RUSHTON STAKELY - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Shareholder
• Member of First United Methodist Church

Mr. Hargrove joined the firm in 1999 and became a shareholder in 2005. He is a member of the litigation department, and he currently serves on the firm's management committee. He has a broad civil defense practice that includes complex and commercial litigation, construction law, product liability, state and federal employment claims, and professional liability. Recently, a significant percentage of his practice has focused on the representation of major pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. Mr. Hargrove has also defended employers in discrimination, retaliatory discharge, and whistleblower claims. Mr. Hargrove has litigated cases in over 50 counties in Alabama. He has also litigated cases in the United States District Court for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Alabama. Mr. Hargrove was admitted to practice in the Vioxx Multi District Litigation in the Superior Court of New Jersey. Mr. Hargrove holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Birmingham-Southern College with a major in political science. He graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1999 where he was a member of the Phillip C. Jessup International Moot Court Team, the John A. Campbell Moot Court Board, and The Order of Barristers National Honor Society. Mr. Hargrove is a member of First United Methodist Church, where he serves on the Administrative Board, Executive Committee, Board of Trustees (Chair) and Stewardship Committee (former Chair). He has served as a Sunday school teacher and Young Life Montgomery board member. In addition, Mr. Hargrove has served as a little league baseball coach, and has organized a 5K run for a local charity.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder

Mrs. Hines joined the firm in 2012 and attained shareholder status in 2019. Over her 20 years of practice, she has gained significant experience in many areas of the law, with her primary focus on labor and employment law, healthcare and medical liability, professional liability, and healthcare regulatory compliance. Mrs. Hines also has extensive appellate experience and has appeared in oral argument before a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals (Eleventh Circuit). Mrs. Hines received her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Alabama (B.S., 2000, cum laude; J.D. 2003). Prior to joining Rushton Stakely, she practiced with the firms of Thompson, Garrett & Hines, LLP and Sirote & Permutt. She also worked as the Assistant District Attorney of Escambia County, Alabama and served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Sharon Lovelace Blackburn. Mrs. Hines defends physicians, nurses, long-term care facilities, medical practices and hospitals in complex medical malpractice lawsuits and before regulatory boards. She has successfully defended health care providers throughout Alabama by securing orders of dismissal or jury defense verdicts. Of significance, Mrs. Hines defended a pediatric cardiologist in a wrongful death case and obtained a defense verdict in Mobile County, a venue known to be dangerous for such cases. The case involved a high degree of emotion and sympathy as it centered around the death of a three-month-old infant on Christmas Day. She also obtained a defense verdict for a hospital medicine physician in Birmingham, Alabama accused of the delayed diagnosis and treatment of a post-operative bleed that resulted in his patient's death. Most recently, Mrs. Hines obtained two defense verdicts in Covington County for a male nurse wrongfully accused of sexually assaulting patients. Mrs. Hines also litigates state and federal employment law claims for employers, including healthcare entities, beginning with EEOC investigations through trial. She has obtained summary judgments in favor of a hospital against federal claims of racial discrimination, disability discrimination and retaliation. Mrs. Hines also routinely advises employers of all sizes on general employment law matters that arise during normal day-to-day business operations and frequently prepares employment-related legal documents, including policy and procedure handbooks, employment contracts and separation agreements. Mrs. Hines has been peer nominated for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® for Insurance Law and Medical Malpractice - Defendants, 2022, 2023 and 2024 editions. She was also selected for inclusion in Mid-South Super Lawyers 2017 and 2018 as a Rising Star in the area Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder
• Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates
• Member of Trinity Presbyterian Church

Mr. Wilson has been a shareholder with the firm since 2004. He focuses his practice on civil litigation and trial work, with an emphasis on health care and professional liability defense, drug and medical device litigation, product liability, and employment law. Mr. Wilson has significant trial and appellate experience, having defended a variety of individuals and entities including hospitals, physicians, and dentists in jury trials throughout the state. He has also appeared in oral argument before a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals (Eleventh Circuit). Mr. Wilson regularly presents to legal, healthcare, and similar groups on various topics associated with liability and risk management. Mr. Wilson has also been actively involved in the defense of medical device and pharmaceutical products, both in local and nationwide (multi-district or consolidated) litigation. In addition, he regularly represents a variety of clients in various types of employment litigation including claims of discrimination based on race, gender, or age, retaliatory discharge, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family & Medical Leave Act, and wage and hour matters. A native of Montgomery, Mr. Wilson received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Alabama (B.A., 1993, J.D. 1996). While in law school, Mr. Wilson received the Walter P. Gewin Award for outstanding written appellate advocacy in the moot court competition. Mr. Wilson is a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church. He is active in several civic and community organizations and has served as a board member and president of the board for the Montgomery YMCA's Britton Youth branch. Mr. Wilson also serves as a member of the board of trustees of Trinity Presbyterian School. Mr. Wilson is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Memberships are extended by invitation only and follow a nomination, a rigorous assessment of jury trial experience, and a favorable vote by lawyers comprising the state chapter of the organization.

Job Titles:

• of Counsel
• Member of the Litigation

Chase is a member of the litigation section, practicing in the Birmingham office. His practice focuses on workers' compensation defense, representing sureties, and defending personal injury claims resulting from highway and premises accidents. A Montgomery, Alabama native, Chase obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alabama and his Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of law, consistently making the Dean's List throughout his academic career. Honors and Awards Chase serves on the Alabama State Bar Young Lawyers Executive Committee. Bio Chase is a member of the litigation section, practicing in the Birmingham office. His practice focuses on workers' compensation defense, representing sureties, and defending personal injury claims resulting from highway and premises accidents. A Montgomery, Alabama native, Chase obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alabama and his Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of law, consistently making the Dean's List throughout his academic career. Honors and Awards Chase serves on the Alabama State Bar Young Lawyers Executive Committee.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder

Mr. Simmons joined the firm in 1993 and became a shareholder in 1998. He practices in state and federal taxation, corporate and business law, securities law, municipal finance, employee benefits law and estate planning. He has represented corporations, partnerships, public entities and individuals in a broad spectrum of transactions including mergers and acquisitions, tax-exempt financings, and joint ventures. Mr. Simmons has extensive experience in structuring capital financing for corporations and other ventures involving various tax and securities issues in both public offerings and private placements. He also has significant experience representing and providing guidance to hospitals and other healthcare service providers on financing, compliance and organizational design and structure. He has represented taxpayers in tax matters at the federal level in the United States Tax Court and at the state level in front of various administrative and judicial bodies. Mr. Simmons served as a member of the Alabama Law Institute committee to revise the Alabama Public Employees Retirement System. He is currently a member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers and the American Bar Association Sections on Business Law, Health Care and Taxation. He is also a member of the estate planning council. Honors and Awards Mr. Simmons has been selected for inclusion in the list of The Best Lawyers in America® for over 15 years. He has also been named as the 2013 and 2021 "Montgomery Litigation and Controversy Tax Lawyer of the Year" in this publication. The lawyers being honored as "Lawyers of the Year" have received particularly high ratings in the publication's surveys by earning a high level of respect among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.

Job Titles:

• Associate

Mr. Griffin joined the firm as an associate in 2022. His practice is devoted to civil litigation with a primary focus on medical malpractice. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Griffin completed a two-year clerkship with the Honorable Terry F. Moorer at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton College in 2017. He received his Juris Doctorate and Master of Law in Business Transactions from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2020. While in law school, Mr. Griffin served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Legal Profession Law Review and Student Attorney in the Entrepreneurship and Nonprofit Clinic. Bio Mr. Griffin joined the firm as an associate in 2022. His practice is devoted to civil litigation with a primary focus on medical malpractice. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Griffin completed a two-year clerkship with the Honorable Terry F. Moorer at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton College in 2017. He received his Juris Doctorate and Master of Law in Business Transactions from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2020. While in law school, Mr. Griffin served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Legal Profession Law Review and Student Attorney in the Entrepreneurship and Nonprofit Clinic. Education B.A. Carleton College, 2017 J.D./LL.M. in Business Transactions University of Alabama School of Law, 2020

Job Titles:

• Associate

Brock Hendon joined the firm as an Associate in 2022. His practice concentrates around federal and state taxation, corporate and transactional matters (including tax-exempt organizations), and estate planning. Hendon received his Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University where he majored in finance. While at Auburn, he served as a member of the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen and as an At-Large Senator in the Student Government Association. He also volunteered with the Kappa Delta Shamrock Run, the Jason Dufner Foundation, and Ignite Auburn. Additionally, he spent a summer in London, where he studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Hendon received his Juris Doctor degree from Cumberland School of Law. During law school, he was selected as a Judge Abraham Caruthers Fellow, a member of the Judge James Edwin Horton Inn of Court, and chair of the Cordell Hull Speakers Forum. He also earned the Scholar of Merit award for Taxation of Nonprofits, which is given to the student with the highest grade in the class. Hendon then received his LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center. A native of Montgomery, Hendon currently serves on the board of directors for various local organizations, including the Cole Ellis Foundation, the Young Alumni Council for the Auburn Alumni Association, the Alumni Council for The Montgomery Academy, and the Advisory Board for Cumberland School of Law. Hendon has served as a guest lecturer for Cumberland School of Law's Public Law Process course. Bio Brock Hendon joined the firm as an Associate in 2022. His practice concentrates around federal and state taxation, corporate and transactional matters (including tax-exempt organizations), and estate planning. Hendon received his Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University where he majored in finance. While at Auburn, he served as a member of the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen and as an At-Large Senator in the Student Government Association. He also volunteered with the Kappa Delta Shamrock Run, the Jason Dufner Foundation, and Ignite Auburn. Additionally, he spent a summer in London, where he studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Hendon received his Juris Doctor degree from Cumberland School of Law. During law school, he was selected as a Judge Abraham Caruthers Fellow, a member of the Judge James Edwin Horton Inn of Court, and chair of the Cordell Hull Speakers Forum. He also earned the Scholar of Merit award for Taxation of Nonprofits, which is given to the student with the highest grade in the class. Hendon then received his LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center. A native of Montgomery, Hendon currently serves on the board of directors for various local organizations, including the Cole Ellis Foundation, the Young Alumni Council for the Auburn Alumni Association, the Alumni Council for The Montgomery Academy, and the Advisory Board for Cumberland School of Law. Hendon has served as a guest lecturer for Cumberland School of Law's Public Law Process course.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder

Mr. Lindsey joined the firm in 1995 and became a shareholder in 2001. He practices in federal and state taxation, general corporate and business law, in addition to estate planning and probate. Before entering law school, he practiced as a certified public accountant for three years. He graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1994 where he was a member of the National Moot Court Team and the John A. Campbell Moot Court Board. Mr. Lindsey received his L.L.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law in 1995. Mr. Lindsey has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® each year since 2016.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder

After serving as a federal law clerk in the Middle District of Alabama for one year, Mr. Bailey began practicing law with the firm in 1980 and has been a shareholder since 1983. Building upon a strong background of product liability and insurance defense, Mr. Bailey's practice has evolved into handling a variety of complex litigation directly for clients who are either self-insured or have control over the selection of defense counsel. Mr. Bailey works closely with corporate counsel and is therefore familiar with corporate litigation guidelines, reporting, and budgeting requirements. He has managed and argued complex litigation for corporate manufacturing, insurance, and financial services clients as pro hac vice counsel in federal or state cases in Arizona, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and California. He has also represented clients in construction arbitration proceedings and has served as an arbitrator. A former newspaper reporter, cartoonist and magazine editor, Mr. Bailey has been involved in media law since 1980, particularly matters involving First Amendment rights and open government. He has served for years as general counsel for the Alabama Press Association and other media clients, and now supervises a statewide media hotline.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder
• Fellow of the American College of Trust
• Member of St. John 's Episcopal Church of Montgomery

Mrs. Wells' practice includes corporate, partnership, and personal financing and real estate transactions, taxation, entity formations, corporate transactions including purchases, mergers and reorganizations, and corporate buy-sell agreements, and other business succession planning. Her probate and estate planning practice has included innovative tax and personal planning for complex estates involving closely-held businesses, generation-skipping tax problems, minimization of estate and gift taxes by various techniques, securing IRS private letter rulings, and numerous other issues. She has been a shareholder of the firm since 1992. Mrs. Wells is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and has been recognized in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers with an AV Preeminent rating in 2012 and in 2013. This honor is awarded to less than 5% of women lawyers with the highest possible rating in both legal abilities and ethical standards. She has also been selected for inclusion in the list of The Best Lawyers in America® for the last 20 years, and has been named to Super Lawyers and as Corporate Counsel Magazine's Top Lawyers in America. She has been recognized by Business Alabama as one of the Top Attorneys in Alabama and as one of the Top 25 Women Attorneys in Alabama. Best Lawyers has chosen Mrs. Wells for the 2013-2019 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® for Tax Law and Trust & Estates. Mrs. Wells is a former vestry member of St. John's Episcopal Church of Montgomery and has served as its treasurer since 1994. She is on the founding board of directors and is immediate past chairman of Holy Cross Episcopal School. Vice chairman of the Boys & Girls Club of Montgomery Foundation, she is also a board member of Working Women's Home Association and The Montgomery Academy Foundation and a former board member for many years of The Salvation Army and of the Central Alabama Community Foundation. She is past chairman of the Professional Division and the Special Gifts Division for United Way. She is a member of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Directors Circle, a founding member of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, a member of many other community organizations, and is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Montgomery, Inc., after having served on the Board for many years and held a number of offices.

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Shareholder
• With Shareholder

Mac Freeman obtained a defense verdict on behalf of his client in a motor vehicle accident that occurred in Phenix City, Alabama. Plaintiff claimed that the defendant struck the side of the plaintiff's vehicle, causing various personal injuries. Mr. Freeman asserted that the plaintiff was traveling at an excessive speed and was not paying attention to her surroundings. He argued that the plaintiff's conduct constituted contributory negligence, barring her claims. The jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendant on all claims. Mr. Freeman obtained a defense verdict in a jury trial in Lowndes County, Alabama. Plaintiff, owner of an excavating machine claimed that the equipment dealer and technician were negligent and wanton in the servicing and maintenance of Plaintiff's machinery. The jury returned a verdict in favor of Defendant equipment dealer and technician on all counts. With shareholder Dennis Bailey and associate Evans Bailey, Freeman was granted motions to dismiss in two cases against an electric distribution cooperative where the plaintiffs were seeking millions in refunds in patronage capital credits. With Shareholder Evans Bailey, recently won a summary judgment in a products liability action involving the use of a hair relaxer. Their motion on behalf of the manufacturer and the retailer argued that the hair care product was not defective, had been used improperly, and came to the supplier in a sealed container. The case was before Judge Greg Griffin in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, Alabama. Mr. Bailey joined the firm in 2008 and became a shareholder in 2016. His practice is devoted to civil litigation with a focus on commercial litigation, insurance defense, professional liability, collections, construction law, media law, and appellate practice. He has experience handling a variety of matters in all state trial and civil appellate courts, federal district court, bankruptcy court, and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. He has represented newspapers, television studios, podcast producers, builders, banks, lawyers, small businesses, insurance companies, cooperatives, and manufacturers of products large and small. Mr. Bailey enjoys the diversity of his practice and the unique challenges of each case. Mr. Bailey is a member of the Alabama and Montgomery County Bar Associations, the Federal Bar Association, ADLA, DRI, the state Volunteer Lawyers Program, the Pro Se Litigant Assistant Program for the Middle District of Alabama, and the Alabama State Bar's Character and Fitness Committee. He also chairs the RSJG Recruitment Committee and is a member of the Diversity Committee. Honors and Awards Mr. Bailey has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023 in the areas of Insurance Law and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Inclusion in this publication is based on a rigorous national survey of leading attorneys in the United States. Mr. Bailey was also selected as a member of the Alabama State Bar's Leadership Forum Class 10. Since 2014, he has served on a panel State Bar's Character and Fitness Committee. With Dennis Bailey, he is a contributor to the Media Law Resource Center's annual Media Law Survey. Since 2019, he has published updates to The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Open Government and Open Courts Compendiums for the State of Alabama. In November 2020, Thomson Reuters published the 5th Edition of Alabama Automobile Insurance Law. Mr. Bailey took over as author of the work from retired Rushton Stakely Partner Ron Davenport, who wrote all prior editions. The 5th Edition is a substantial update from the 4th and contains new or reworked sections on reimbursement, dram shop actions, bad faith, and a host of other topics related to auto-accident coverage and litigation. Evans Bailey obtained a summary judgment for the Dothan Eagle newspaper in a case involving a motor vehicle-pedestrian collision. The Plaintiff alleged that the tortfeasor was working as an agent or employee of the Dothan Eagle at the time of the accident. Dennis and Evans were able to demonstrate to the Court's satisfaction that the alleged tortfeasor was actually an independent contractor, and the Dothan Eagle could not be liable as a result. The case is Westmoreland v. Dothan Eagle, Inc., et al., Coffee County Circuit Court, Enterprise Division, Case No. 17-900185. With Ted Jackson, Dennis Bailey was successful in defending claims against an electric cooperative made by a general contractor relating to construction. After several days of testimony presented to a AAA arbitrator, the arbitrator ruled for the owner, an electric cooperative, on all claims asserted by the contractor and awarded the owner $170,000 on its counterclaim relating to completion delays. Arbitrator fees were assessed against the contractor. There was no appeal and the award and fees were paid by the contractor as directed. Ted Jackson handled the pre-arbitration dispute and Dennis Bailey handled the arbitration proceedings. Obtained a dismissal of an appealed defamation claim. A Ugandan missionary sued The Alabama Baptist Newspaper in Jefferson County claiming an article concerning his operations in Africa was defamatory. The circuit court granted summary judgment that the article was not capable of a defamatory meaning nor written with actual malice toward the missionary. The missionary filed post-judgment motions and then appealed to the Alabama Supreme Court. The appeal was dismissed October 28, 2017, due to the expiration of the time to appeal established in Ala. R. Civ. Pro. 59.1. Evans Bailey and Jessica Trotman participated in the briefing process.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder

Scott is a shareholder and member of the firm's litigation section in the Birmingham office. His practice focuses on a diverse range of complex civil litigation, including construction law, business and commercial litigation, personal injury claims, and workers' compensation. In the area of construction litigation, Scott represents a variety of stakeholders, including sureties, general contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and other design professionals. His practice extends beyond defense to include the prosecution of business and commercial claims, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse needs of clients within the construction and commercial industries. He also defends engineers, land surveyors, and architects against claims by the Alabama licensing boards for those professions. Additionally, Scott has extensive experience defending personal injury claims resulting from highway and premises accidents. Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the litigation section, providing comprehensive representation across a wide range of business sectors. Honors and Awards Scott is AV peer review rated in Martindale Hubbell. He was also appointed to serve on the Executive Committee of the Alabama State Bar Environmental Law Section, a committee that focuses on advancing environmental law at both the state and federal levels, fostering communication among professionals in the field. Scott is a past board member of Camp Smile-A-Mile, a nonprofit organization that provides support for children suffering from cancer and their families. He also supports Children's Harbor and Magic Moments through annual fund raising events.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder

Mr. Dickens joined the firm in 2003 and became a shareholder in 2010. He currently serves on the firm's management committee. His practice focuses on commercial real estate, residential real estate, and environmental law, representing clients in a wide array of commercial lending and real estate transactions, including shopping center, apartment and office building development, agricultural and recreational properties, and commercial and residential leasing. In connection with these matters, Mr. Dickens routinely prepares, reviews and negotiates various forms of legal documentation, including loan documents, purchase and sale agreements, and leases. Mr. Dickens also has experience in title examination and title insurance, the facilitation of tax-free exchanges of real estate, and small business administration loans. Mr. Dickens obtained his undergraduate degree in finance from Auburn University and his juris doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder

Jeannie is a crucial member of the litigation section in the Birmingham office, specializing in a wide range of complex litigation matters, including product liability, federal black lung cases, workers' compensation, and commercial disputes. She has over 30 years of experience representing mining and mineral companies in a wide array of claims, including mineral rights, contractual issues, environmental and toxic tort issues, and workers' compensation matters. Her profound knowledge of coal mining practices and operations allows her to successfully defend each claim at all levels of the litigation process. Throughout her legal career, Jeannie has been a reliable resource for coal mining companies and entities in the coal industry. Her success in defending these claims underscores her commitment to providing comprehensive legal support, while prioritizing a client-centered approach. Jeannie serves as an Adjunct Professor for Worker's Compensation Law at the University of Alabama School of Law. She has spoken on numerous occasions about subjects including all aspects of the Federal Black Lung and Alabama Workers' Compensation Acts; workplace injuries and medical benefits; drug and alcohol testing in Alabama; hearing loss pneumoconiosis and other occupational disease claims; handling and litigating coal mining claims, including federal black lung claims; and Medicare and HIPAA compliance.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder
• Member of the Montgomery Area Committee

Mr. Blitz is a shareholder with the firm, previously serving on the management committee and as the leader of the real estate practice group. For over 35 years, Mr. Blitz has represented clients in all facets of commercial and residential real estate, including development, financing and title issues. In recent years, his practice has been devoted to serving developer and lender clients whose needs relate to commercial real estate, principally in shopping center, office and apartment ownership, management, development and financing, and general commercial law. Mr. Blitz prepares, reviews and negotiates option and purchase and sale agreements, transactions and loan documents and major tenant leases, and also reviews title, survey and environmental matters, and operation and easement agreements. He represents mortgage companies, banks, life insurance companies and other lenders in commercial and residential loan transactions ranging from shopping centers to single family loans. He previously served as legal counsel to the Alabama Housing Finance Authority. Mr. Blitz has been elected to the American College of Mortgage Attorneys, which is by invitation only, and has been AV peer review rated in Martindale-Hubbell for over 25 years. He has also been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® for over 20 years, Super Lawyers since 2008 and Super Lawyers - Corporate Counsel Edition in 2009 and 2010. Birmingham Business Journal recognized Mr. Blitz on the list of "Leading Lawyers of Alabama" in the August 2012 issue. Mr. Blitz is a member of the Montgomery Area Committee of 100, and a graduate of Leadership Montgomery (Class VI). He also serves as a volunteer for the Joy to Life Foundation. Since 1995, Mr. Blitz has been chosen for inclusion in The Best Lawyers America® for Real Estate Law, and in the 2010 edition, he was recognized as the Lawyer of the Year in Real Estate for the Montgomery Area. Mr. Blitz has been AV peer review rated by Martindale-Hubbell for over 25 years. He has also been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers in Alabama since 2008. Mr. Blitz is also a member of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys, where membership is by invitation only and he is a Fellow of the Alabama Law Foundation.

Job Titles:

• Associate

Mrs. Archer joined the firm as an associate in 2017. Her practice is devoted to civil litigation with a primary focus on medical malpractice. Mrs. Archer received her Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, from The University of Alabama in 2014. She received her Juris Doctorate from The University of Alabama School of Law in 2017. While attending law school, Mrs. Archer was a member of the Trial Advocacy Competition team and competed in three competitions. She received the George Peach Taylor Award in recognition of outstanding performance on the trial competition team.

Job Titles:

• Associate

Katie Marie is an associate in the litigation section, practicing in the Birmingham office. Her practice is devoted to the areas of energy and environmental matters, construction law, employment law, workers' compensation law, business litigation, and other general litigation matters. She is a Tuscaloosa native and is deeply passionate about serving the people and businesses of Alabama. Recently graduating from George Washington University Law School, she brings a wealth of experience to her legal endeavors. During her previous tenure with the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, Katie Marie played a pivotal role in cases before the United States Supreme Court and Federal Court of Appeals. Her work involved addressing legal issues related to Fuel & Vehicle Mandates, Clean Air Act, and Climate Litigation, Transportation & Infrastructure, and Regulatory Reform at both state and federal levels. She consistently engaged with various federal agencies, including the EPA, SEC, DOE, and NHTSA. Katie Marie's exposure extends to Capitol Hill, where she worked for Senator Richard Shelby. Her comprehensive understanding of the lawmaking process, from the Hill to its real-world impacts, sets her apart from other attorneys. Having worked in both large national law firms and small to medium-sized firms, Katie Marie's diverse legal experience uniquely positions her to offer valuable assistance to those seeking legal guidance. Bio Katie Marie is an associate in the litigation section, practicing in the Birmingham office. Her practice is devoted to the areas of energy and environmental matters, construction law, employment law, workers' compensation law, business litigation, and other general litigation matters. She is a Tuscaloosa native and is deeply passionate about serving the people and businesses of Alabama. Recently graduating from George Washington University Law School, she brings a wealth of experience to her legal endeavors. During her previous tenure with the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, Katie Marie played a pivotal role in cases before the United States Supreme Court and Federal Court of Appeals. Her work involved addressing legal issues related to Fuel & Vehicle Mandates, Clean Air Act, and Climate Litigation, Transportation & Infrastructure, and Regulatory Reform at both state and federal levels. She consistently engaged with various federal agencies, including the EPA, SEC, DOE, and NHTSA. Katie Marie's exposure extends to Capitol Hill, where she worked for Senator Richard Shelby. Her comprehensive understanding of the lawmaking process, from the Hill to its real-world impacts, sets her apart from other attorneys. Having worked in both large national law firms and small to medium-sized firms, Katie Marie's diverse legal experience uniquely positions her to offer valuable assistance to those seeking legal guidance.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder
• Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates
• Member of Trinity Presbyterian Church

Since joining the firm in 1996, Mr. Chapman's practice has focused on the litigation and trial of complex matters including claims of medical malpractice, products liability, fraud, hospital medical staff issues, and toxic torts. Mr. Chapman has successfully defended individual and corporate healthcare providers as well as manufacturers, insurance companies, and other corporate entities. He has significant experience trying complex and high-exposure matters in various state and federal courts, and typically tries numerous such cases per year. He has successfully tried to defense verdict cases involving claims of wrongful death, paralysis, brain injury, and similar issues. Mr. Chapman frequently handles matters that are resolved through alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration as well as appeals relating to interlocutory and post-trial review. He has defended mass torts and successfully contested class certification before the Alabama Supreme Court in a toxic tort matter. Mr. Chapman also handles administrative matters involving state and federal agencies, quasi-governmental agencies, and professional licensure boards. Mr. Chapman is a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church. He also serves as Co-Chairman of Washington & Lee University's Alumni Admissions Program for the Montgomery area. Mr. Chapman is frequently called upon to speak to groups of physicians and healthcare risk managers regarding medical risk management and defense issues. Mr. Chapman has been AV peer review rated by Martindale-Hubbell and was senior editor of the Alabama Law Review while studying at University of Alabama School of Law. He was selected as a Super Lawyer in Alabama Super Lawyers. Additionally, Mr. Chapman is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Memberships are by invitation only after a rigorous nomination and voting process.

Job Titles:

• Alabama Bar Association President

Job Titles:

• Shareholder

Andy Laird is a shareholder in the litigation section of the Birmingham office, specializing in a broad spectrum of complex civil litigation matters. For over 24 years, Andy has provided effective solutions for banks, coal mining companies, construction companies, insurers and manufacturers. With extensive experience representing an array of companies, Andy manages a diverse caseload involving mining accidents, blasting incidents, surface subsidence, workers' compensation, retaliatory discharge, co-employee liability, black lung benefits, and mineral contract disputes. His practice encompasses product liability, personal injury and automotive liability, commercial disputes and construction defects. Additionally, Andy has extensive experience handling environmental claims, toxic tort cases, and employment matters. His vast knowledge and experience enable him to navigate the intricacies of these complex cases, adapting to the specific needs of his clients. Honors and Awards Andy was selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers in Alabama in 2022 and 2023 and was named a "Top Rated Workers' Compensation Attorney" in Birmingham, Alabama. He was also selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars in 2011 and 2012.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder

A shareholder since 1998, Mr. James is a member of the litigation practice group and has almost 30 years experience representing numerous corporations, small businesses, insurance companies, and individuals. Mr. James has successfully defended many insurance agents, termite companies, automobile dealerships, trucking companies, real estate companies, and other businesses, both large and small, throughout the state of Alabama. Mr. James has also represented correctional health care providers in both state and federal courts in Alabama for over 15 years. Mr. James also maintains a broad-based employment practice, representing companies in both employment matters and Workers' Compensation cases. In addition, he serves as general counsel for several businesses in central and south Alabama. A native of Selma, Mr. James received his undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University in 1986. He is a 1992 graduate of Cumberland Law School, where he was an associate editor of the American Journal of Trial Advocacy and a member of the Henry Upson Sims Moot Court Board.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder

Mr. Sellers joined the firm in 2012 and attained shareholder status in 2019. His practice is devoted to civil litigation with a primary focus on medical malpractice, insurance defense, professional liability, and employment law. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Sellers worked as an upper school faculty member of the Montgomery Academy, where he taught U.S. History and Government and served as the assistant coach of the forensics team. While attending law school, Mr. Sellers received several distinguished honors, including the Honorable H.H. Grooms Scholarship; the Dean's Scholarship; Scholar of Merit Award in Medical Liability and Regulation, Constitutional Law, and State Constitutional Law; and Judge Abraham Caruthers Teaching Fellow. He also served as a senior associate editor of the American Journal of Trial Advocacy.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder

Phil is a shareholder and serves on the firm's Executive Committee. Phil is a member of the firm's litigation section in the Birmingham office, dedicating his practice to civil litigation. He focuses on a diverse range of practice areas, including business litigation, health care, professional liability, civil rights, employment and premises liability. He is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Alabama, as well as the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. He has extensive courtroom experience, having successfully tried numerous complex civil cases to a jury verdict in state and federal courts across the state of Alabama. Phil has argued before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals on multiple occasions. He is committed and dedicated to working closely with clients to provide sound advise and counsel. Honors and Awards Phil is AV peer review rated in Martindale Hubbell. He was selected for inclusion in the 27th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America</em/. Bio Phil is a shareholder and serves on the firm's Executive Committee. Phil is a member of the firm's litigation section in the Birmingham office, dedicating his practice to civil litigation. He focuses on a diverse range of practice areas, including business litigation, health care, professional liability, civil rights, employment and premises liability. He is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Alabama, as well as the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. He has extensive courtroom experience, having successfully tried numerous complex civil cases to a jury verdict in state and federal courts across the state of Alabama. Phil has argued before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals on multiple occasions. He is committed and dedicated to working closely with clients to provide sound advise and counsel. Honors and Awards Phil is AV peer review rated in Martindale Hubbell. He was selected for inclusion in the 27th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America</em/.

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Shareholder
• Member of First United Methodist Church

Mr. Garrett joined the firm as an associate in 2004 and attained shareholder status in 2011. As a member of the litigation practice group, he has a broad civil defense practice with his primary focus on general casualty insurance defense, complex and commercial litigation, construction law, products liability, state and federal employment claims, and professional liability. Mr. Garrett specializes in defending hospitals, physicians, nursing personnel, and pharmacists in medical malpractice lawsuits and has significant experience representing professionals before the State's various administrative and licensing boards. Mr. Garrett served as chief justice of the Cumberland Honor Court, was a member of the Henry Upson Sims Moot Court Board, and was a finalist in the 2003 Gordon T. Saad Moot Court Competition. Mr. Garrett is a member of First United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. He is a member of "The Pines" Sunday school group.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder
• Member of Trinity Presbyterian Church

Mr. Freeman became a shareholder in 2009 after joining the firm in 2002. He has a broad civil defense practice that includes complex and commercial litigation, construction defect, product liability, litigation of environmental law in compliance with federal and state regulations, labor and employment law, worker's compensation, and insurance defense. Mr. Freeman has achieved favorable results for his clients in jury trials throughout the state. Mr. Freeman holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Birmingham-Southern College with a major in sociology and a minor in history. He graduated cum laude from Cumberland School of Law in 2002. While at Cumberland, he was a member of the American Journal of Trial Advocacy and was named Outstanding Senior Member. He also received Scholar of Merit Awards in product liability, intellectual property, and constitutional law. Mr. Freeman is AV peer review rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Freeman is a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery. He also serves on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club of Montgomery.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder
• Member of the American
• Member of the Volunteer Lawyers Program

Mr. Dees is a shareholder at Rushton Stakely and a member of the firm's recruitment committee. He has been with the firm since 2007, and his practice is primarily devoted to civil litigation at the trial and appellate court levels. He focuses on defending healthcare providers (physicians, hospitals, long-term care facilities, pharmacists, and other medical professionals) in civil litigation and before regulatory organizations. Mr. Dees represents healthcare providers and other professionals before a number of Alabama's administrative/regulatory boards including the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, Alabama Board of Pharmacy, Alabama Medicaid Agency, State Health Planning and Development Agency, and Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission. He has worked on behalf of corporations and insurance carriers in federal and state courts in general business litigation as well as complex construction litigation. Mr. Dees serves as outside General Counsel to large multistate corporation advising them on all aspects of their day to day business operations including transactions, insurance coverage, and human resource issues. Mr. Dees is a member of the American, Alabama, and Montgomery County Bar Associations and is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in Alabama. He is a member of the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association, the Defense Research Institute, and the Alabama Nursing Home Defense Lawyers Association. He is a member of the Volunteer Lawyers Program and represents indigent parties with various legal matters. As a student at the University of Alabama School of Law, Mr. Dees was awarded the Albert W. Copeland scholarship and served as president of the Alabama Defense Lawyers Student Division. Recently, he has also been appointed to serve on the Bench & Bar Relations Task Force by the Alabama State Bar. Mr. Dees has received Martindale-Hubbell's AV rating, peer rated for the highest level of professional excellence and was also named in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Mr. Dees serves as a member of the Volunteer Lawyers Program and represents indigent parties with various legal matters. He also serves on the board of the Jimmy Hitchcock Memorial Award, recognizing Christian leadership in high school athletics. He is involved in fundraising efforts for the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Mr. Dees is a member of the Alumni Council for The Montgomery Academy.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder

Mr. Sexton began his legal career in downtown Oklahoma City with the defense trial firm of Chubbuck, Smith, Rhodes, Stewart & Elder, and thereafter, working in defense of Justice Department investigations into pharmaceutical companies for violation of anti-kickback laws, in Washington, D.C. Mr. Sexton, a native of Montgomery, joined Rushton, Stakely, Johnston & Garrett, P.A. in 2006, and was elected Shareholder in 2014. He currently serves as member of the firm's Board of Governors. Mr. Sexton is a trial lawyer. He has devoted his career to defending people and companies in courtrooms across the state of Alabama. He has significant experience trying complex, high exposure matters in state and federal courts. Mr. Sexton has also tried administrative actions before the Medical Licensure Commission and the Alabama Board of Nursing. He has defended DUI cases, and small claims matters filed in local district courts. Mr. Sexton specializes in the defense of wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases brought against manufacturers, physicians, dentists, hospitals, clinics, physician groups, nurses, nurse practitioners, mental health workers and nursing homes. He is routinely appointed as Deputy Attorney General for the State of Alabama to defend civil lawsuits filed against employees, officers, and directors of state agencies. He has also represented and counseled residential and commercial builders, general contractors, franchisees, and a multitude of small businesses. In law school, Mr. Sexton was named the Outstanding Trial Court Advocate, elected to the Order of Barristers, and served as President of the Student Bar Association.

Job Titles:

• Chairman
• Shareholder
• Member and Former State Committee Member of the American College of Trial Lawyers
• Member of the Church of the Ascension

Mr. Keene began practicing law with the firm in 1974, and he served as president of the firm from 1998 through 2023. He has defended hundreds of cases involving catastrophic personal injury and death in the state and federal courts throughout Alabama as well as in Mississippi and Florida. Mr. Keene has tried well over 100 cases to jury verdict in venues throughout the state of Alabama. Mr. Keene's practice has involved the defense of diverse causes of action including antitrust, business litigation, products liability as well as the defense of lawyers, doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. Mr. Keene is a member and former state committee member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and he is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and past president of its Alabama Chapter. He has been named repeatedly to The Best Lawyers in America® and Super Lawyers. He has also served on the board of directors of the Montgomery County Bar Association and is a member of the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association and the Alabama State Bar. Mr. Keene has been AV peer review rated by Martindale-Hubbell for more than 30 years. He is a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, American Board of Trial Advocates, and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. While at the University of Alabama School of Law, Mr. Keene served as vice president of the law school and was a member of the Bench and Bar Legal Honor Society. Since its inception, Mr. Keene has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America®, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. In 2013, this organization named Mr. Keene as the "Montgomery Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Lawyer of the Year". The lawyers being honored as "Lawyers of the Year" have received particularly high ratings in the publication's surveys by earning a high level of respect among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity. Mr. Keene currently serves as Chairman of the President's Cabinet at the University of Alabama. He previously has served as Chairman of the Selection Committee and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Cabinet. The President's Cabinet is by invitation only and is limited to three hundred members. Their mission includes not only advising the President of the University as needed, but also the funding and administration of scholarships to worthy students as well as the recruitment of academically gifted students. This very proud organization has existed for forty-five years and continues to support primarily academic activities of the University of Alabama. Mr. Keene is a member of the Church of the Ascension in Montgomery. He has served on several local boards, including the board of the Jackson Hospital Foundation, the Jimmy Hitchcock Award which recognizes the outstanding Christian athlete in Montgomery each year, and Sterling Bank. Additionally, he has enjoyed coaching youth baseball and basketball.

Job Titles:

• Associate

Ms. Bradley joined the firm as an associate in 2022. Her practice is devoted to civil litigation. Ginny is originally from Jackson, Alabama. She received her Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, from Troy University in 2019. She received her Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2022. While in law school, Ginny served on the editorial board of the Alabama Civil Rights & Civil Liberties Law Review, was a member of the Moot Court Board, competed on the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Team, and was selected to join the Bench and Bar Legal Honor Society. Bio Ms. Bradley joined the firm as an associate in 2022. Her practice is devoted to civil litigation.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder
• Member of St. John 's Episcopal Church

Mr. Eskridge joined the firm in 1997, and he currently serves as president of the firm. He is a member of the real estate department, and his practice encompasses a wide range of real estate law, including commercial real estate, real estate development, financial and title. After graduating from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1995, he practiced law with a Birmingham firm in addition to developing real estate. Mr. Eskridge has represented lenders, developers, and syndicators in numerous affordable housing, historic redevelopment and market rate projects, with emphasis on tax credit projects. He routinely handles various real estate transactions, developments and leasing, including shopping centers, apartments, office buildings, condominiums, residential properties, agricultural properties, warehouse properties, timberland and recreational properties. Mr. Eskridge is a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Montgomery, where he previously served as a member of the Vestry, Junior Warden, and Senior Warden. He is also a past board member of the Central Alabama Chapter of the Red Cross and the Montgomery Humane Society.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder
• Member of St. John 's Episcopal Church

Mr. Haynes joined the firm in 1987 and became a shareholder in 1991. He is a member of the litigation group and currently serves as the chairman of the firm's recruiting committee. Mr. Haynes has over twenty-five years' experience litigating a broad range of civil liability cases. His primary focus is on the defense of medical malpractice cases involving physicians, dentists, hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare professionals. He also has experience handling other complex litigation matters in the areas of professional liability, healthcare, and insurance defense. Mr. Haynes has been recognized by his peers for his outstanding trial skills. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, which is by invitation only and requires extensive experience as lead counsel in numerous civil trials. Mr. Haynes has been AV peer review rated by Martindale-Hubbell and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He has also been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® Mr. Haynes is a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Montgomery, where he has served as senior warden.