Thomas E. "Tom" Bazemore

Susan Doughton’s practice of law focuses on health care law, including representing hospitals and physician groups. In 2010, she was named Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year for health care law in Birmingham (Copyright 2011 by Woodward/Wright, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.). Susan graduated from Birmingham-Southern College in 1974, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She graduated from Vanderbilt Law School in 1977 and served on the Vanderbilt Law Review. Her professional and civic affil...

Alicia Bennett is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Alicia, 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 Alicia is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

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.

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.

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...

Since 2003, Jon Patterson has represented clients nationwide in a variety of industries, including financial services, manufacturing, industrial equipment, mobile technology and retail services. Jon is an experienced litigator and trial lawyer who helps clients protect their business interests in disputes related to contracts, torts, premises liability, auto accidents, trade secrets and non-competes. Throughout his career, Jon has handled cases through all stages of the litigation process, in...

Chad A. Pilcher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice. Chad A., 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 Chad A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dr. Blaudeau is a person uniquely qualified to understand the complex issues involving medicine and the law. He established the Southern Institute for Legal and Medical Affairs to build a bridge between to his dual professional experience to benefit people who have been injured. He has litigated high profile medical malpractice claims on behalf of clients around the country. His experience and perspective is an asset in investigating what exactly happened in a medically negligent situation. D...

Alva C. Caine is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Alva C., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alva C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.