James Turner

Richard Smith, one of the founding partners of Christian & Small and a partner with its predecessor, Rives & Peterson, has been an integral member of the firm’s litigation group for his entire legal career. He served as the firm’s Managing Partner for five years. Richard’s practice focuses primarily on complex and corporate litigation for clients in the financial services, health care and construction industries, as well as corporate entities in other industries. His...

Jeremy L. Retherford is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Jeremy L., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeremy L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Elizabeth Jones Flachsbart is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Elizabeth Jones, 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 Elizabeth Jones 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...

Ralph Smith is special counsel in the Corporate Practice Group. He handles general corporate and business matters, international transactions, healthcare, higher education, and NCAA compliance. Prior to joining Jones Walker, Ralph spent 25 years in private law practice in Washington, DC, and Birmingham before joining the University of Alabama System in 2004 as general counsel and member of the Chancellor's Senior Policy staff. Ralph also served the university as a distinguished lecturer of la...

Jacob Kiser is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Real Estate. Jacob, who practices law in Homewood, Alabama, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jacob is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Tiffany deGruy is a trial lawyer who has considerable experience trying high-stakes business and commercial litigation. Tiffany represents clients in a variety of industries, such as healthcare and e-commerce. Most recently, she was a key member of a trial team in a 10-week jury trial and conducted witness examinations before a jury. Tiffany represents the interests of clients in the healthcare industry in various types of commercial litigation. Tiffany also regularly advises clients on matte...

Dylan Marsh is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Dylan, 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 Dylan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David is an AV-rated attorney with a focus in commercial litigation and insurance coverage and defense. He has served as lead counsel and co-counsel in numerous jury trials in state, federal and military venues and has handled matters for clients in 60 of Alabama’s 67 counties.

Beau Grenier is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group and co-leader of the firm’s mergers and acquisitions and private equity team. He provides comprehensive legal and strategic counsel on M&A, capital raising, and other business transactions; securities matters; and corporate governance. Beau is a leading corporate and securities lawyer with more than 35 years of experience. For more than 17 years, he also served as the managing partner and board chairman for a diversified AmLa...