Select Matters
- Complex software trade secrets case: Defending clients who developed a cutting edge software program against claims of misappropriation of trade secrets, negligence, and violations of non-compete and non-solicit agreements, while pursuing counterclaims for tortious interference with a business contract, abuse of process, and misappropriation of trade secrets
- Business destruction and RICO case: Representing poultry processing clients in a dispute with a former employer and competitor who alleges fraud and RICO claims, as well as assorted state law claims for breach of fiduciary duty and loyalty. Prosecuting counter claims for breach of contract, fraud, tortious interference, and abuse of process.
- Multi-plaintiff racial harassment case: Successfully defending client in 12-plaintiff case alleging racial harassment at manufacturing facility.
- Bid dispute: Won summary judgment and 11th Circuit appeal on behalf of a utility against claims alleging racial discrimination in the award of contracts.
- Whistleblower litigation: Currently representing multiple clients in whistleblower cases in the nuclear power and utility industries.
- Concessionary union bargaining: Served as lead negotiator in collective bargaining that resulted in a reduction in pension plan liabilities and contributions.
- Collective bargaining: Representing healthcare provide in collective bargaining for first union contract.
- NLRB decision upholding implementation after impasse: Successfully defeated NLRB charge alleging client failed to negotiate to impasse and unlawfully implemented final offer after collective bargaining.
- Reorganization and Job Elimination Arbitration: Won arbitration by defending employer’s decision to eliminate bargaining unit positions and upgrade job duties to non-bargaining unit, supervisory position.
- Discharge arbitrations: Won multiple arbitrations involving the discharge of employees, including union officers, for misconduct, attendance, and other issues.
- Ohio non-compete arbitration: Won arbitration and attorney’s fees in defeating enforcement of non-compete and franchise agreement.
- Represented multiple trucking companies with respect to acquisitions, executive employment agreements, and non-competition and non-solicitation issues.
- Representing multiple healthcare providers in response to union organizing.
- Representing mining company in multiple employment discrimination claims, as well as multiple NLRB charges.
Case Studies
Publications
News
Speaking Engagements
Credentials
Education
- University of Arkansas School of Law, J.D., 1992, with Honors; Arkansas Law Review, Note and Comment Editor
- Vanderbilt University, B.A., 1989
Courts
- Supreme Court of Alabama, 1998
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama, 1998
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Alabama, 2009
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Alabama, 1998
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia, 2013
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia, 1994
- Georgia Court of Appeals, 1993
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
Bar Admissions
- Alabama, 1998
- Georgia, 1992
Professional Affiliations
- America Bar Association, Labor & Employment and Litigation Sections
- Alabama State Bar
- Birmingham Bar Association
- ABA Committee on the Development of the Law Under the NLRA management
Awards & Accolades
- Chambers USA, Labor & Employment
- American College of Labor & Employment Lawyers, Fellow
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2008 - present
- Lawyer of the Year - Labor Law – Management, 2025
- Benchmark Litigation, Labor & Employment Star-South
- Mid-South Super Lawyers, 2009 - present
- Birmingham Business Journal, Best of the Bar, 2007
- Birmingham Magazine, Top Attorney, 2009, 2017, 2018, 2020
Community Involvement
- Rotary Club of Birmingham
- Independent Presbyterian Church