Michael Collins

David Hymer is an accomplished trial lawyer who has 40 years of experience trying and arbitrating high-stakes disputes for a variety of corporate and individual clients across many disciplines. That broad-based trial experience gives him a unique perspective, enabling him to team with his clients to develop strategies that will guide them through complex and challenging disputes while staying focused on achieving his clients’ objectives. David’s practice concentrates on complex bu...

Tom Dutton is one of the founding partners of the Pittman, Dutton, & Hellums firm. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama and attended college at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1973. He earned his J.D. Degree with honors (cum laude) in 1976 from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama and was admitted to practice law in the State of Alabama in 1976 and the State of Mississippi in 1977. Tom is admitted to prac...

William T. Paulk is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Banking and Finance. William T. practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized William T. Paulk since 2018. 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 William T. Paulk is held by other lawyers.

Rodney A. Max is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Mediation. Rodney A. practices law in Miami, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Rodney A. Max since 2006. 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 Rodney A. Max is held by other lawyers.

Mr. McKee began his law practice in his hometown of Florence, Alabama. He then served as the central staff attorney for the Alabama Supreme Court for several years. While living in Montgomery, he also served as a professor of law at the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law of Faulkner University. Mr. McKee moved to Birmingham in 1986 to take a full-time teaching position at the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University, where he later served as the assistant dean. In 1989, he joined the Hare...

A. Wade Cornelius is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. A. Wade practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized A. Wade Cornelius since 2025. 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 A. Wade Cornelius is held by other lawyers.

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.

Sarah S. Johnston is a Shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Trusts, Estates and Wealth Preservation practice, based in Birmingham, Alabama. Since 2004, she has advised high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses on a wide range of matters, including estate and tax planning, trust and estate administration, wealth preservation strategies, trust and estate litigation, business succession planning, and the ongoing support of family offices. She also regularly counsels clients on retire...

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...

Alva C. Caine is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Alva C. practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized Alva C. Caine since 2024. 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 Alva C. Caine is held by other lawyers.