James R. "Jim" Shaw

Dan Sparks is head of Christian & Small’s Creditor & Lender Rights Practice Group. He focuses his practice in the areas of bankruptcy and business litigation involving creditors’ rights, consumer finance, lender liability and injunctive relief. Dan represents commercial lenders, debt buyers, corporations, Trustees, individuals and other secured and unsecured creditors in all aspects of commercial litigation, loan workouts, loan restructuring, asset recovery, foreclosure an...

Tammy has successfully represented employers in the defense of claims arising out of the employment relationship. She routinely provides advice to clients concerning all employment-related issues in an effort to avoid litigation. Tammy handles claims and litigation in state and federal courts involving matters relating to discrimination, retaliation, and harassment (including claims based on race, religion, gender, age, and disability). Other matters she handles include any and all tort claim...

Stuart has significant experience in mergers and acquisitions, with a non-exclusive emphasis on private equity transactions. He also devotes a substantial amount of time to assisting investment managers and family offices with regulatory matters. Stuart also represents numerous private equity portfolio companies and family-owned businesses with respect to general corporate matters.

J. Ben Ford is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. J. Ben practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized J. Ben Ford since 2026. 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 J. Ben Ford is...

P. Stephen Gidiere III is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental. P. Stephen practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized P. Stephen Gidiere III since 2011. 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 P. Stephen Gidiere III is held by other lawyers.

Robert practices in Financial Services Litigation with an emphasis in mortgage litigation and compliance and commercial/real estate litigation. He is a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) and is one of only a handful of attorneys in the nation who have achieved this status. His national practice focuses primarily on representing two specific industries: financial institutions and mortgage companies. Robert's representation of clients in the financial institutions and mortgage industry is both tri...

Anthony C. Willoughby is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate Law, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Litigation and Controversy - Tax and Tax Law. Anthony C. practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized Anthony C. Willoughby since 2019. 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 Anthony C. Willoughby i...

Gregory P. Butrus is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Energy Law and Government Relations Practice. Gregory P. practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized Gregory P. Butrus since 2010. 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 Gregory P. Butrus is held by other lawyers.

J. Corbitt Tate is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. J. Corbitt practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized J. Corbitt Tate since 2023. 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 J. Corbitt Tate is held by other lawyers.

Brian Williams’ practice includes estate planning, estate and trust litigation, estate and trust administration, federal and state tax, and corporate and business transactions and issues. He practiced for 6 years as an in house counsel for a publicly traded corporation before entering private practice with his present firm in 1986. Brian graduated cum laude from the University of Alabama in 1976, B.S. degree/accounting major. He obtained his J.D. degree in 1979 from Cumberland School of...