Stephen E. "Steve" Brown

Rusty has extensive experience in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, corporate and tax law. Rusty works with closely held and family businesses on business planning and taxation, including their formation, operation and sale. He is recognized as being highly knowledgeable in tax issues related to estate and succession planning, trusts and probate.

Amanda Cutshall Goozée is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Amanda Cutshall, 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 Amanda Cutshall is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Adam K. Israel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Adam K., 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 Adam K. 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.

Lee Birchall’s practice focuses on public finance in Alabama, where he serves as bond counsel to cities, counties, utilities, school boards, and various other types of governmental entities that issue tax-exempt and taxable securities. He also represents cities and counties in negotiations with private developers for economic development transactions. In addition to representing public bodies, Lee has experience serving as counsel to underwriters, trustee banks and commercial banks in t...

R. Michael Murphy is a shareholder in Dentons Sirote’s Birmingham, Alabama office, where he serves as the chair of the Dentons Sirote Corporate practice group. Mike’s work focuses primarily on financial services, mergers, acquisitions, private equity and venture capital, regulatory, compliance and risk management. He has experience advising businesses in connection with a broad range of corporate matters, including corporate structure, formation and reorganization, contract negoti...

Debra Taylor Lewis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Debra Taylor, who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Debra Taylor is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John W. Johnson II is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Litigation - Insurance. John W., 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 John W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

J. Corbitt Tate is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. J. Corbitt, who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which J. Corbitt 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...