BIRMINGHAM BAR ASSOCIATION Vol. 47, Issue 1 | Spring 2026
President Rebecca Beers shares her plans for 2026. 8
Get to know the recipients of our 2025 awards. 12
In person and Zoom sessions available
ACCOMPLISHED | DEDICATED | RESPONSIVE
Rebecca Beers, Jim Wilson, and Bob Battle.
Thanks to its members, the Birmingham Bar Association enjoyed a successful year in 2025, seeing an increase in membership; adding new programs, events, and member benefits; and celebrating 140 years of service to the Birmingham legal community. 2026 is also off to a great start! Your new Executive Committee met in January to begin planning new initiatives to provide you with even more opportunities to engage with our Bench and Bar, and we have some amazing programs coming this year…stay tuned!
For the BBA to continue providing you with quality services and programming, please don’t forget to pay your 2026 Membership and Section dues and encourage your colleagues to join the BBA! Membership Dues invoices were emailed to all members at the end of December, but if you need help with your renewal, please let us know — your grace period ends March 31, so please don’t let your membership benefits lapse. And a huge thank you to all our members who have already renewed!
In this issue of the Bulletin, we are excited to recognize the recipients of the BBA’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award, Leslie Barineau, and the 2025 L. Burton Barnes III Public Service Award, Nicole King. Both of these amazing BBA members devote so much of their time and energies to making our communities better and are extremely deserving of the awards.
We are also happy to present the recipients of the BBA’s 2026 Memorial Scholarships; to feature the BBA’s Solo/Small Firm and Women Lawyers Sections and the Future Leaders Forum and Mentoring Committees; and to highlight our attorneys in the news.
Finally, please mark your calendars for upcoming events such as our monthly Coffee with the Judges, Law Day on May 1, and the Annual Picnic on June 12, and be sure to check the BBA’s calendar often for details about other upcoming CLEs, programs, and social events (birminghambar.org/events).
Thank you for being a member of the Birmingham Bar Association and happy Spring!
Jim H. Wilson Executive Director
President Rebecca Beers
President-Elect Leslie Rubio
Secretary-Treasurer Virginia Miller
Immediate Past President Bob Battle
Executive Director Jim H. Wilson
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Stanley Blackmon
Jennifer Tombrello Cohn
Darius Crayton
Ben Goldman
Sidney Jackson
Katie Kimbrell
Julie McMakin
Denzel Okinedo
Brandy Robertson
Laura Winston
Jon Lewis, A.D.R. Section
Wes Bulgarella, Bankruptcy/Commercial Law Section
Griff Waters, Business Law Section
Michelle Spiker, Criminal Justice Section
Adam Plant, Federal Practice Section
Thad Davis, Probate Section
Pooja Chawla, Solo/Small Firm Section
Hannah Stokes, Women Lawyers Section
Kris Burbank, Workers’ Compensation Section
Robby Anderson, Young Lawyers Section
Clinton Richardson, Magic City Bar Association
Ashley Peinhardt, ASB Commissioner
BIRMINGHAM BAR ASSOCIATION
2001 Park Place, Ste. 430 Birmingham, AL 35203 205-251-8006 birminghambar.org
jwilson@birminghambar.org
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By REBECCA BEERS
Friends and colleagues — it is my great pleasure, honor, and personal privilege to greet you as your 2026 President of the Birmingham Bar Association. At the end of this year, I hope that each of you will have had meaningful, thoughtful, and fun opportunities to learn, to network, to serve, to socialize, and to make our community a better place. To that end, I want to celebrate Birmingham lawyers in 2026, so my theme is Birmingham Lawyers: We Lead, We Serve, We Inspire.
Focusing on leadership, we will implement programming on the history of leading Birmingham lawyers. Be on the lookout for quarterly CLE programming on the history of Birmingham lawyers in the Civil Rights Movement, on women and Black lawyer trailblazers, and on Birmingham lawyers’ historic presence at the U.S. Supreme Court. We will also continue fostering leadership in our members by supporting the Future Leaders Forum to train young lawyers to be leaders in our bar and community and enhancing the lawyer experience through our Mentorship Program.
We serve in two primary ways — by serving our own members and by serving our community. This year, we will continue to serve our members by expanding the Membership Benefit Program from last year. We are regularly adding new retailers and restaurants with exclusive discounts for BBA members to the program.
We also serve our members through high-quality, interesting, useful, and free CLE programming — at least 12 hours of free CLE annually (so your BBA membership pays for itself). We are already working on great programs for this year, including a CLE bootcamp series featuring trial practice lessons from outstanding trial lawyers and judges to give young and “seasoned” lawyers alike training in trial skills in an era when so many cases resolve early. Later in the year, we will have a special CLE program covering the crimes, the hunt for, and the prosecution of Eric Robert Rudolph in conjunction with the award-winning team that created the
American Shrapnel podcast.
Serving a diverse group of professional roles is another important part of the work of our Bar. In 2026, we will work on reinvigorating bar programming for transactional and corporate lawyers, as well as in-house lawyers, with fantastic leadership from our Business Law Section and our In-House/Corporate Law Committee.
We will also continue to serve our members with regular and exciting social events in new locations across the city. Be on the lookout for announcements for a series of socials throughout the year at our many local James Beard- and Michelin-recognized restaurants and bars, as well as a BBA-exclusive social at the Birmingham Museum of Art’s Impressionist exhibit later this spring. In addition, networking opportunities like our monthly Coffee with the Judges are great ways to spend time with our fellow lawyers and judges. We’ve already had a great January coffee in Judge French’s courtroom and our first-ever coffee in Family Court in February, with more to come.
Operationally, 2026 will see the BBA build on 2025’s successes by retaining and increasing membership, in part by utilizing our new member management software to help streamline communications and enhance your website experience. Remember that your grace period for your 2025 membership in the Bar runs out on March 31, so make sure to renew your membership for 2026 this month. You can now do so easily and pay electronically on our website. Also, this year we will serve our members by optimizing the Bar’s finances and making our resources work to our greatest advantage.
The BBA will also focus on serving our community. 2026 got off to a great start on MLK Day by honoring the legacy of Dr. King and providing service opportunities for our members to volunteer with their families through the Books to Prisons program and by working in the chilly weather at the Bush Hills Community Gardens. More bimonthly service opportunities will be coming your way this year. We will also continue our support and sponsorship
Bob Battle, Rebecca Beers, Sharonda Fancher.
of the outstanding Students Today, Lawyers Tomorrow mock trial program.
As 2026 is an election year, the BBA will also serve our community by bringing back the Bar Poll. As lawyers, we serve as important messengers about judicial races to our fellow citizens, so we plan to facilitate a candidates’ forum at which BBA members can learn more about those running for office. After providing BBA members with access to information about the candidates, we will institute the Bar Poll on candidate qualifications and make those results publicly available to our fellow Jefferson County residents.
Finally, in 2026, I want to focus on how Birmingham lawyers can inspire. On Feb. 9, we hosted a screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary The Alabama Solution in partnership with the Magic City Bar Association at the historic Carver Theatre and followed the screening with a CLE-credited, bipartisan, and thoughtful panel discussion about the tough issues raised in the film. Over 100 BBA members attended, learned from the panel, and received information about how they can become involved in providing pro bono trial representation for incarcerated individuals who have filed Section 1983 litigation in the Northern District of Alabama.
In addition to inspiring action, we will also have opportunities to inspire the future. For Law Day 2026, we have a great team planning our program, and we will also have two exciting volunteer opportunities. First, the BBA will sponsor a Birmingham City Schools elementary school for Better Basics’ Birmingham Reads Day. We will staff the entire elementary school with guest readers who will read and discuss a book and then give the students a copy to take home. We are also working on a partnership with Birmingham City Schools to send our amazing lawyers and judges who are BCS alumni back into their alma mater high schools to talk about their career paths — how they became a lawyer or judge, what they had to do to get there, and how they walked the same school halls and neighborhood streets and ended up with fantastic careers in the law.
It is not too late to join a section or a committee (committees are
► ADR Section: Jon Lewis
► Bankruptcy & Commercial Law Section: Wes Bulgarella
► Business Law Section: Griff Waters
► Criminal Justice Section: Michelle Spiker
► Federal Practice Section: Adam Plant
► Probate Section: Thad Davis
► Solo/Small Firm Section: Pooja Chawla
► Workers Compensation Section: Kris Burbank
► Women Lawyers Section: Hannah Stokes
► Young Lawyers Section: Robby Anderson
► Awards: Melody Eagan, Judge Michael Streety
► Birmingham Connection: Leanna Pittard and Judge Kandice Pickett (service); Joi Travis and Judge Chuck Price (social)
► CLE: Jennifer Bates, Judge Monica Agee, Hilary Williamson
► Court Liaison Committee: John Bolus, Judge Tamara
Harris-Johnson, Anna Carroll, Judge Tiffanie Agee
► Diversity & Inclusion: Jordan Cade, La Hunter
► Domestic Relations: Emily McLendon, Judge Adrienne Powell, Julia Simmons
► Entertainment: Nick Callahan, Ben Cohn, Jennifer Tombrello Cohn, Virginia Miller, Leslie Rubio, Tom Walker
► Fee Arbitration: Charity Gilchrist-Davis, Brad Cain
► Future Leaders Forum: Ken Boyles, Judge Javan
Crayton, Carmen Weite
► Grievance: Scott Williams, Julie McMakin
► Health & Wellness: Sheree Martin, Ford Mozingo
► Immigration: J.D. Walker, Enefaa Fenny, Keith Covington
► In-house/Corporate Counsel: Monica Graveline, Sharonda Fancher, Molly Clinton
► Law Day: David Fawal, Ruby Jackson, D.G. Pantazis
► Membership: Tempe Smith, Sydney Everett
► Mentoring: J.R. Thomas, Hope Marshall, Judge Kechia Davis
► Nominating: Andrew Nix, Kristin Waters
► Scholarship: Alexis Brinkmeyer, Jay Lester
great opportunities to get involved in the Bar without a huge time commitment), and you can easily do so on our new and improved bar website. If you are interested in getting involved, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, one of our bar staff members, or any of the section or committee leaders listed below. A huge thanks to each of them for saying yes to serving our Bar and our community. Again, thank you for this opportunity, which is one of the great honors of my life. As someone who grew up on a dirt road on a cotton farm outside of Selma, it is hard to believe I am now serving as the leader of this outstanding organization with a legacy of service and professional excellence and integrity. I look forward to getting to know and working with each of you.
The year 2025 came to a close for the Birmingham Bar Association, Birmingham Bar Foundation, Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham, and the Legal Aid Society of Birmingham with their joint annual Membership Meeting. The event showcased several notable highlights, which include:
► The Birmingham Bar Association honored Leslie Barineau with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Nicole E. King with the L. Burton Barnes III Public Service Award.
► The Legal Aid Society’s Flame of Justice Award was bestowed upon Alice Westery.
► Andrew Nix, the Bar Association’s Election Official, revealed the winners of the Executive Committee election.
► We honored the memories of those Birmingham Bar Association members who passed in 2025.
► We celebrated the attorneys who have been Birmingham Bar Association members for 50 years.
► Fred Helmsing, Alabama State Bar President, delivered remarks about the initiatives that ASB has implemented.
► We heard a recap of 2025 from Outgoing President Bob Battle and a preview of 2026 from Incoming President Rebecca Beers.
► The presidents of the Birmingham Bar Association, the Birmingham Bar Foundation, and Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham each passed the gavel to their incoming presidents.
Please plan to join us on Friday, Dec. 11, to celebrate what we promise will be a great 2026!
presidents.
Presiding Judge Elisabeth French opened the Annual Meeting with a warm welcome to all in attendance.
share a laugh. Thank you to our judiciary for always supporting us at the Annual Meeting.
What do you believe are your most significant accomplishments in life?
Two significant events that were life changing for me: graduating Magna Cum Laude from Cumberland School of Law and the adoption of our son. Becoming an attorney and having a son have brought immeasurable joy and meaning to my life. During your time as a Judge, what have been some of your most significant challenges?
The most significant challenge was leaving a firm and opening my own law firm. It was a very stressful time in my career, but thankfully, the judges and my colleagues knew me and my reputation, and I have enjoyed many years as a business owner. Establishing my own firm gave me an opportunity to continue providing outstanding legal service to my clients in a professional manner.
Tell us about some of your philanthropic work and why it’s important to you.
I have been actively involved for years with the Birmingham Bar Foundation and the Alabama Law Foundation. This has been important to me because of the diverse and good work each organization does in providing access to justice and legal education to those in need. I believe it is our duty to the profession to be involved in this type of service to others. Because of my involvement with these organizations, I have become aware of a variety of programs that provide these services. It has been fun to meet so many people, some who have become my good friends.
Who was the most influential person in your life? Why did he/she have such a significant impact on you?
My parents, my late husband, and my son have had a lasting impact on my life
and have shaped how I see myself and the choices I have made and continue to currently make. Their guidance and example have influenced my values, even in moments when they were not directly present. Their emphasis on Faith, Family, and Friends, has impacted my values, provided me with support, encouragement, and joy that has helped me navigate life’s challenges. I am truly blessed.
What changes would you like to see in the City of Birmingham?
I would like the City of Birmingham to work on repairing and maintaining our streets around the City, particularly Richard Arrington Jr, Blvd. where I work.
What are a couple of your favorite books?
“No Ordinary Time” by Doris Kearns
Goodwin and “On The Hills of God” by Ibrahim Fawal. No Ordinary Time tells the story of the complex relationship between Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and national and world leaders during WWII. This is a period in history I am interested in and this book explores in depth the events happening in our country and around the world. On the Hills of God tells the story of a young man living in Palestine in 1947 and his year long journey to become a man especially after the establishment of Israel in 1948. I knew Ibrahim Fawal and his family and, while this is a work of fiction, his personal knowledge of life and the struggles faced by many in that region of the work was fascinating. Where is the best place you have ever traveled?
Copenhagen, Denmark and St. Petersburg, Russia.
If you were to have pursued a different career, what would it have been and why?
I would have been a doctor. I have always been fascinated about how the human body works and why things go wrong. Even though it would have been a stressful career, it would have been an interesting challenge to try to solve patients’ medical issues. Just like my career as an attorney, it would have been rewarding to help people in need.
Tell us about one of the many organizations that you are currently involved with. How is that organization making an important impact in the community?
I have the privilege of serving as secretary and board member of Momentum, a nonprofit organization focused on leadership development and empowering women to advance in the workplace. Through its Momentum Works program, Momentum, provides six-months of high-quality professional development to underserved professional women in Birmingham who face barriers due to limited access or resources.
Who was the most influential person in your life? Why did he/she have such a significant impact on you?
Both my mother and father have been the most influential people in my life. They helped shape my core values and provided a strong foundation. My father, who is also an attorney, taught me about the importance of integrity, character and pursuing my passion. My mother, a retired social worker, instilled in me the value of hard work, discipline, and prioritizing what truly matters. Together, they modeled leadership, service, and resilience, which continue to guide me both personally and professionally and have prepared me to meet
opportunity with humility and responsibility.
What is one example of how your legal career has helped you in public service?
I established the Drug Nuisance Abatement Team in 2020. What began as a focused initiative has continued to grow to meet the needs of our city. Initially, our work centered on drug-related and environmental cases. As we delved into the cases, we saw that many of the most dangerous situations facing neighborhoods extended beyond those categories.
Why is public service so important to you?
Public service matters to me because it places people at the center of the work. Serving the City of Birmingham allows me to use my legal training to interpret the law and to help strengthen the community it exists to protect.
What changes would you like to see in Birmingham?
What I would love to see next is that progress continues to expand in ways that make it easier for young people to see a future for themselves here. When our children and young adults can build careers, make an impact, and feel valued without leaving home, Birmingham becomes stronger at its core.
What do you believe are your most significant accomplishments in life?
My most significant accomplishments begin with my family- my marriage to my rock of 17 years, my husband Marlon King, and our children: Peyton (9), MJ (7), and my bonus daughter Keirra (27). They are my greatest source of joy and motivation.
Professionally, as third-year attorney
at the time, I had the wonderful opportunity to orally argue on behalf of the City of Birmingham before the 11th Circuit United States Court of Appeals in Atlanta, Georgia in which we prevailed.
Additionally, through the support of Mayor Woodfin, I am honored to serve as the youngest City Attorney, the second female, and the first attorney to serve a third term for the City of Birmingham.
What are a couple of your favorite books and why are they your favorite?
One of my favorite books is “Believe Bigger” by Marshawn Evans Daniels because it reminds me to be grateful every day for God’s blessings and to walk in faith and in purpose. It also is a reminder of how to live, love and lead with Jesus Christ as my example.
Another one of my favorite books is by James Patterson, “Judge & Jury” because who doesn’t love a riveting legal thriller. Where is the best place you have traveled?
Spain. I absolutely fell in love with the rich history and stunning architecture of Madrid and Seville. The culture, beauty, and energy of both cities made the experience unforgettable.
If you were to have pursued a different career, what would it have been and why?
As a former second-grade teacher prior to my career in the legal field, if I were not a lawyer, I would definitely return to my other passion, educating our youth. Teaching has always been close to my heart, and I believe empowering young minds is one of the most meaningful ways to make a lasting impact.
The Entertainment Committee pulled out all the stops to turn this year’s Annual Holiday Party into a truly memorable event, hand‑crafting a tasty buffet of all your favorite dishes. We’re delighted you could celebrate the season with us and hope you had a wonderful time!
At 18 months old, Charlotte Christian was in a car crash in Arab, Alabama, that killed her father, Randall, on the spot. Charlotte survived the crash, but the tragedy was too heavy for her mother to bear alone. So grandparents in North Alabama lovingly stepped in and stepped up, raising the little girl. If you’re measuring hard knocks, Charlotte’s cup was overflowing before entering primary school. But Charlotte used that adversity to fuel her, graduating law school and then earning an advanced law degree before eventually opening her own divorce and custody law firm.
Fast forward the clock, and Charlotte married her best friend. But that love story was cut short when he died from a heart attack just 10 years into their marriage. Once again, Charlotte was faced with debilitating grief.
Looking back, Charlotte realizes the real-life experience of navigating a world turned upside down has allowed her to help thousands of Alabamians through their darkest days. “Loss is loss. And whether it’s through unexpected death or divorce, there is still a natural season of grieving and mourning,” Christian said. “I understand the gut-wrenching feeling of emptiness and uncertainty, shock and anger … I unfortunately know those emotions all too well. But I am grateful for even the hard parts of life because I know surviving means I still have the opportunity to help men and women who are suffering through their own personal crises.
“Let me be clear: we do not encourage divorce at Summit, but when people find themselves in a broken place, we certainly work relentlessly to provide relief and a clean path out of a toxic marriage. We anchor our firm in fighting for fair custody outcomes for moms and dads. We think people should be able to retire with a fair share of assets they worked years to earn. And in case after case, when men and women let go of something that no longer serves them well, their whole life opens up.
“We get to witness that first. Our clients smile again. And remember what it looks like to feel safe within the walls of their home. That makes our job worth it … getting people to the other side … and making sure they are never alone in the climb,” Christian added.
Summit is a divorce and custody law firm with offices in Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama.
The Birmingham Bar Association is committed to supporting future leaders, annually awarding scholarships to students who excel academically, demonstrate strong leadership, and are dedicated to their communities. This year’s scholarship winners stand out for their resilience, determination, and impactful contributions. We invite you to explore their individual stories, their goals, and how they are already shaping the legal landscape.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Ebony Jordan Dabon. I am a proud wife and mother of two wonderful children, Theodore II and Elise, ages 9 and 8, and I have been married to my husband, Theo, for nine years. I hold an undergraduate degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration. Professionally, I have been employed with Family Court since 2017 and currently serve as a Truancy Juvenile Probation Officer, a role I have held for the past three years. In this position, I find purpose in helping young people complete their education, set meaningful goals, and recognize their potential to succeed despite life’s challenges.
What are your career goals after
After law school, my primary goal is to practice family and juvenile law, where I can advocate for children and families during critical moments and help create pathways to stability and success. Through my professional experience, I have witnessed firsthand how effective legal guidance can change the trajectory of a child’s life. I also plan to expand my knowledge in contract law and estate planning so I can better support families, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit and forprofit organizations in building secure, sustainable foundations.
Share a personal achievement that makes you proud.
One of my greatest personal achievements is simply continuing forward despite significant obstacles since enrolling in law school in Fall 2021. This journey has included the loss of a sibling and navigating a chronic illness diagnosis for my son. Remaining resilient, committed, and determined through these challenges is an achievement I hold close to my heart. While earning my Juris Doctorate and passing the bar will be major milestones, the strength it has taken to persevere thus far is something I am incredibly proud of.
What activities are you involved in at school and outside of it?
At school, I participated in several events hosted by the Birmingham School of Law, including fall and spring faculty, student, and alumni events. I have also
supported the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) by donating to the 2023 food drive and the November 2025 sock drive. Outside of school, I have served as a youth ministry leader at Living Stones Temple for over 15 years, assisting with youth programming, the annual Backto-School Rally, and community outreach initiatives such as service to First Light Women’s Shelter. I am also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, having joined in 2017, and have served on both the scholarship and social action committees.
Who has been a role model for you and why?
My greatest role models are my family. I have watched my aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews pursue their dreams with determination and faith, showing me that it is never too late to live boldly and fulfill one’s purpose. My sister’s 30-year career as an educator exemplifies dedication and perseverance, and younger family members have built small businesses from the ground up, thriving despite economic hardships. Their resilience inspires me to keep pushing forward and remain committed to my own goals. My parents, married for 50 years, are the true example of “for better or worse.” My mother now serves as my father’s primary caregiver as he battles diabetes and other health challenges, teaching me the power of love, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment.
Tell us about yourself.
Originally from Huntsville, Alabama, I earned my undergraduate degree at Auburn University, where I studied Finance and completed private pilot flight training. I am now a 3L student at Cumberland Law School. Community involvement has always been a priority for me. During my time at Auburn, I actively engaged in various organizations and even ran for SGA President. When I moved to Birmingham for law school, I sought to get involved both inside and outside of Cumberland, which led me to join the Birmingham Bar Association at the start of my 1L year. Since then, I have attended numerous BBA events, felt welcomed, and made many new friends.
What are your career goals after law school?
After graduating from Cumberland, I plan to earn an L.L.M. in Taxation and return to Birmingham to practice corporate or partnership taxation. Share a personal achievement that makes you proud.
A personal achievement I am proud of is founding my window cleaning and pressure washing business during my junior year of high school, which I managed until just before starting law school. The fact that the company operated profitably for five years is something I take pride in. However, what makes this my top achievement is that it allowed me, at an early age, to gain insights into
business structures, learn how to build and maintain client relationships, and practice managing employees across the state and overseeing the company’s finances.
What activities are you involved in at school and outside of it?
At Cumberland, I am involved in SBA and currently serve as President of my graduating class. I am also involved in the Cordell Hull Speaker’s Forum and serve as Co-Chair for the 2025-2026 school year. Outside of school, I serve as a Commissioner on the City of Homewood Historic Preservation Board. In my free time, I enjoy watching college football with my friends and reading historical non-fiction.
Who has been a role model for you and why?
My mother is my role model. Originally from Colombia, she earned a degree in dentistry and ran her own practice for several years before immigrating to the United States and marrying my father. She inspires me by demonstrating that hard work and perseverance can help you achieve any goal, regardless of obstacles.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m from Alpharetta, Georgia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with minors in both theatre and sociology, at the University of Vermont. I’ve always been interested in understanding human
behavior and criminology, which eventually led me to law school. Outside of law, I love the arts and enjoy creative outlets like reading, making art, and cooking.
What are your career goals after law school?
After graduation, I plan to continue serving the Birmingham and Alabama community through trial advocacy. Whether in criminal law or plaintiffs’ work, my goal is to help individuals who need strong, compassionate representation the most.
Share a personal achievement that makes you proud.
In undergrad, I was selected for a competitive, year-long psychology research program and was placed at the Chittenden County Public Defender’s Office. I conducted a qualitative research project examining their mental health cases, diversion programs, and mental health court placements. Balancing client interviews, discovery review, and attending court hearings was challenging, but the project ultimately aided in assessing and improving the Chittenden County community mental health and substance abuse services for those in their diversion programs.
What activities are you involved in at school and outside of it?
At Cumberland, I am involved in the Women in Law organization and the Criminal Appeals Clinic. I previously advocated on the National Trial Team and participated in the Parole Clinic. Outside of school, I am a member of the Birmingham Bar Association and spend a majority of my time supporting Birmingham’s arts and music scene.
Who has been a role model for you and why?
My mother has been my greatest role model. She grew up in a low-income area of northern New York and worked tirelessly to pursue her passion for music despite many obstacles. Later, she showed incredible strength and compassion while raising my sister, who has complex cognitive needs. Her determination, patience, and belief that hard work can change your life continue to inspire me every day.
The Women Lawyers Section is excited for a great year. Our 2026 WLS theme is “Power, Presence, & Progress: Connecting Generations of Women Lawyers to Shape the Future.” Our 2026 Board met in January to plan for the year — thank you to Baker Donelson for hosting! WLS committees are hard at work on social events, service projects, educational opportunities, and collaborations with other sections of our Bar (and beyond!).
The WLS hopes to share moments from its members this year, focusing on individual stories of connection and what WLS has
A
meant to so many through the years. We hope a new generation of women lawyers joins us through recognizing the unique and
immense value WLS gives its members. Stay tuned for events throughout the year to connect with WLS!
A 5-MONTH INTERACTIVE AND ENGAGING SESSION
Are you a budding lawyer looking for a wise mentor? Or a seasoned lawyer eager to share your expertise? Join in the fun with the BBA New Lawyer Mentoring Program! This fantastic program pairs fresh-faced legal eagles with experienced mentors for quality, one-on-one support at no cost. Judge Eugene R. Verin kicked off this amazing journey in 2008, and now it’s led by J.R. Thomas and his committee of superstars.
Dive into sessions with the mentors full of Professionalism, Legal Ethics, Career Development, Attorney Wellness, Basic Skills Practice Areas, and more! Participants pledge, over the five-month period, to participate in in-person meetups and epic group events. The magic
happens in Spring (January-May) and Fall (August-December).
If you’re a Birmingham Bar Association member with three years or less of practice, you’re invited to apply to the program as a Mentee. Got five years or more under your belt? Become a Mentor and light the way for new lawyers! This program runs annually with five-month sessions that are jam-packed with excitement. Applications for the Fall 2026 session are now open! Apply at https://birminghambar.org/ page/Mentoring_program.
Any questions? Committee Chair J.R. Thomas is ready to chat at jrthomas@ mclc-bao.org or (205) 322-4197. Heads up: This program won’t replace the Professionalism and Ethics CLE required by the Alabama State Bar for new admittees. Get ready for an awesome adventure in the legal world!
To learn more about BBA Committees, go to birminghambar.org/page/about_committees.
The FLF prepares attorneys licensed to practice for 3-8 years to become leaders in the Birmingham Bar and community at large. Through a tailored program focused on developing leadership and team building skills, the Forum offers opportunities to network and nurture lasting relationships with current members, FLF alumni, and Birmingham leaders.
FLF Class 17 kicks off in July, and BBA members admitted to practice within the past 3-8 years are encouraged to apply! Be sure to check your email for information regarding the upcoming program and application deadline.
FLF Committee leadership this year includes Chair Ken Boyles and Co-Chairs Judge Javan Crayton and Carmen Weite.
More information is available here: www.birminghambar.org/Future_Leaders.
By POOJA CHAWLA CHAIR, SOLO SMALL FIRM SECTION
The Solo & Small Firm Section is excited to begin 2026 with our theme: Independent. Innovative. Informed. This year, we are committed to empowering lawyers with practical resources, forward-thinking ideas, and high-quality CLE opportunities. Membership is open to all lawyers, whether in a solo/small firm or a large firm.
► 12 Monthly CLEs with complimentary lunch: From Intellectual Property Basics to Administering the Low Net Worth Estate, our CLEs deliver relevant, actionable insights applicable to a wide range of practice areas. Free to members, each session features expert speakers and valuable sponsorships, ensuring top-tier learning experiences. Our annual Ott Dog Luncheon features a Federal Law Update, and we extend special gratitude to Judge John Ott for his 24 years of dedicated federal court updates at our March CLE.
► Cybersecurity Ethics CLE: As AI advances in legal sector, a key area impacting solo and small firm practitioners is data privacy and cybersecurity compliance. As the legal landscape evolves — especially concerning regulations such as the FTC Safeguards Rule and various state data breach notification statutes — it is imperative for solo and small firms to implement effective security protocols to safeguard client data. Adhering to these requirements is critical, not only to avoid regulatory penalties, but also to maintain client trust and demonstrate professional responsibility.
► 4 Social Events: We are building connections and camaraderie through four social gatherings designed to unite and energize our members with our Membership Drive (March), Cornhole Tournament (May), End of Summer Party (August) and Holiday Party (December).
► Please save the date for our upcoming St. Paddy’s Day Party/Membership Drive: Join us for networking, refreshments, and a warm welcome to
new and returning members on March 12, 5–7pm at Marsh | Rickard | Bryan, LLC.
PRACTICE TIPS FOR SOLO & SMALL FIRM LAWYERS
► Embrace secure, cloud-based practice management tools to streamline workflows and ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
► Set clear expectations with clients about communication methods and response times to foster trust and minimize misunderstandings.
► Actively participate in Section events and CLEs to build a supportive network, share resources, and stay ahead of legal trends.
► Make continuous learning a priority by attending monthly CLEs, which cover both substantive law and practical management strategies.
► We extend a heartfelt thanks to our dedicated leadership, sustaining members, inspiring speakers, generous sponsors, and engaged board members. Your continued support is the foundation of our success and growth. Together, we are building a vibrant, supportive network where independence thrives alongside collaboration. Thank you for making the Solo & Small Firm Section a place where innovation and excellence flourish. We are excited for all we will accomplish in 2026 — looking forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
From networking mixers to leisure-focused gatherings, there’s something for everyone — come find your next favorite event!
Thank you to Lightfoot Franklin for sponsoring our January Coffee with the Judges!
Our February leadership breakfast was a true highlight, buzzing with enthusiasm and camaraderie.
Coffee with the Judges has been enriched by the presence of both past and present members of our judiciary.
Thank you to Petway, French & Ford for sponsoring our November Coffee with the Judges. It was a huge success!
for our
you
The Birmingham Bar Foundation is proud to announce its 2026 Fellows Endowment Grant Recipients, continuing a long-standing tradition of thoughtful, disciplined philanthropy rooted in the legal community. What makes these grants unique—and enduring—is the structure behind them: 100% of every donation to the Fellows Program is placed directly into the Fellows Endowment, with only the interest earned used to support grants each year. This model ensures that today’s generosity creates impact not just now, but for generations to come.
Through the 2026 grant cycle, Fellows Endowment earnings are supporting organizations whose work aligns with the Foundation’s core priorities of education, access to justice, and legal assistance. Grant recipients include Redemption Earned, providing legal and reentry support to older and medically vulnerable incarcerated individuals; Books to Prisons-Birmingham Project, expanding access to critical legal and reentry resources for incarcerated people; Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama, delivering affordable, bilingual immigration legal services and civic education; One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center, improving access to legal information and resources for survivors of domestic and sexual violence; and Youth Leadership Birmingham, cultivating civic knowledge and leadership skills among high school students across Jefferson County. Grants Recommended for Funding
Together, these grants reflect the power of a permanent endowment paired with a forward-looking vision —one that honors the legal profession’s responsibility to strengthen communities, protect the vulnerable, and educate future leaders. Through the Fellows Program, the Birmingham Bar Foundation is not only meeting today’s needs, but steadily building a stronger, more just tomorrow.
For more information on how you can be involved in the Fellows Program, reach out to info@bbfound.org.
THURSDAY, MAY 21,
LOCATION TBD
5:30-8:30PM
The Birmingham Bar Foundation is turning up the volume and bringing Rock the Bar back— bigger, louder, and for a great cause. Join your friends and colleagues for an energetic night of music, camaraderie, and fun, all in support of the BBF’s mission to strengthen our community through education, access to justice, and legal assistance.
Grab your friends, warm up your air guitar, and get ready to ROCK—for a cause!
We invite you to honor the life of a colleague or loved one through a gift to the Birmingham Bar Association Memorial Scholarship Fund. Your tax-deductible gift is used to award scholarships to law students at Birmingham School of Law, Cumberland School of Law, Miles Law School, and The University of Alabama School of Law.
Donations may be sent to the Birmingham Bar Foundation, 2001 Park Place North, Suite 430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. For more information, please contact Jim H. Wilson at jwilson@birminghambar.org or the Birmingham Bar Foundation at info@bbfound.org.
We are thankful to the following generous donors for supporting this important scholarship program and carrying on a legacy of justice in future attorneys.
In memory of John Nathanael “Nat”
Bryan Sr.
► Robert Potter
In memory of Stanley Dowe Bynum
► William M. Dawson
In memory of Jonanna Owings Cole
► Georgia and Jimmy Haggerty
In memory of Ernest “Ernie” Cory
► Edward Hardin, Jr.
In memory of Mark Harvey Elovitz
► Massey, Stotser & Nichols
In memory of James Lawerence Goyer, III
► The Honorable Tom King, Jr.
In memory of Carl Johnson
► The Honorable Michael G. Graffeo
In memory of Paul Archie Phillips
► Massey, Stotser & Nichols
In memory of William Frank “Bill” Prosch, Jr.
► William M. Dawson
In memory of the Honorable Teresa Pulliam
► The Honorable Michael G. Graffeo
► Georgia and Jimmy Haggerty
In memory of Stella Scott Schreiber
► Georgia and Jimmy Haggerty
In memory of Edward Still
► The Honorable Michael G. Graffeo
In memory of Stella Scott Schreiber
► Georgia and Jimmy Haggerty
In memory of Michael Burgess Walls
► T. Michael Brown
► Julia Cochrun
► Massey, Stotser & Nichols
VLB is excited to partner with the Magic City Bar Association and Return My Vote for our upcoming Expungement Clinic at Faith Chapel (100 Mike Moore Blvd.)
There are 2 volunteer shifts: first shift 9 a.m. to noon and second shift 1-4 p.m.
Volunteers will be provided with a brief overview of the expungement process and instructions before the clinic and upon arrival. VLB will be hosting an hour Zoom training on Thursday, March 12 at noon for CLE credit.
Sign up to volunteer online at www.vlbham.org/volunteer
RENEW YOUR BBA MEMBERSHIP BEFORE APRIL 1ST!
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RENEW YOUR BBA MEMBERSHIP BEFORE APRIL 1ST!
RENEW YOUR BBA MEMBERSHIP!
If you’ve already renewed your membership, thank you (no other action necessary)!
The Birmingham Bar Association is reminding members to renew their memberships by April 1, 2025 in order to avoid having your membership lapse.
If you’ve already renewed your membership, thank you (no other action necessary)!
Don't miss out on valuable networking opportunities, fun social events (like our upcoming Annual Picnic!), CLE opportunities, section and committee involvement, leadership roles, news updates, career resources, a lawyer referral service, and exclusive discounts on products and services on April 1st when your membership lapses.
Log into your accounts to renew your membership: https://www.birmingham bar.org/?pg=login
Don't miss out on valuable networking opportunities, fun social events (like our upcoming Annual Picnic!), CLE opportunities, section and committee involvement, leadership roles, news updates, career resources, a lawyer referral service, and exclusive discounts on products and services on April 1st when your membership lapses.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the renewal process, contact Alexis Jackson at ajackson@birminghambar.org
Log into your accounts to renew your membership: https://www.birmingham bar.org/?pg=login
If you have any questions or need assistance with the renewal process, contact
Diana S. Knight, CPA, CVA
Jeff W. Maze, CPA, MA
• Income tax planning and compliance
• Audit, compilation and review services
• Estate tax planning and compliance
• Business valuations
• Tax compliance–non-profit organizations
• Trustee and elder care services
• Employee benefit plan audits
Two Chase Corporate Drive, Suite 40 Birmingham, Alabama 35244 sovereigncpa.com Count on us
John Dewar Gleissner recently published an article in the peer-reviewed open-access Global Journal of Archaeology & Anthropology (2025; 14(3): 555888, DOI: 10.19080/ GJAA.2025.14.555888) on the subject of mammoth-bone circles in Eastern and Central Europe. He observes that methods and skills used by attorneys to analyze and present evidence are valuable across various disciplines.
Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC has elevated Meghan S. Cole, Jacob Salow, and Matthew J. Winne to the firm’s partnership, effective January 1.
Hand Arendall Harrison Sale and Barron & Redding announce the completion of their merger effective January 1, 2026. This merger of these two long-standing, successful, and reputable law firms brings together attorneys who have represented many of the region’s distinguished individuals, largest corporate clients, and real estate developers.
Wallace Jordan Ratliff & Brandt, LLC is pleased to announce that J. Britton Funderburk has been named as a Member of the firm. Britt brings extensive experience in civil litigation and construction law, along with a strong record of advocacy and leadership. His depth of knowledge and
commitment to client-focused solutions will further strengthen the firm’s ability to serve its clients.
Three attorneys with Bradley have been promoted, effective January 1, 2026, to partner: Riley McDaniel, Mason Rollins, and Alex Thrasher
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings is pleased to announce new leadership appointments in four of its practice groups: Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights, Corporate & Securities, Intellectual Property, and Tax. The new practice group leaders are: James Blake Bailey – Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights; Danny Feltham – Corporate & Securities;
Arendall Harrison Sale is proud to announce several leadership appointments and firm promotions that reflect the continued growth and strength of the firm. Ben Goldman has been elected to the Firm’s Executive Committee and appointed Birmingham Managing Lawyer. He succeeds Rip Britton, who is stepping down from the role. Dorissa Smith and Ben Reardon have been elected as Members of the Firm.
Gregory Fann Turner Law, LLC is pleased to welcome associate attorney, Alex Richart, to its team of lawyers practicing
in the field of domestic relations and matrimonial law. Offices are located at 201 Office Park Drive, Suite 320, Birmingham, Alabama 35223. Phone: 205-729-6685.
Wood & Swiney, P.C. Is pleased to announce that McKenzie L. Wilson has joined the firm as an associate.
Porterfield, Harper, Mills, Motlow & Ireland, P.A. is pleased to announce that Joel S. Isenberg was selected to become a member of the Fellow of the American College of Coverage Counsel.
Burr & Forman is pleased to announce the election of Maddie Hughes and Emily Schreiber Pendley to partnership, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Bainbridge, Mims, Rogers & Smith is delighted to share that Tara Leahy has joined the firm as an associate. Tara’s practice focuses on business, commercial,
and civil litigation, as well as probate and estate matters, where she represents clients in a broad range of disputes with a practical, detail-oriented, and client-focused approach.
Dentons Sirote is proud to announce that Sarah S. Johnston has been elected a Fellow of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).
Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is pleased to announce the launch of the firm’s Military Workforce Practice Group, a dedicated team of attorneys focused on helping employers properly handle the growing legal and compliance issues related to service members, veterans, and military families in the civilian workforce. The Military Workforce Practice Group is chaired by shareholders Amy Quick Glenos and James A. Patton, Jr.
Bradley is pleased to announce that five of the firm’s Birmingham attorneys have been elected to serve in leadership roles with the Birmingham Bar Association for the 2026 term. Mason Kruse, Riley McDaniel, Rachel Sims, Carmen Weite, and Hilary Williamson were elected to the At-Large Committee of the Young Lawyers Section (YLS). All five will serve oneyear terms effective January 1, 2026.
Burr & Forman LLP is pleased to announce the addition of seven firstyear associates further advancing the firm’s growth strategy and deepening its regional presence: Maddison Booth , Alisha Clay, Kyra Lockhart, Guadlupe Orozco Rosiles, Anna Robinson, Mckenzy Smith, and Alli Swann
