, business planning, financing, contract negotiation, real estate closings, and leases. He has extensive experience in several different types of commercial properties, including retail centers, offices, hotels, industrial sites, residential and mixed-use developments, and other projects. A large portion of Aaron&rs...

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.

Melinda Mathews is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Birmingham, Alabama office. She serves as the co-chair of the Trusts, Estates and Wealth Preservation practice group. Melinda helps clients navigate complex trust and estate matters to manage and preserve their wealth. She focuses on business and succession planning, estate planning for individuals and families, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, as well as probates and trusts. Melinda also taught estate planning as an adjunct...