Michael Ward

Partner Brad Hightower has been practicing law since 2002, and focuses his practice on commercial and bankruptcy litigation. He routinely handles complex issues that arise in business reorganization, restructuring and liquidations. Prior to joining the firm, Brad interned with the Executive Office of the President in Washington, D.C. He was responsible for supplying science and technology articles to the White House website. Brad also completed a two year clerkship with the Honorable Margaret...

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 ...

Ellis Brazeal is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group and co-leader of the firm’s aerospace and aviation team. Ellis has more than 30 years of experience in commercial litigation, including all levels of state, federal, and bankruptcy courts. He represents and advises financial institutions and other entities regarding corporate restructuring, and handles construction, surety, and government contract litigation. He is recognized for his work by legal publications, and he regularly...

J. Foster Clark is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Public Finance Law. J. Foster practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized J. Foster Clark since 2005. 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 J. Foster Clark is held by other lawyers.

Chad A. Pilcher is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Government Relations Practice. Chad A. practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized Chad A. Pilcher since 2021. 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 Chad A. Pilcher is held by other lawyers.

Jason Walters is a litigation partner in the firm's insurance group and serves as national and regional counsel for several life and health insurance companies. His practice focuses on both individual and class action litigation, with particular emphasis in the area of fraudulent sales practices and the bad faith denial of benefits for life insurance, annuities, and long term care products. Jason also has extensive experience defending insurers in litigation filed by agents and independent ma...

Nancy Ball practices in the areas of trusts and estates, including estate planning and estate administration, taxation, real estate and corporate law. Nancy is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Birmingham, Inc. and the Alabama Planned Giving Council, and serves as the secretary of the Probate Section of the Birmingham Bar Association. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). Nancy is the author of Navigating Estate Planning Before, During and ...

H. Lanier Brown II is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Management, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. H. Lanier practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized H. Lanier Brown II since 2008. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in...

K.C. Hairston is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Energy Law. K.C. practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized K.C. Hairston 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 K.C. Hairston is held by other lawyers.

Christopher P. (“Chris”) Couch advises banks and other financial institutions on regulatory and operational matters as well as on compliance with banking and lending laws, rules, and regulations. He counsels national, regional, and community banks with respect to deposit operations, payment systems, treasury management products, consumer regulatory regimes, and new services offerings, including electronic and mobile banking. Chris also represents financial institutions, finance co...