John Alford, Jr.

Mr. Pape’s practice is almost solely focused on guiding boards of education through complex governance, policy, civil rights, special education, and employment issues; and, when those issues result in litigation, he defends boards of education. A large part of his practice consists of assisting boards of education navigate complex, modern constitutional and equity matters. Mr. Pape has extensive expertise in the area of modern school desegregation. Between current and past matters, he h...

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 ...

Howard Neiswender is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Birmingham, Alabama office, where he is a member of the Trusts, Estates and Wealth Preservation practice group and leads the Dentons Sirote Family Business team. Howard provides comprehensive wealth planning for individuals and business owners. His representative work includes the use of innovative tax-planning strategies and working with business owners to coordinate their business and personal planning. Howard also works with Unit...

Christopher S. Randolph, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Christopher S., 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 Christopher S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Chris Grissom practices primarily in the areas of state and local tax planning, LLCs, federal and state tax disputes, and state and local tax and non-tax incentives. Through his tax controversy, planning and incentives work, he deals with a wide variety of industries, including pulp and paper, software technology, automotive, finance, telecommunications, and textile manufacturers. In his tax practice, Chris regularly counsels many of the Fortune 500 on Alabama tax matters. He also conducts mu...

Trey Dowdey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Trey, who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Trey is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gregory P. Butrus is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law and Government Relations Practice. Gregory P., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gregory P. 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...

Gaile Pugh Gratton Greene is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Birmingham, Alabama office. She is a member of the Employment and Labor practice group, where she has considerable experience litigating employment claims. Gaile advises clients on the development and implementation of workplace policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance. She conducts investigations of discrimination claims and employee misconduct and also performs labor audits. Gaile prepares employee and personnel ...

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...