James C. "Jay" Lester
About James C. Lester
James C. Lester is a lawyer based in Birmingham, AL and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2026. James C. Lester is recognized in the following practice area:
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Commercial Litigation
Current Firm: Maynard Nexsen PC
Education: The University of Alabama, J.D., graduated 2011
Location: Birmingham, AL
Nearby Lawyers
Tom Oliver, a founding shareholder at Carr Allison, is a trial attorney specializing in complex matters involving transportation, employment and professional litigation. He has litigated cases in the state and federal courts of Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Virginia. Tom is designated as regional and statewide counsel for numerous companies and their insurers. He developed the firm’s accident response GO TEAM and coordinates catastrophic accident investigations for various transpo...
John H. Cooper is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Birmingham, Alabama office, where he is a member of the Corporate practice group. As the previous managing partner of Dentons Sirote (formerly Sirote & Permutt, PC) (1999–2005; 2006–2015), John’s practice spans corporate, securities and tax law, with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital, securities, business and succession planning, corporate finance, corporate tax, directors...
Trey Bolling is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Birmingham, Alabama office. He is a member of the Tax and Real Estate practice groups, where his practice focuses on tax and economic development incentives at the federal, state, and local levels, with a particular emphasis on qualified opportunity zones. He also regularly assists developers and investors in commercial real estate transactions, advising on investment structuring, capital gain planning, exit planning, partnership tax iss...
Elizabeth H. Hutchins is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Birmingham, Alabama office, where she is a member of the Trusts, Estates and Wealth Preservation practice group and serves on the Firm's board of directors. Her practice includes planning for the management and distribution of clients' estates to accomplish their goals and to minimize estate taxes using sophisticated estate planning tools and techniques. She counsels business owners regarding succession planning. In probate admi...
Brett A. Ross is a shareholder at Carr Allison and is resident in the firm’s Birmingham (AL) office. His practice focuses on transportation and in this arena, he has worked on all possible case types, including wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, cargo claims, employment matters, workers’ compensation, collections and on-site accident investigation. Brett has successfully handled more than 50 wrongful death claims in Alabama. He is also a member of Carr Allison’s accident...
Colin H. Luke is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Colin H., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Colin H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Rick Brown provides a full range of services related to the traditional labor and employment law practice. His services related to the avoidance of unionization range from advice concerning all aspects of employee relations and the formulation of policies and practices to legal advice during and after union organizational efforts, union decertification drives and union deauthorization proceedings. Rick's involvement with union organizing includes clients located throughout the country in manu...
Richard J. Riley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Richard J., 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 Richard J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Mr. McKee began his law practice in his hometown of Florence, Alabama. He then served as the central staff attorney for the Alabama Supreme Court for several years. While living in Montgomery, he also served as a professor of law at the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law of Faulkner University. Mr. McKee moved to Birmingham in 1986 to take a full-time teaching position at the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University, where he later served as the assistant dean. In 1989, he joined the Hare...
Anthony C. Willoughby is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Litigation and Controversy - Tax and Tax Law. Anthony C., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Anthony C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
Common-Law Marriage in Indiana: Are You Legally Protected?
by Laurie Villanueva
Understanding cohabitation rights and common-law marriage recognition in Indiana.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.