J. Burruss "Buzzy" Riis

Robert L. Carothers, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law and Corporate Law. Robert L., who practices law in Mobile, Alabama, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

A senior tax and corporate lawyer, Robert’s trusts and estates practice includes estate and gift planning and taxation, charitable planning and estate and trust administration. His corporate practice includes general corporate representation, entity selection and formation issues, corporate business and tax planning, and corporate transactions.

Clay Lanham is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group. He focuses on real estate development and finance. Clay regularly represents private equity funds in the negotiation and documentation of loans secured by real estate and other assets as well as the purchase and sale of loans, real estate, and other assets. Clay also represents developers and investors in the purchase and sale of properties and throughout the entire development process, from the formation of development entities, initi...

Steve Nicholas is part of an elite group of Alabama litigators known for their skill in handling Bet-the-Company cases. A big picture thinker, his work revolves around complex litigation claims including business disputes, class actions, mass torts and major construction disputes. Among his many noteworthy cases is representing thousands of business owners who filed lawsuits and claims in connection with the BP oil spill , an event that is deemed to be the worst environmental disaster in the ...

An experienced attorney in the fields of eminent domain, condemnation, land use law, and zoning law, Casey has been with the Helmsing Leach since being admitted to practice law in Alabama in 1996.

Susan F. E. Bruhnke resolves clients’ legal issues efficiently and effectively, focusing on cost-effective solutions and high-quality representation delivered with integrity and respect. Her practice centers on workers’ compensation defense in Mississippi, Alabama, and under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, along with insurance defense litigation. Licensed in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas, she is also active in several professional legal assoc...

John Dukes is an experienced corporate transactional and real estate attorney specializing in the acquisition and selling of businesses, real estate transactions, leases and related real property matters, representation of lenders and borrowers in connection with commercial loans and related matters, the formation and organization of limited liability companies and corporations, and corporate guidance including employment related matters, corporate compliance, insurance, commercial contracts ...

E. Watson Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law and Tax Law. E. Watson, who practices law in Mobile, Alabama, has been recognized since 1987. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which E. Watson is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ron Snider is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group, where he focuses his practice on bank regulatory law and corporate law. From 1973 to 1979, Ron was with the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, first in the Office of the General Counsel, and then as assistant secretary. He also served as assistant secretary of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation from 1976 to 1979. In addition to his active involvement in a number of professional associations, Ron is a member, and past chairman, of the...

Joey Steadman is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. Joey represents banks, financial institutions, and investors in commercial collection disputes and real estate matters in Alabama and Florida state courts. He also has defended municipal clients in civil litigation involving personal injury claims and land use disputes, as well as insurance companies in personal injury matters. Before joining Jones Walker, Joey served as a law clerk for the Honorable Charles A. Graddick, presiding j...