Attorney Intel is pleased to announce The Top 25 Attorneys of Alabama for 2024. Alabama’s legal system is characterized by history and complexity, stemming from its unique blend of state and federal laws, traditions rooted in southern culture, and diverse legal challenges. As such, the state is home to many well-established law firms and elite lawyers representing renowned companies in areas such as finance, banking, restructuring, labor laws, product liability, and more. This year’s impressive roster of awardees plays a vital role in ensuring the proper functioning of business and economic activity within the state and beyond.
We highlight Kendall Dunson, an Attorney and Partner at Beasley Allen Law Firm, who handles multimillion-dollar lawsuits and high-impact cases focused on product liability, general personal injury, and workers’ compensation cases, and has influenced corporations to design and manufacture safer products. Next, we have Ann Huckstep, Partner at Adams and Reese, who has guided companies in cutting-edge issues in healthcare, real estate, and corporate law for nearly 35 years. Finally, awardee John Cady, General Counsel and Vice President for Contract Operations at Shearer & Associates, Inc. has over 50 years of government and industry experience as an attorney and was previously employed by the U.S. Army.
This year’s candidates boast impressive accomplishments that deserve recognition. Their commitment to their respective legal specializations has put them at the top of their field. Please join us in celebrating The Top 25 Attorneys of Alabama for 2024.
1. Jud Stanford
Partner, Hall Booth Smith
Jud Stanford is a Partner at Hall Booth Smith, a full-service law firm with 30 offices across the United States. Experienced across a variety of legal disciplines, HBS attorneys provide client-specific counsel to individuals, domestic and international corporations, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Stanford specializes in construction defects, general liability, insurance coverage, premises liability, transportation, labor and employment, and workers’ compensation matters. He also serves as a mediator in personal injury, general liability, workers’ compensation, and insurance coverage matters in Alabama.
Previously, Stanford was a partner at Mudd, Bolvig, Luke & Wells, LLC, and before that a partner at Wilson & Berryhill, P.C. Earlier in his career, he worked with Hammond, Feldman & Lehane, P.C. as an attorney. Stanford earned a J.D. from the Birmingham School of Law and an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
2. Matthew Moore
Partner, Butler Snow
Matthew Moore is a Partner at Butler Snow, a national business law and litigation firm whose team of legal professionals serves clients from Fortune 1000 firms to emerging technology start-ups.
Moore provides representation in regulatory and corporate matters. He has extensive experience in Federal procurement, national security, and international trade regulatory matters. He also maintains a general corporate practice for government contractors and multinational clients.
Before joining Butler Snow, Moore was an attorney at Moore Compliance Law, P.C. and before that an associate at Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C. Earlier in his career, he worked with Gulfstream Aerospace as a materials and processes engineer. Moore graduated from Duke University School of Law with a J.D. and from Florida State University with an undergraduate degree in chemistry.
3. Blake Goodsell
General Counsel, Daxko
Blake Goodsell is the General Counsel of Daxko, a leading technology partner for health and fitness centers worldwide. The company is dedicated to meeting the needs of health clubs, boutique fitness studios, affiliate gyms, campus recreation facilities, integrated wellness centers, and key community organizations like YMCAs and JCCs.
Goodsell navigates the intersection of law and business with a pragmatic approach honed through years of private practice. His legal expertise is a cornerstone of Daxko's operations, ensuring legal compliance and sound decision-making.
Previously, Goodsell was an attorney at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP and before that a legal counsel at Bank of America. Earlier in his career, he worked with Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith as an attorney-at-law. Goodsell earned a J.D. from The University of Alabama School of Law and an undergraduate degree in urban and regional planning from The University of Alabama.
4. Chris Lockwood
Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson
Chris Lockwood is a Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson, a transatlantic law firm with over 1,000 lawyers based in 32 U.K. and U.S. office locations. The firm provides core legal services including commercial, corporate, employment, pensions, finance, banking, restructuring, and more.
Lockwood focuses his practice on government contracts and business litigation. He represents government contractors in litigation matters and provides general counsel in all aspects of procurement law, including bid protests, data rights, contract disputes, and regulatory matters. Lockwood frequently handles bid protests before the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and U.S. Court of Federal Claims, as well as size protests before the Small Business Administration and its Office of Hearings and Appeals.
Previously, Lockwood was an attorney at Wilmer & Lee, P.A. Lockwood earned his J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law and his undergraduate degree at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.
5. Michael Turner
Attorney and Partner, Phelps Dunbar
Michael Turner is an Attorney and Partner at Phelps Dunbar, a regional law firm with over 300 attorneys that serve clients in the South’s major commercial centers. The company focuses on six core areas: labor and employment, litigation, business, admiralty, insurance coverage, and healthcare.
Turner has 25 years of litigation experience focused on the defense of companies in employment-related litigation. He works closely with employers to advise them on issues and draft policies and procedures to minimize legal risk, address workplace challenges, and maximize employee relations.
Previously, Turner was an attorney and partner at Cabaniss, Johnston, Gardner, Dumas & O'Neal LLP. Earlier in his career, he worked with Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C. as an associate lawyer. Turner earned a J.D. in law from Wake Forest University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
6. Rachel Cash
Partner, Burr & Forman
Rachel Cash is a Partner in the Burr & Forman's Financial Services Litigation Practice Group. Her practice focuses primarily on defending banks and mortgage companies against alleged violations of consumer protection laws in state and federal courts across the country. Cash represents fintech companies as well as financial institutions such as banks, mortgage lenders, credit card companies, and auto finance companies in consumer lawsuits filed under various state and federal laws, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the Truth-in-Lending Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. Cash has also defended retail banks involving an array of allegations including account management and payment posting issues as well as mortgage lenders against allegations of wrongful foreclosure in a number of states, including both judicial and non-judicial foreclosure jurisdictions. Her experience includes defending both individual and class actions at the trial and appellate level. In addition to her financial services practice, Cash is a member of the firm’s cybersecurity group and has worked with financial institutions to navigate the preparation and submission of numerous data breach class action settlement claims.
Cash received her J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law and an undergraduate degree in Real Estate and Finance from Florida State University. She is a member of both the Alabama Bar and the Florida Bar. In addition to her law practice, Cash serves on the Young Professionals Board for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and on the Board of Directors for the Shelby Humane Society. She is also involved in the Alabama State Bar and previously served on the Executive Committee for the Alabama State Bar Young Lawyers Section.
7. Ann Huckstep
Partner, Adams and Reese
Ann Huckstep is a Partner at Adams and Reese, a multidisciplinary law firm with 300 attorneys and advisors strategically located throughout the United States and Washington, D.C. Adams and Reese professionals are known as practical and personal advisors and advocates who tailor their approach and counsel to the specific needs of each situation and client.
Huckstep has 35 years of experience advising companies on issues in health care, real estate, and corporate law. She provides hospitals and medical care providers with advice on regulatory compliance, certificate of need, accreditation, business transactions, labor matters, antitrust issues, governance issues, strategic planning, and more.
Huckstep graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School with a J.D. and from the University of Mississippi with an undergraduate degree in business administration and management.
Ann Huckstep's Insight
“The practice of law is a very satisfying way to help people with problems they can’t solve on their own,” says Huckstep. “I regard others' trust in me highly.”
8. Wesley Redmond
Partner, FordHarrison
Wesley Redmond is a Partner at FordHarrison, a law firm offering comprehensive services in labor and employment law. Its team of nearly 200 lawyers works with clients to devise strategies that lessen risks associated with employee claims and ensure compliance with federal and state labor and employment laws and regulations.
Redmond has more than 25 years of experience as a labor and employment attorney and focuses on representing retail clients and religious institutions. He regularly represents clients in state and federal courts, as well as before administrative agencies, and he counsels them in complying with the many federal and state employment and labor laws.
Previously, Redmond was a shareholder at Baker Donelson. Earlier in his career, he worked with Berkowitz Lefkowitz as an associate. Redmond earned a J.D. in law from Georgetown University Law Center and an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
9. Kendall Dunson
Attorney and Partner, Beasley Allen Law Firm
Kendall Dunson is an Attorney and Partner at Beasley Allen Law Firm, a law firm founded by former Alabama lieutenant governor Jere Locke Beasley in 1979. It works with clients and attorneys, representing plaintiffs and claimants in areas such as business litigation, personal injury and product liability, medical devices and drugs, fraud, labor and employment, and environmental law.
Dunson handles product liability, general personal injury, and workers’ compensation cases involving defective industrial machinery. He has worked on numerous cases to compensate clients for their losses and influence corporations to design and manufacture safer products. Dunson has been involved in several multimillion-dollar lawsuits and high-impact cases.
Before joining Beasley Allen Law Firm, he was an attorney and associate at Balch & Bingham LLP. Dunson graduated from The University of Alabama School of Law with a J.D. in law and from the University of Georgia with an undergraduate degree in banking, corporate, finance, and securities law.
10. Joe McAbee
General Counsel, McAbee
Joe McAbee is the General Counsel of McAbee Construction, a premier industrial construction and mechanical contractor offering quality fabrication, construction, maintenance, and more. McAbee joined McAbee Construction, Inc. in 2015, and has helped improve the company in multiple areas including project management, contract administration/ dispute resolution, human resources, payroll, purchasing, AR, AP, accounting, and ESOP administration.
Prior to joining McAbee Construction, he served as General Counsel for Algobot Trading, a high-frequency algorithmic trading company. McAbee earned his J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law and his undergraduate degree in business management from the University of Alabama.
11. David Bowsher
Partner, Balch & Bingham
David Bowsher is a Partner at Balch & Bingham, a corporate law firm recognized nationally for its dedication to its clients and forward-thinking approach. Balch & Bingham includes more than 200 attorneys throughout the Southeast, Texas, and Washington, D.C.
Bowsher advises on mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy matters, and oil and gas acquisitions and financing. His practice focuses on middle market deals, in which he has represented both buyers and sellers. Additionally, Bowsher's extensive corporate and transactional experience includes securities offerings, financing transactions, and capital-raising efforts for companies of all sizes, from start-ups and emerging growth companies to more established businesses.
Bowsher first got his start in 1999 as a judicial clerk at Hon. William H. Yohn, Jr., U.S. District Judge, E.D. Pa. From there, he went on to Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering, before eventually rising to partner in charge at Adams and Reese LLP. Bowsher graduated from Duke University School of Law with a J.D. and from Brown University with an undergraduate degree in English and American literature and economics.
12. Allison Taylor
General Counsel and Executive Vice President Legal, Milo's Tea Company
Allison Taylor is the General Counsel and Executive Vice President Legal of Milo's Tea Company, a family-owned, certified Women’s Business Enterprise located in Birmingham, Alabama that manufactures, distributes, markets, and sells fresh-brewed teas and all-natural lemonade.
Taylor has a background in law and taxation and has experience in business planning, estate planning, and tax planning. With 20+ years of experience handling legal matters for clients from diverse industries including the manufacturing, services, and technology sectors, she provides general counsel services to both start-up and mature businesses.
During her career, Taylor spent several years as Vice President and General Counsel for Southern Research, a not-for-profit organization with nearly 500 scientists and engineers engaged in scientific discovery and technology development. Taylor earned a J.D. from The University of Alabama School of Law, an LLM in taxation from New York University School of Law, and an undergraduate degree in accounting from The University of Alabama.
13. Doug McCoy
Partner, Hand Arendall
Doug McCoy is a Partner at Hand Arendall, a full-service law firm for businesses and individuals. The firm provides legal services in all areas of traditional civil practice to clients throughout Alabama, Northwest Florida, and Mississippi.
McCoy practices primarily in the area of commercial litigation, including cases involving intellectual property and non-compete agreement disputes, claims arising out of financing and leasing transactions, contract disputes, cyber security breach-related claims, real estate litigation, securities litigation, corporate control litigation, commercial fraud and tort litigation, and more.
He also serves as Chair of Hand Arendall Harrison Sale’s class action litigation practice group. McCoy earned his J.D. from Duke University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee.
Doug McCoy's Insight
“One of the true treasures from my legal career is the relationships I have been privileged to form with so many other distinguished and accomplished practitioners,” says McCoy.
14. Bert Spence
Partner, Rumberger Kirk & Caldwell
Bert Spence is a Partner at Rumberger Kirk & Caldwell, a law firm providing litigation and counseling services in product liability, commercial litigation, construction, IP litigation, employment, insurance coverage, professional liability, and toxic torts.
Spence has a broad background in banking and financial services, product liability, and general commercial litigation. He represents clients in matters involving banking, class actions, insurance coverage, workplace exposure, toxic tort, and product liability.
Spence first got his start in 1990 as a partner at Lange Simpson (later merged with) Adams and Reese LLP. He graduated from The University of Alabama Law with a J.D. and from Jacksonville State University with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
15. John Cady
General Counsel & Vice President for Contract Operations, Shearer & Associates
John Cady is the General Counsel and Vice President for Contract Operations at Shearer & Associates, Inc., a premier engineering firm known for its expertise in security engineering, facilities engineering, and program management.
Cady has over 50 years of government and industry experience as an attorney, contracts manager, and project manager. His role focuses on solving highly complex legal and contracting problems arising from the day-to-day operations of the firm. Cady develops strategic alliances, interfaces with government and commercial customers and partners, and manages all phases of contracting activities for the company.
Before joining Shearer & Associates, Inc. in 2007, Cady was employed by the U.S. Army for nearly 40 years. He received his J.D. from The University of Alabama School of Law and an undergraduate degree in psychology and philosophy from The University of Alabama.
16. Alfred Perkins
Partner, Starnes Davis Florie
Alfred Perkins is a Partner at Starnes Davis Florie, a diverse civil litigation practice with a list of clients that includes local and international corporations, business owners, financial institutions, commercial aviation owners and manufacturers, hospitals, nursing homes, state universities, insurance companies, municipalities, attorneys, doctors, architects, and accountants.
Perkins is an experienced trial lawyer, litigator, and counselor who focuses on representing and defending employers, businesses, professionals, and governmental entities in civil litigation. He primarily focuses on the areas of employment discrimination, wage and hour, complex litigation, commercial disputes, product liability, legal malpractice, governmental liability, and wrongful death/catastrophic injury.
Perkins graduated from The University of Alabama School of Law with a J.D. and from Mississippi State University with an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering.
17. Patricia Chen
Senior Attorney, Ropes & Gray
Patricia Chen is the Senior Attorney of Ropes & Gray, a global law firm with 13 offices in the United States, Asia, and Europe. The firm has over 1,500 lawyers and professionals worldwide and its clients include corporations, financial institutions, government agencies, universities, and healthcare organizations. It was founded in 1865 in Boston by John Codman Ropes and John Chipman Gray.
Chen focuses her practice on corporate restructurings and debt finance, including stand-alone reorganizations and liquidations in Chapter 11, bankruptcy financings and acquisitions, adversary proceedings, out-of-court restructurings, and UCC foreclosures. She has experience representing loan agents, indentured trustees, secured and unsecured creditors, and corporate debtors.
Chen started her career in 2002 as an executive assistant at Asian American LEAD. She graduated from Harvard Law School with a J.D. in law and from Duke University with an undergraduate degree in biology and math.
19. Mai Lan Isler
Attorney, Capell & Howard
Mai Lan Isler is an Attorney at Capell & Howard, a firm that provides legal services in Alabama and throughout the Southeast. Isler concentrates her practice in the areas of civil litigation and employment law. Her practice focuses on representing and advising management on employment matters, including drafting employee manuals and developing employment policies and procedures. She also defends the State of Alabama in several employment class action cases and is an adjunct professor at the University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law.
Before joining Capell & Howard, Isler practiced law in Texas and Virginia and served as an adjunct professor and Moot Court Advisor for the College of William and Mary School of Law. While in Texas, she was an associate attorney in the Dallas office of Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue in commercial litigation and product liability. Isler also practiced law with two firms in Virginia in employment law and general litigation. Isler received her bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary, and her J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law.
20. Chris Zulanas
Partner, Friedman Dazzio & Zulanas
Chris Zulanas is a Partner at Friedman Dazzio & Zulanas, a general civil practice firm, exclusively committed to the trial and resolution of civil litigation and commercial transactions. It provides clients with a comprehensive range of legal services while focusing personal attention on each client’s individual needs.
Zulanas’ practice primarily involves litigation arising out of commercial trucking and transportation, commercial and residential construction, auto liability, insurance coverage, personal injury, and product liability. He also works with clients to minimize the potential for litigation through risk management measures and client-specific business practices.
Zulanas earned a J.D. from Samford University and an undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Notre Dame.
21. Elizabeth Pittman
Attorney, Swift Currie McGhee & Hiers
Elizabeth Pittman is an Attorney at Swift Currie McGhee & Hiers, a litigation firm that handles aspects of dispute resolution and litigation for corporations, organizations, and individuals.
Pittman’s practice focuses on civil defense litigation, including product liability, premises liability, and catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation. Additionally, she has significant experience in litigating automobile/trucking matters in both state and federal courts. Pittman helps her clients navigate both pre-suit and pending litigation.
Before joining Swift Currie, Pittman externed for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), where she investigated and drafted consumer declarations, giving her unique insight into understanding the consumer perspective and finding creative solutions for her defense. Pittman earned her J.D. from Emory University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in international economics and Spanish from The University of Alabama.
22. Dee Repici
General Counsel, Doster Construction Company
Dee Repici is the General Counsel of Doster Construction Company, a leading provider of general contracting, construction management, and design-build services to commercial, educational, healthcare, hospitality, industrial, multifamily, and senior living clients throughout the country.
Previously, Repici was a general counsel at MiraMed: A Global Services Company and before that a senior associate and assistant general counsel at Surgical Care Affiliates. Earlier in her career, she worked with HealthSouth Corporation as a senior attorney. Repici earned a J.D. from The University of Alabama School of Law and an undergraduate degree in finance from The University of Alabama.
23. Bill Bensinger
Partner, Christian & Small
Bill Bensinger is a Partner at Christian & Small, a multi-disciplinary regional law firm serving individuals and regional, national, and international companies, as well as emerging businesses. It represents clients throughout Alabama and in several other Southeastern states, and members of the firm serve as national coordinating counsel, regional counsel, and statewide counsel for clients in various enterprises.
Bensinger practice focuses on commercial dispute litigation, bankruptcy, and restructuring litigation. He represents creditors, franchisors, landlords, unsecured creditors’ committees, and financial institutions in a wide variety of matters, including preference and avoidance actions, workout transactions, and insolvency matters.
Previously, Bensinger was an attorney at Baker Donelson and before that an attorney at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP. Earlier in his career, he worked with the Marine Corps as a marine. Bensinger earned a J.D. from Samford University, a master of law in bankruptcy from St. John’s University, and an undergraduate degree in accounting from Samford University.
24. Eric Dyas
General Counsel, Pocketbook
Eric Dyas is the General Counsel of Pocketbook, a financial services company that helps businesses send invoices seamlessly, accept payments, automate AR & AP, create contracts, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Dyas specializes in helping banking organizations and other types of financial services organizations, including financial technology (fintech) companies, manage legal risks arising from all aspects of their operations. Before joining Pocketbook, Dyas was a legal counsel at PNC Bank and before that an assistant general counsel, and senior vice president at BBVA USA. Earlier in his career, he worked with Miller, Hamilton, Snider & Odom, LLC as a partner.
Dyas graduated from The University of Alabama School of Law with a J.D., from Baylor University with a master of international management, and from Auburn University with an undergraduate degree in French, foreign language, and international trade.
25. Andrew Townsley
Attorney, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne
Andrew Townsley is the Attorney of Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, a full-service law firm in Huntsville, Alabama with more than 40 attorneys. The firm advises and represents businesses, manufacturers, service companies, technology companies, financial institutions, healthcare providers, insurance companies, school systems, governmental agencies, and more.
Townsley regularly represents municipalities, businesses, and individuals in the defense of personal injury, premises liability, and property damage cases. He also defends numerous local medical professionals in professional liability cases.
Townsley started his career in 2014 as an attorney at Wilmer & Lee, P.A., before eventually rising to attorney at Gaines Gault Hendrix, PC. Townsley graduated from The University of Alabama School of Law with a J.D. and from The University of Alabama with a master’s degree in history and a bachelor’s degree in history and political science.
