Balch & Bingham Promotes Five Attorneys to Partnership

Balch & Bingham today announced the election of five new members to its partnership, effective January 1. The five partners (and their respective office locations) are Mark Bond (Gulfport, Miss.), Ben Bryant (Jackson, Miss.), Brooke Gram (Atlanta), Joe Leavens (Birmingham, Ala.), and Corbitt Tate (Birmingham, Ala.). 

“Each of our new partners has demonstrated a sustained commitment to client service and proven expertise in their area of practice,” said Stan Blanton, managing partner. “Their talent and perspectives will contribute to the continued success of our clients and the Firm.”

Mark Bond is a partner in the Real Estate Practice representing commercial and industrial companies, electric utility companies and government agencies in a variety of real estate, procurement, transactional, and corporate matters, which include large-scale acquisition and development projects, real estate finance, contract and lease negotiations, and corporate governance issues.  Mark received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Mississippi School of Law, his B.S. and his M.B.A. from the University of Mississippi.

Ben Bryant is a partner in the Litigation Practice representing clients in the defense of complex commercial matters, with focused experience in real estate law. He has advised members of the pipeline industry in condemnation matters required for construction of multi-state projects. Additionally, he regularly represents insured lenders in proceedings to remedy defects arising from real estate transactions. Ben received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, his M.S. from Northwestern University and his B.A. from the University of Mississippi.

Brooke Gram is a partner in the Litigation Practice. She focuses her practice on civil litigation of commercial disputes, the acquisition of property rights and property litigation, and defense of personal injury and property damages claims. She also handles the defense of contract and tort claims for financial institutions and other commercial litigation matters. Brooke received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Mercer University School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Georgia. 

Joe Leavens is a partner in the Litigation Practice. Joe’s practice focuses primarily on construction law where he regularly represents owners, general contractors and subcontractors across the country, and joint use, pole attachment, and fiber deployment issues for electric utilities, electric co-operatives and other public entities. Joe received his J.D. from the Washington University in St. Louis School of Law and his B.A. from the University of Virginia.

Corbitt Tate is a partner in the Real Estate Practice. Corbitt focuses his practice on commercial lending and real estate transactions and has experience drafting and negotiating commercial loan documents and loan restructurings for a variety of credit facilities including asset-based credit facilities, factoring facilities, convertible debt facilities, and real estate term loans secured by owner-occupied properties, multi-family properties, shopping centers, and office buildings. Corbitt also advises clients on all stages of the lifecycle of a real estate project. Corbitt received his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Alabama School of Law and his B.S. from Auburn University.