Thomas M. "Mel" McElroy II

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...

Chris has defended a wide variety of mass torts and products ranging from pharmaceuticals and medical devices, to consumer, commercial and industrial products and manufacturing systems. He has been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Mid-South Super Lawyers .

Allen M. Estes is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Allen M. practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized Allen M. Estes since 2013. 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 Allen M. Estes is held by other lawyers.

E. Hayes Arendall is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Banking and Finance Law and Real Estate Law. E. Hayes practices law in Birmingham, Alabama Best Lawyers has recognized E. Hayes Arendall since 2026. 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 E. Hayes Arendall is held by other lawyers.

Richard Monk is a seasoned attorney experienced in a variety of complex civil litigation, including commercial, product liability, toxic tort and personal injury cases. Richard's experience includes significant responsibilities on coordinated teams of lawyers defending and managing large numbers of similar cases and cases among multiple jurisdictions, including work on cases in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, South Carolina and West Virginia. H...

Richard Smith, one of the founding partners of Christian & Small and a partner with its predecessor, Rives & Peterson, has been an integral member of the firm’s litigation group for his entire legal career. He served as the firm’s Managing Partner for five years. Richard’s practice focuses primarily on complex and corporate litigation for clients in the financial services, health care and construction industries, as well as corporate entities in other industries. His...

Rod Kanter is a member of the firm's Public Finance Practice Group and the Emerging Growth Company Team. His primary practice includes serving as bond counsel, underwriter's counsel, and counsel to issuers of letters of credit in all types of tax-exempt and taxable debt financings. His representation of clients include the State of Alabama, various health care authorities, cities and counties, colleges and universities, industrial development boards, commercial development authorities, airpor...

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...

Dan Martin is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. He represents clients in corporate compliance, white collar criminal defense, employment, and commercial litigation matters.Dan is a member of the firm’s corporate compliance and white collar defense team. A litigator and trial attorney since 2004, Dan has significant experience in a broad spectrum of civil and criminal disputes, particularly in the areas of commercial litigation, corporate compliance and white collar criminal ma...

Tiffany deGruy is a trial lawyer who has considerable experience trying high-stakes business and commercial litigation. Tiffany represents clients in a variety of industries, such as healthcare and e-commerce. Most recently, she was a key member of a trial team in a 10-week jury trial and conducted witness examinations before a jury. Tiffany represents the interests of clients in the healthcare industry in various types of commercial litigation. Tiffany also regularly advises clients on matte...