Robert H. Rutherford

Jonathan P. Hoffmann is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law and Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Jonathan P., 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 Jonathan P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

George L. Morris IV is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Health Care. George L., 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 George L. 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.

Jack Selden, a partner in the White Collar Criminal Defense, Litigation and Health Care Groups, has practiced law for 30 years. Previously he served as both the United States Attorney and as an Assistant U. S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. While United States Attorney, he established the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (“ACE”) Unit of the United States Attorney’s office, responsible for investigating and prosecuting all fraud and qui tam actions under the Fals...

Thomas A. “Tom” Woodall is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Birmingham, Alabama office, where he is a member of the Litigation practice group and leads the Dentons Sirote Alternative Dispute Resolution team. As a former Alabama Supreme Court Justice, Tom’s practice focuses on all aspects of the appellate process, from drafting briefs and motions to oral arguments, in all Alabama and federal appellate courts, including the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, the Alabama Su...

John H. Cooper is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Birmingham, Alabama office, where he is a member of the Corporate practice group. As the previous managing partner of Dentons Sirote (formerly Sirote & Permutt, PC) (1999–2005; 2006–2015), John’s practice spans corporate, securities and tax law, with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital, securities, business and succession planning, corporate finance, corporate tax, directors...

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.

Carl Smyly was born and raised in Andalusia, Alabama. He received his undergraduate education at Birmingham-Southern College, where he was selected for membership in the Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Beta Kappa scholastic honorary societies and was valedictorian of his graduating class in 1979. He then earned his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Virginia School of Law in 1982. Mr. Smyly has been assigned the highest possible Peer Review Ratings for legal ability and ethical standards in...

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...

Dana Thrasher specializes in ERISA, regularly advising employers, trustees and service providers concerning qualified retirement plans, non-qualified plans, fringe benefits, welfare benefits and executive compensation issues. She has developed significant expertise in the ERISA/employee benefits practice area, representing a large and diverse client base. She regularly advises clients regarding planning and evaluating benefit programs, establishing and administering employee benefit plans, mo...