Leila Hirayama Watson

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.

K.C. Hairston is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law and Municipal Law. K.C., 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 K.C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Glenn E. Estess, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Nonprofit / Charities Law and Tax Law. Glenn E., 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 Glenn E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Mr. Crawford is the leader of the Firm’s corporate practice and emphasizes mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, federal and state tax planning and litigation, and representation of health-care providers. He has been trial and appellate counsel in numerous federal and state tax cases, including O’Neal v. United States, 258 F.3d 1265 (11 Cir. 2001), Alabama Department of Revenue v. Sonat, Inc., 752 So.2d 1211 (Ala. 1999), and Lloyd Noland Foundation, Inc. v. City of Fairf...

Bill Averett is a member of Dentons Sirote's Landlord's Rights practice in the Birmingham, Alabama office. Bill's extensive trial experience includes representing national banks and lenders in all matters of creditor rights and collection, including appellate and bankruptcy proceedings. His high rate of success consists of obtaining settlements through both formal and informal channels. Bill graduated from the University of Alabama with a BA and from Samford University's Cumberland School of ...

Gerald Burnett practices on a multi-regional basis in all areas of commercial real estate, tax-free exchanges, tax law and disputes, commercial transactions, timber law and wealth transfer planning. He has had substantial experience in the litigation of tax controversies, having tried jury and non-jury tax cases in eight states. He has served as lead counsel in, negotiated and closed commercial real estate transactions in eighteen states. Some of his out-of-state work includes commercial proj...

Counselor. Teacher. Lawyer. Dale Stone wears many hats when he assists clients in developing and implementing plans for the effective and efficient disposition of their assets. Dale has over thirty-four years of experience guiding clients through the personal and practical aspects of estate planning and estate administration as well as the legal, economic and tax issues involved. For owners of family businesses, Dale coordinates planning for the preservation and continuation of the business i...

Lyle D. Larson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law and Energy Regulatory Law. Lyle D., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lyle D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William A. Ratliff is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mediation. William A., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2011. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.