Jackson M. "Jack" Payne

Katie T. Powell is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Katie T. practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized Katie T. Powell since 2021. 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 Katie T. Powell is held by other lawyers.

Carl Smyly was born and raised in Andalusia, Alabama. He received his undergraduate education at Birmingham-Southern College, where he was selected for membership in the Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Beta Kappa scholastic honorary societies and was valedictorian of his graduating class in 1979. He then earned his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Virginia School of Law in 1982. Mr. Smyly has been assigned the highest possible Peer Review Ratings for legal ability and ethical standards in...

Zac Madonia is a litigator who primarily practices in the areas of class action defense and complex commercial litigation. He represents corporate clients from a diverse range of industries – including mortgage and consumer lending, pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution, and healthcare – facing class and mass actions in federal and state courts across the country. Zac's practice spans the substantive spectrum. For example, Zac recently obtained dismissal with prejudice of ...

Ralph Yeilding is Chair of the firm's Trusts and Estates Practice Group. His primary areas of practice include estate and gift tax planning, estate and trust administration, IRS estate and gift tax audits and litigation, and state court probate and trust litigation. Ralph regularly advises individuals and fiduciaries on a broad range of estate, trust and probate matters, including rendering advice concerning estate and gift tax planning, and drafting wills, trusts, family LLC's, limited partn...

Ginny Willcox Leavens is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate. Ginny Willcox practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized Ginny Willcox Leavens since 2027. 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 Ginny Willcox Leavens is held by other lawyers.

Carrie M. Motes is a dedicated partner at Christian & Small, operating from the Birmingham, Alabama office. Her practice areas include commercial litigation, civil defense litigation, personal injury defense, insurance matters, and professional liability. Carrie Motes has experience in representing a diverse client base, including individuals, small businesses, retailers, transportation companies, and healthcare providers. She is committed to understanding the unique needs of her clients ...

David Stewart is the chair of the firm's Governmental Affairs Practice Group. He is also a member of the Economic Development Practice Group. While based in the firm's Birmingham office, he regularly represents clients before the executive and legislative branches in Washington, D.C. and Montgomery, Alabama. He also advises clients on federal and state campaign finance and ethics laws. Following David’s graduation from Washington and Lee, he worked in Washington, DC for Senator Jeff Ses...

Bradley J. Sklar is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Birmingham, Alabama office, where he serves as Co-Leader of Dentons Tax National Practice Group. In his practice, Brad focuses on complex tax, entity, and business planning transactions, including mergers and acquisitions; sales of businesses; sale and purchase structuring and funding of large real estate transactions; raising capital; and navigation of national, state, and local tax incentives and economic development initiatives. H...

H. Lanier Brown II is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Management, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. H. Lanier practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized H. Lanier Brown II since 2008. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in...

Eric T. Ray is a Partner of the firm and is a member of the Creditors Rights & Bankruptcy and Litigation practice groups. Eric's practice regularly includes the representation of utilities, financial institutions, lenders and other creditors in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, adversary proceedings and other types of commercial litigation throughout the country. Mr. Ray is experienced in all facets of creditor representation and routinely represents creditors with respect to adequate assuranc...