AKRIDGE & BALCH, P.C. - Key Persons


Ashleigh G. Duffie

Job Titles:
  • Paralegal

J Edgar Akridge Jr.

Job Titles:
  • of Counsel

Kris R. Patton

Job Titles:
  • Staff Member

Mary Katherine Alemany

Job Titles:
  • Associate
  • Attorney
  • LLC, Owner / Attorney, 2022 to 2023
  • Member of Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Mary Katherine is a native of Huntsville, Alabama. She is a graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. During her time at Auburn, she was involved in the Auburn Pre-Law Scholars Program. Upon graduating from Auburn in August of 2014, Mary Katherine attended Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. While in law school, Mary Katherine served as class Treasurer, a member of the Student Bar Association, the law school representative for the Samford University Graduate Student Council, an instructor for the Street Law Program, and was selected as a member of the Harvey S. Jackson Excellence in Teaching Award Committee. After passing the Alabama Bar Exam in July of 2017, Mary Katherine began practicing in Randolph County, Alabama. She joined Akridge & Balch in June of 2023 and her primary focus is criminal defense, family law (divorce, custody, adoptions, termination of parental rights, child support), and juvenile delinquency and dependency. Mary Katherine has zealously represented hundreds of criminal clients, ranging from simple traffic citations to attempted murders, and everything in between. She serves Lee County, Randolph County, and all surrounding areas. Mary Katherine is a certified Guardian Ad Litem and a member of Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, National Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Lee County Bar Association, Randolph County Bar Association and the Alabama State Bar Association. Mary Katherine and her husband, Matt, reside in Opelika, Alabama with their two sons, Wally and John Henry, and their two dogs, Waylon and Ophelia. During her free time, Mary Katherine enjoys all things live music, reading, and chasing after her wild boys. She and her family are active members of Church of the Highlands. Practice Areas Criminal Defense

Melanie L. Tritt

Job Titles:
  • Paralegal

Rebecca W. P. Buxton

Job Titles:
  • of Counsel

Russell C. Balch - President

Job Titles:
  • President

Sara Bragdon - Shareholder

Job Titles:
  • Shareholder

Scott Hewitt Law

Job Titles:
  • Associate, 05 / 2012 to 07 / 2013
Professional Associations Lee County Bar Association, 10/2015 to Present Elder Law Section for the Alabama State Bar, Member, 2020 to Present Real Property Section of the Alabama State Bar, Member, 2018 to Present Alabama State Bar, Member, 2012 to Present Georgia Bar Association, Member, 2013 to Present

Zeb H. Vaughn

Job Titles:
  • Staff Member