HAT LAW - Key Persons
Anna Tullar joined HAT LAW's Birmingham, Alabama office after graduating from Samford's Cumberland School of Law in 2021. Born and Raised in Western Kentucky, Anna graduated with her bachelor's degree, cum laude, from Middle Tennessee State University in 2017. While in law school, Anna gained great experience and insight while participating with Cumberland's Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic, where she assisted military veterans with numerous civil and criminal matters.
Anna enjoys reading, baking and spending time with friends and family. She also enjoys traveling and cheering for her favorite sports teams.
Education
J.D., Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, 2021
B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2017
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- Member of the Bar Associations
- Professional Liability
Carl Hagwood is a founding shareholder of the firm and practices in the firm's Greenville, Mississippi and Charlotte, North Carolina offices. Carl serves on the Board of Directors and is the President of the firm. He has defended general casualty claims, medical malpractice claims against physicians and hospitals, and medical negligence claims against nursing home and assisted living providers in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, Colorado, South Carolina, and Florida. Carl and his trial team employ innovative approaches using multiple media visual technology in the complex medical negligence and long term care cases that he defends. As a result, he and his trial team have been requested to give demonstrations of this technology to panel counsel members for leading medical malpractice insurers and at long term care panel counsel meetings. Carl has given these demonstrations at both national and regional meetings to demonstrate to other lawyers who are defending medical malpractice and long term care negligence cases the visual tools necessary to try complex cases with challenging medical and staffing issues.
Carl has served the Bar as a member of the Bar Associations of each of the states where he is licensed to practice. His service includes Chairperson of the Medical Malpractice Section of the Mississippi State Bar Association, President of the Local Bar Association, and service on numerous Bar Committees through the years. He is a member of the Washington County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Mississippi State Bar, Alabama State Bar, Tennessee State Bar, North Carolina State Bar, Arkansas State Bar, American Society of Hospital Attorneys, Defense Research Institute, Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association, American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Mississippi Bar Foundation. Carl holds the AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating for ethical standards and legal ability, and is listed in the Best Lawyers in America in Health Care Law and in Super Lawyers in Medical Malpractice Defense.
Carl is an active member of his community and is a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, Mississippi, where he has served as Elder and Deacon. He has served his community as President of the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce, President of the Greenville United Way, and on numerous local boards, including the YMCA and Industrial Foundation. Carl enjoys hunting and wildlife photography.
Education
J.D., University of Mississippi School of Law, Editorial Board, Member, Mississippi Law Journal; Phi Alpha Delta, 1968
B.A., Political Science, Millsaps College, 1965
Christopher Herrin joined HAT LAW in 2022. Christopher attended Millsaps College, where he was a player on the football team for two seasons, before transferring to the University of Mississippi, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in political science and a minor in history. In May 2022, he graduated from Mississippi College School of Law, where he earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence. During his time at MC Law, he received the Mississippi Bar Estates and Trusts Section Award and was featured on the dean's list.
Christopher spent time as a legal extern for the Mississippi Supreme Court under Chief Justice Michael Randolph. There, he conducted legal research, drafted memorandums involving a variety of legal issues and drafted opinions for Chief Justice Randolph's approval. He also completed a legal externship for the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission under Judge Deneise Lott.
In his free time, Christopher enjoys fishing, watching Ole Miss athletics, golfing, listening to podcasts and traveling. He also volunteers with Mission First Legal Aid and Mississippi Food Network. He currently lives in Jackson, Mississippi.
Education
J.D., Mississippi College School of Law, 2022
B.A., University of Mississippi, 2018
Certifications
Chris Shaeffer is a shareholder in the firm and practices in the Birmingham, Alabama office. A focused and determined advocate, Chris has been involved in the successful litigation of complex legal matters on behalf of his clients. From complicated appellate issues to large chemical exposure cases, he has addressed a wide-range of legal issues. Chris has represented clients in varied legal matters including mass tort defense, nursing home and long-term care defense, construction defect, product liability, medical malpractice, appellate practice, insurance defense, insurance coverage, and as outside general counsel. Specifically, Chris has been involved in the resolution of complex mass tort and construction defect cases sometimes involving hundreds or thousands of plaintiffs. His appellate practice, often dealing with medical malpractice issues, has resulted in several successful appeals before the Alabama Supreme Court and other appellate courts across the southern United States. Chris has also evaluated complicated insurance coverage issues resulting in thorough coverage opinions and successful declaratory judgment actions. He acts as outside general counsel for both medical providers and technology companies throughout the United States.
Chris is a member of the prestigious Claims & Litigation Management Alliance and holds the AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating for ethical standards and legal ability. He was born and raised in Enterprise, Alabama. He and his wife Rhona enjoy hiking and cooking. He is actively involved at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. Chris is also involved a current member of the Board of Directors of the Marion Foundation- a nonprofit organization devoted to assisting children in desperate circumstances.
Education
J.D., The University of Alabama School of Law, 2005
B.A., History, Samford University, Birmingham, cum laude, 2001
Job Titles:
- Shareholder
- Member of the Mississippi Bar Association
Claire is a member of the Mississippi Bar Association, Capital Area Bar Association, Adams County Bar Association, Defense Research Institute, DRI Young Lawyers Steering Committee, Jackson Young Lawyers Association, Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association and Mississippi Women Lawyers Association. Claire previously served on the Executive Board of Natchez Young Professionals and was recently named a Rising Star by the SuperLawers Publication for 2022. Claire lives in Ridgeland, Mississippi, with her husband, Justin, and their three children. When she is out of the office, Claire is spending time with family and friends, enjoying LSU sports, and trying her hand renovating homes.
Job Titles:
- Administratrix of the Estate of Lillie B. Anderson, Deceased Vs. SSC Birmingham Operating Company LLC, Et Al.
David Eaton is a founding shareholder of the firm and practices in the Jackson, Mississippi office. He practices in Tennessee, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Kentucky. He focuses his practice in the areas of long term care defense and general liability claims. As an advisor to health care providers, David has worked closely with nursing home staffs and personnel in the strategy and development of the defenses of cases prior to and through trials. David received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Nicholls State University in 1995 and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Mississippi College School of Law in 2000.
Education
J.D., Mississippi College School of Law, 2000
B.A., English, Nicholls State University, 1995
David Walker joined HAT LAW's team in 2022. David graduated from Maryville College with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, where he graduated magna cum laude. David then received his Juris Doctorate (J.D.) in May 2021 from Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law in Knoxville, Tennessee.
He completed various internships with the Barnett Firm and the Blount County District Attorney's office. He also completed an externship with the Blount County Circuit Court in Maryville, Tennessee for over a year.
David previously served in the United States Army as a sergeant for over five years. While in the military, he received a multitude of honors, including Army Commendation Medals, NATO Service Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medals, an Army Good Conduct Medal and a Combat Infantry Badge.
Practice Areas
Criminal defense
Gwendolyn Jackson Pinnix and Warren Ivan Jackson, Executors of the Estate of David W. Jackson, Sr. v. SSC Silver Stream Operating Company, LLC
Job Titles:
- Shareholder
- Professional Liability
Hunter C. Carroll is a founding shareholder in the Birmingham, Alabama, office of Hagwood and Tipton. He has served as the firm's president and is currently on the Board of Directors and serves as the firm's vice president. He practices in the Birmingham, Alabama, and Charlotte, North Carolina, offices.
Hunter holds an AV Preeminent™ rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, its highest rating for professional excellence in ethical standards and legal ability. He was nominated and invited to join the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance. Hunter is an active member of the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association, the Alabama Nursing Home Defense Lawyers Association, the Alabama State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Birmingham Bar Association, and the Defense Research Institute. Hunter is admitted to practice before all courts, both state and federal, within Alabama, and Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and has tried and arbitrated cases in state and federal courts throughout the United States.
Hunter is married to the former Monica Lockhart. They are the proud parents of three children: Adeline, Hunter and Olivia. While not at work, he enjoys sports and hunting. Hunter serves on several nonprofit boards, and he and his family are members of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.
James Smith is a founding shareholder of the firm and practices in the Paris, Tennessee, office. James has developed a specialized practice in the rapidly growing area of Rental Purchase Law, where he advises clients throughout the country on compliance practices and litigation strategies.
James holds the AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating for ethical standards and legal ability. He has tried dozens of cases, both jury and non-jury, across Alabama and Tennessee, and has handled appeals at all levels. He serves as coordinating counsel for clients throughout the Southeastern United States and is a Certified Litigation Management Professional.
James was born in Mt. Olive, Alabama in 1969. He is a member of Phi Eta Sigma, Omicron Delta Kappa, Curia Honoris, and Order of the Barristers. While in law school he was a Cordell Hull Teaching Fellow, Managing Editor of the Cumberland Law Review, and a member of the American Bar Association National Trial Team. Immediately upon graduation from law school, James clerked for the Honorable Hugh Maddox, Associate Justice, Supreme Court of Alabama.
James is married to Tas and they have three children: Emily Ann, Sam, and Abby. The entire family is actively involved in their church where James serves as a deacon and teaches in the middle school department. He loves a good philosophical debate.
James serves his community as an active member of the Paris-Lakeway Kiwanis Club. He serves on the Plus Endowment Educational Foundation Board and the Paris and Henry County Healthcare Foundation Board. He is the Vice Chairman of the City of Paris Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. James also serves on the National Board of Directors for Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.
Education
J.D., Samford University Cumberland School of Law, Cumberland Law Review, Managing Editor; Cordell Hull Teaching Fellow; ABA National Trial Team; Curia Honoris, Order of the Barristers, cum laude, 1998
Job Titles:
- Administrator of the Estate of Nellie Donithan Riggins Vs. SSC Yanceyville Operating Company, LLC, Et Al
Julie B. Mitchell is an equity shareholder at Hagwood and Tipton. Julie holds a Master's Degree in Health Law (LL.M. Health Law). She served as chair to the Mississippi Bar, Health Law Section for 2018-2019, and is named as one of the Best Lawyers in America in Health Law and a Super Lawyer in health care law.
As an attorney whose initial focus has been health care law, Julie's practice encompasses such matters as: stark, fraud and abuse, Medicare and Medicaid payment issues, corporate compliance, CON law, provider and physician contracts, health care corporate matters, hospital law, DMEPOS matters, licensure and certification, HIPAA, nursing home law and health care integration. She also works closely with the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure, Mississippi Board of Nursing, Mississippi Board of Pharmacy, and the Mississippi State Department of Health as well as other state and federal agencies.
Julie is also uniquely suited to meet the needs of those getting involved in the cannabis industry. Cannabis law is a quickly emerging field of law that requires navigation by professionals acquainted with state regulations. States across the country have embraced the use of medical marijuana, including Mississippi. Julie is by trade a healthcare attorney who brings a wealth of knowledge, contacts, and years of experience working with health care providers and state regulators to the medical cannabis industry. She assists clients with the application process, developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), obtaining trademarks and service marks, drafting and/or negotiating various business contracts, franchise agreements, audits and appeals, employment matters including policies and procedures, legal challenges as well as compliance issues.
As cannabis businesses face challenges with state regulations, Julie is available to provide guidance and advice regarding cannabis law. Also, if you want to cultivate, process, distribute, dispose, or recommend, or have any additional questions about what the Mississippi cannabis laws mean for you, Julie can help you sort out what you need.
Education
DePaul University College of Law, Chicago, Illinois
LL.M - 1997
University of Mississippi School of Law, Oxford, Mississippi
J.D. - 1995
University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi
B.B.A. - 1992
Job Titles:
- Personal Representative of the Estate of Yvonne J. McCall, Deceased Vs. SSC Montgomery South Haven Operating Company LLC, Et Al.
- Personal Representative of the Estate of Yvonne J. McCall, Deceased Vs. SSC Montgomery South Haven Operating Company, LLC
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal With a Degree from Delta State University
Marian McGehee is an accomplished paralegal with a degree from Delta State University certifying her competency in this area of law. Marian is a master at technological software courtroom presentations and has assisted lawyers in the defense of medical providers and nursing home facilities from Eden, North Carolina to Denver, Colorado, Houston, Texas, Memphis, Tennessee, and throughout Mississippi. She has been co-presenter at numerous presentations to medical malpractice attorneys and nursing home attorneys from Las Vegas to Nevada, New Orleans, Louisiana, Jackson Mississippi, and Nashville, Tennessee. She and her husband, Tommy, live in Greenville, Mississippi, and have one son who lives in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and two grandsons. Her hobbies include reading, relaxing, and preparing for the next presentation.
Practice Areas:
Long-Term Care Litigation
Michael Phillips is a founding shareholder with Hagwood and Tipton. He serves on the Board of Directors as the Secretary. Michael oversees staff in both the Jackson, Mississippi, and Charlotte, North Carolina, offices.
A significant portion of Michael's cases involves the defense of physicians, nurses, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other health care providers. He handles all phases of the litigation process - with a particular emphasis on trial - and has defended claims against nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, and North Carolina. Michael also has extensive experience in the areas of complex defense litigation involving premises security/liability, insurance coverage, and general insurance defense.
Michael holds the AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating for ethical standards and legal ability. He is a graduate of Louisville High School in Louisville, Mississippi. While in law school, Michael was the recipient of the Mississippi College Alumni Scholarship. After law school, he served as a judicial law clerk for The Honorable William L. Waller Jr. of the Mississippi Supreme Court.
Michael and his wife, Laura, have two sons, Cole and Reese, and spend a majority of their time attending soccer, football, baseball and/or basketball games. Michael and his family also enjoy spending time outdoors, hunting and riding four-wheelers.
Education
J.D., magna cum laude, Mississippi College School of Law, 2000
B.S., Psychology, Mississippi College, 1996
Michael H. Gregory joined Hagwood and Tipton as a shareholder in the Birmingham, Alabama office. Mike has twenty-five years of experience defending insurers and insureds in a wide range of civil matters throughout the state of Alabama and the Southeast.
Mike has tried a variety of cases to verdict throughout Alabama - both jury and non-jury trial - including claims of medical malpractice, automobile negligence, contract disputes, and workers' compensation. Mike's work is primarily devoted to defending companies in premises liability, construction defect, trucking litigation, business disputes, identity theft and fraud, products liability, fraternal organization liability, outrage, and workers' compensation claims. Mike provides his clients with guidance and advice on claims handling and pre-suit resolution of claims when appropriate and beneficial to the insured.
Mike holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest level rating of professional excellence bestowed upon him by his peers in the legal profession. Mike was selected to the 2022 and 2023 Mid-South Super Lawyers. In 2012, Mike was selected by B-Metro's for inclusion in its "Top Rated Lawyers." Mike is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Alabama. Mike is currently an active member of the American and Birmingham Bar Associations, the Defense Research Institute, and the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association. Mike is one of a handful of lawyers in Alabama to ever obtain the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Mike frequently speaks on subjects of workers' compensation, transportation issues and construction defect litigation.
Mike received his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 1998. While in law school, Mike served as a member of the Henry Upson Sims Moot Court Board. Before law school, Mike received a B.S. from Florida State University in 1994. While at Florida State, he served as Vice President of Alumni Affairs for his fraternity and was active in all aspects of Greek and campus life.
Mike is married to the former Stacey Strawn. Mike and Stacey are the proud parents of two daughters, Parker and Carlin. While not at work, Mike enjoys traveling with his family, Florida State athletics, attending concerts, and playing mildly competitive tennis. Mike is a member of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Mike has served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and twice as a member of the Church's Vestry.
Education
Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, J.D. 1998
Florida State University, B.S. 1994
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- Professional Liability
Pete is perhaps best known and recognized by his clients and peers for his vigorous and effective defense of physicians and other healthcare providers in medical malpractice claims. He has been recognized with an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale Hubbell. He is listed in US News and World Reports, Best Lawyers in America in both Medical Malpractice-Defendants, and Litigation-First Amendment Law. He has three times been named "Lawyer of the Year - Medical Malpractice - Defendants" (2019, 2016 and 2012) by Best Lawyers in America in his geographic area, and is listed in Mid-South Super Lawyers in the field of Medical Malpractice - Defendants.
Healthcare disputes are becoming increasingly common as healthcare laws become more complex. Mr. Bloss has represented physicians, clinics, practice groups, nursing homes, dentists, pharmacies, and other healthcare entities in hundreds of claims and scores of cases tried to verdict and in appeals. He also represents clients before administrative boards and federal and state agencies, and has submitted numerous amicus curiae briefs on behalf of healthcare industry participants and associations. Matters have included disputes involving medical negligence and malpractice, private medical and healthcare information, antitrust, bankruptcy, patient competency, medical treatment and discontinuance of life support, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements and set-asides, and free speech issues related to health care. He has been at the forefront in defending Mississippi Tort Reform legislation.
In his counseling practice, Mr. Bloss advises clients on compliance with the full range of healthcare-related federal laws and regulations, including privacy requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA"), the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act ("EMTALA") and reporting requirements for the National Practitioners Data Bank. He also provides guidance on state healthcare statutes and agency policies such as the Mississippi Department of Health Regulations, Minimal Standards for Operation of Hospitals.
Pete advises hospital medical staffs, officers and committees on a broad range of healthcare licensure, certification, operational, and delivery issues, including credentialing, quality assurance, peer review, outside review of care, Joint Commission accreditation, and continuing medical education and staff training. He regularly drafts and amends medical staff bylaws and assists in the interpretation and enforcement of policies, rules, and regulations. When potential issues arise, he conducts internal investigations relating to patient care and a broad range of provider issues, including behavioral problems, substance abuse, impairment, and other sensitive and confidential human resources matters. Mr. Bloss also negotiates and prepares contracts with third-party providers and contractors, and prepares contracts for pharmaceutical clinical trials principal investigators.
He routinely conducts risk-management analyses to help healthcare organizations identify and correct potential concerns before they develop into systemic, less tractable issues. Mr. Bloss has a robust government relations practice and represents industry participants and trade associations before elected and appointed officials, particularly in the field of tort reform.
Education
The University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D., 1974
University of Mississippi, B.P.A., 1972
Philip J. Chapman is an attorney and shareholder at the firm, practicing in the Jackson office, where he handles a wide array of regulatory and legal issues for physicians, dentists, nurses, occupational and physical therapists, hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and other health care providers. He enjoys a diverse legal practice covering multiple areas and issues in healthcare law, including provider representation before licensing Boards, licensure and certification, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement issues, CON law, corporate compliance, Stark law, fraud and abuse, HIPAA, provider and physician contracting and healthcare business and regulatory matters. He also works with providers encountering Unified Program Integrity Contractor (UPIC), Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) and Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) audits. In his representation of health care providers on these matters, Philip assists clients with appeals/defense, internal investigations, compliance development, implementation audits and improvements. He also advises and counsels clients in self-disclosure matters to both the OIG and CMS. Philip also works with medical cannabis establishments, helping them with the licensure process, compliance and other regulatory matters.
After graduating magna cum laude with a B.S. in biology from Millsaps College in 1997, Philip graduated cum laude from Mississippi College School of Law in 2004, where he was a member of the Law Review. Prior to law school, Philip attended medical school at the University of Mississippi from 1997 to 2000. He has co-authored individual chapters in the American Health Lawyers Association's Fifty State Survey of Certificate of Need and Licensure: Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Home Health, and Hospice (1st Ed., 2009) and Post-Acute Care Handbook: Regulatory, Risk, and Compliance Issues (1st Ed., 2014). In addition, he has lectured on numerous occasions regarding emerging issues in healthcare law, including prior lectures for PESI, Inc., Barristers Educational Services, the Mississippi Health Care Association, as well as various healthcare providers throughout the state. Philip was named a Rising Star in the area of Health Care law by Super Lawyers in 2014.
A native of Brandon, Philip currently lives in Madison, MS with his wife Anne, their son Ben and their dog Lulu. They attend the Chapel of the Cross in Madison. When he isn't working, Philip is likely to be found spending time with family and friends, reading, trying to enjoy Mississippi State sporting events, or watching his son on a field, court, or golf course somewhere in the Southeast.
Education
Mississippi College School of Law, Jackson, Mississippi
J.D. (Cum Laude) - 2004
Law Review: MC Law Review, Member, 2002 - 2004
Millsaps College, Jackson, Mississippi
B.S. (Magna Cum Laude) - 1997
Stephanie became a member of HAT's nursing home litigation team in 2003. Stephanie is a critical part of HAT's nursing home group, providing a review and analysis of the nursing home chart, conducting research for applicable literature, integrating standards with guidelines, and interfacing with facility and expert witnesses. She works extensively with HAT's attorneys and client in preparing crucial trial documents for presentation to a jury.
Steven joined HAT LAW after graduating from the Nashville School of Law in May 2021. He works from the firm's office in Paris, Tennessee. A native of Huntingdon, Tennessee, Steven earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Bethel University.
Prior to his legal career, Steven served for seven years in law enforcement at the Paris (Tennessee) Police Department and six years in the Tennessee National Guard (Army-Infantry Unit). During Steven's military service in the Army, he served a tour of duty in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2017, Steven joined HAT LAW as a law clerk while he pursued his law degree.
Steven lives in Paris and is married to Alicia. They have three children: Oaklee, Marlie and Sadie. He is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Tennessee, where he serves on the church security team and is actively involved in small group. In his free time, Steven can also be found coaching his children's recreational sports teams, from soccer to softball. Steven is an avid sports fan and spends a lot of time cheering on the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators.
Education
J.D., Nashville School of Law, 2021
B.S. in Criminal Justice, Bethel University, 2014