Sara Burns

James A. Patton, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. James A., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jason Avery is a member of the Firm’s Real Estate Practice Group and the Natural Resources and Banking and Financial Services Practice Teams. Unlike many other lawyers who concentrate in either a transactional practice or litigation, Jason represents clients in both areas, splitting his time between real estate transactional matters and real estate and mortgage litigation. This hybrid practice allows Jason to think progressively on transactional matters by understanding potential areas ...

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

Ralph Smith is special counsel in the Corporate Practice Group. He handles general corporate and business matters, international transactions, healthcare, higher education, and NCAA compliance. Prior to joining Jones Walker, Ralph spent 25 years in private law practice in Washington, DC, and Birmingham before joining the University of Alabama System in 2004 as general counsel and member of the Chancellor's Senior Policy staff. Ralph also served the university as a distinguished lecturer of la...

Trisha Osuch is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Trisha, 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 Trisha is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joel L. DiLorenzo is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Joel L., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joel L. 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.

J. Alan Truitt is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law, Environmental Law, Litigation - Environmental, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants and Natural Resources Law. J. Alan, who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which J. Alan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Douglas B. Kauffman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Individuals, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Douglas B., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2012. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Douglas B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Samples was admitted to the Alabama Bar in 1976. Having established his career as a trial lawyer with another prominent firm, he came to Hare Wynn as a full partner in 1994. He is a native of Alexander City, Alabama. He is married to Colleen (a Master’s level R.N. and attorney), and they have been blessed with two children, Courtney and Connor. Shay worked his way through college and law school. He attended Alexander City Junior College where he was elected President of the Student ...