Joe R. Whatley, Jr.

Adam K. Israel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Adam K., 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 Adam K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

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...

Robert D. Reese is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Robert D., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

George Harris provides comprehensive and strategic legal and policy advice and representation to clients across various industries and sectors. With over 30 years of in-house and law firm experience, George has developed a deep expertise in advocacy before executive and legislative decision makers at all levels of government. He has experience and substantive knowledge working with business and commercial matters, government contracting issues, public entities, municipal utilities, healthcare...

J. Ben Ford is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. J. Ben, 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 J. Ben is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

First things first, I am married to Jeanne Rogers, and am the proud father of three children who (as of March 2014) are 37 (a son practicing public interest environmental law), 32 (a daughter, an investment advisor in Birmingham), and 28 (a daughter who is at an architectural firm in Atlanta). Aside from them, I enjoy reading, gardening, walking 3 miles daily, and helping to resolve issues which affect the construction industry, nationally, regionally, and locally. Professionally, I suppose I...

J. Foster Clark is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Public Finance Law. J. Foster, who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2005. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which J. Foster is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael Sansbury has represented clients in trial and appellate courts across the United States. He has argued in courts ranging from Oregon Circuit Court to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. He has examined countless witnesses—from the president of a multi-national corporation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to a newspaper publisher from Auburn, Alabama—and has tried issues in state and federal courts in Alabama. Always thinking of the long-term impact, Sansbury spec...

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...