Select Matters
- Defense Verdict (Unfair Competition, Trade Secrets, RICO): Represented poultry processor and its owners in multi-million dollar dispute with competitor and former business partners. Following a month-long trial in federal court, secured complete defense verdict and 9-figure award on counterclaims.
- Class Action Defense (Fraud / RICO): Represented publicly-traded retail property owner/manager in nationwide RICO class action alleging fraudulent utility charges assessed to tenants.
- Class Action Defense (PPP Litigation): Defended multiple banks in PPP class actions in Georgia, Florida and Texas regarding alleged failure to pay “agent fees” and prioritization of loan applications.
- Defense Verdict--Toxic Exposure: Lead counsel in 2+ week jury trial that was the culmination of a lawsuit spanning 7 years. The plaintiff allegedly suffered a catastrophic injury at the client's lime processing plant, incurring over $3 million in medical expenses and projecting over $7 million for future care. Plaintiff's counsel asked the jury to award $16-25 million, and the jury returned a verdict for the defense. (May 2017)
- Miller Act Litigation: Represented subcontractors and material suppliers in obtaining payments from sureties on government construction projects. (2010-2014)
- Construction Defect Defense: Successfully defended commercial homebuilder in construction defect litigation concerning foundation installation and weatherproofing. (2016)
- Six-Figure Verdict--Business Sales Transaction: Represented former business owner in action against the purchaser who failed to comply with payment obligations and counterclaimed for fraud. The jury rejected the purchaser's claims and returned a verdict in favor of the seller client, awarding the full amount of damages requested. (2015)
- Class Action Defense (Fee / Surcharge Litigation): Defended national waste management companies against claims alleging unlawful fees and surcharges assessed to consumers. (2012-2014)
- Class Action Defense (Municipal Liability / Civil Rights Act): Represented municipalities throughout Alabama against constitutional claims under Civil Rights Act; claims based on contracts with third-party probation service providers, as well as bond/bail practices. (2014-2016)
- Non-compete/Non-solicitation Litigation: Represented former employees in lawsuit brought by their employer alleging breach of non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, as well as trade secret violations; established unenforceability of restrictions in contracts and obtained verdict and judgment in favor of former employees. (2011)
- Loan Participation/Syndication Fraud: Obtained multi-million dollar settlement in favor of national bank on fraud and RICO claims against loan syndicators. (2009-2013)
Publications
News
Speaking Engagements
Credentials
Education
- University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D., 2007, magna cum laude
- University of Mississippi, B.A., 2003, magna cum laude
Courts
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama, 2007
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Alabama, 2007
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Alabama, 2007
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 2014
Bar Admissions
- Alabama, 2007
Professional Affiliations
- Alabama State Bar
- Board of Bar Commissioners (2022 – Present)
- The Alabama Lawyer, Editorial Board (2023 – Present)
- Birmingham Bar Association
- Executive Committee (2017-2019)
- Nominating Committee (2020-2022), Chair (2022)
- Grievance Committee (2015-2017), Group Chair (2016)
- Community Education Committee, Chair
- Birmingham Bar Foundation
- Board of Directors (2020 – Present), Finance Committee, Co-Chair (2023 – Present), Secretary (2024)
- American Bar Association
- Co-Chair of Expert Witness Subcommittee, Class Action & Derivative Suits Committee
- Alabama Defense Lawyers Association, Bibb Allen Memorial Trial Academy, Chair (2013 – 2014)
- American Inns of Court
Awards & Accolades
- Chambers USA, Litigation & Construction
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants, 2023-present
- Benchmark Litigation, Under 40 Hot List, 2017 - present
- Birmingham Business Journal, Rising Star Lawyer, 2017
- Benchmark Litigation, Rising Stars, 2016
- Mid-South Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, 2014 – present
Community Involvement
- Alabama State Bar Leadership Forum, 2014 Graduate
- Birmingham Bar Association Future Leaders Forum, 2014 Graduate
- Alabama Classic Foundation, President and Member of the Board of Directors, 2012-2014