Ward Lawyers

I graduated High School from Vestavia Hills, and am a long-time Birmingham native. After graduating from the University of Alabama, I formed a Mortgage Company, and attended law school at Birmingham School of law.

My practice centers around Real Estate matters, and Probate law. I have additional expertise in Family Law &
Corporation law.

In the summer of 2018, I purchased and moved my offices to my new location on Braddock Drive.

CHRIST (“Chris”) N. COUMANIS is a founding member of the law firm of Coumanis & York, P.C, which maintains a general litigation practice in South Alabama. Mr. Coumanis founded the Firm with David P. York, former U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of Alabama. Mr. Coumanis was born in Mobile, Alabama and has practiced in the Mobile-Baldwin County area since he began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Mobile County in 1988. Mr. Coumanis specializes in the practice areas of Federal, State & Municipal Criminal Defense including White Collar Defense, Healthcare & Whistleblower Actions, Complex Civil...

Nika D. Gholston is an Alabama native. She graduated cum laude from Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2001 and received her Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law, Samford University in 2005. At Cumberland, Nika focused her studies on alternative dispute resolution techniques and was a member of the Cumberland National Mediation Team. In 2005, the team placed first at the American Bar Association (ABA) National Mediation Competition in Los Angeles, CA. Nika went on to represent the United States at the Inaugural International Chamber of Commerce Mediation Competition in Paris, France.

After law school,...

Family law has always been a passion for Ms. Martin. She has focused her entire career on family law and continues to maintain her practice where her passion is. She began clerking for the Honorable Judge Bailey in family and juvenile court before going into private practice. Ms. Martin has a passion for people and truly loves her work.

Chris is a lifelong resident of Birmingham. He graduated from Birmingham-Southern College in 2008 with a degree in English. During his time at Birmingham-Southern he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and earned the Robert Hewlin-Jackson Award for Scholastic Achievement.

Chris attended Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law and graduated in 2011. During his time at Cumberland, Chris was a Senior Member of the Trial Advocacy Board. During law school, Chris was honored as a member of the Dean’s List, won numerous Dispute Resolution competitions, and received multiple Scholar of Merit Awards for Scholastic Achievement. He was also named one...

I grew up in Mobile, Alabama, the son of a Judge and a schoolteacher. They taught me the importance of justice and compassion. My grandfather, who worked for Bender Shipping, taught me at an early age that "If you tell someone you are going to do something, do it" and "If you work for someone, you give them 110 percent." Over my life, I have worked hard to apply these lessons.

I went to the University of South Alabama and the University of Alabama for my undergraduate studies . I then went to Alabama Law School, where I earned best...

Adam Jarvis has dedicated his career to representing individuals and small businesses in general civil litigation including real estate matters, construction disputes, breach of contract, contract drafting and negotiation, small business consulting, insurance claims among many other areas of law. Adam also has experience in probate court related to estate administration, estate litigation, involuntary civil commitment and name changes. Adam grew up in Mobile, Alabama and graduated from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in 2002. Adam spent most of his college years in south Louisiana where he attended Louisiana State University and St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict,...

J. Curt Tanner knew he wanted to have a career in law from an early age. As a teenager, his father was badly injured in an accident. The legal team that represented his father made a big impact on Curt and his family, and the experience inspired him to go to law school. He knew he wanted to help people through difficult times the way he and his family were helped through his father’s accident.

Curt began his legal career by representing individuals against some of the largest banks and investment firms in the world. Curt’s dedication to securing justice for...

Business litigation attorney Bruce McKee has been with Hare Wynn for more than three decades. With over 35 years of legal experience, he is prepared to aggressively fight for the rights of his clients. He handles much of the firm's appellate work, thoroughly researching various complex matters and preparing for settlement or trial. He has been recognized by numerous prestigious organizations, including Martindale-Hubbell®, The Best Lawyers in America®, and Super Lawyers® Magazine, and is admitted to practice throughout Alabama, Kentucky, Arkansas, and the United States Supreme Court. Need an attorney? Call Hare Wynn to discuss your case today.

The Managing Attorney at the Morgan & Morgan Birmingham, Alabama office, Erby J. Fischer focuses his practice primarily on plaintiff’s personal injury and wrongful death litigation. He provides compassionate and astute representation to clients throughout the state who have incurred economic and noneconomic losses due to the negligence of other persons or entities. Mr. Fischer’s cases have covered truck and other motor vehicle crashes, premises liability, medical malpractice and defective products. He also has significant experience in insurance fraud and bad faith actions as well as complex business litigation.

Mr. Fischer has been able to obtain many sizable settlements and jury...

Mr. Barnett has devoted his entire career to representing individuals and families in personal injury and wrongful death matters. Mr. Barnett’s successes include settlements and/or verdicts of at least $1 million or more in cases involving trucking collisions, dog attacks, funeral home and crematory negligence, medical malpractice, premises liability, deck collapses, and automobile collisions. Given his litigation successes, Mr. Barnett was inducted into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum & The Top Trial Lawyers in America. This prestigious honor is reserved for lawyers who have been lead counsel in cases that resulted in verdicts and/or settlements of greater than $2 million. Fewer...

Tripp Watson is the founder of The Watson Firm. He is an Entrepreneur Attorney, which means that he is an an advocate and counselor to risk-takers. Watson is one of the only lawyers in the county who offers both business consulting and legal advice to entrepreneurs.

From a family of entrepreneurs, Watson went to law and business schools with the explicit purpose of opening a firm dedicated to advising aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. Unlike many business attorneys, Watson is also a business owner who personally knows the stresses and demands of running a small business and who can advise on both...

Maridi is an seasoned litigator with almost a decade of experience practicing law throughout the State of Alabama. She began her career defending first-party and third-party lawsuits on behalf of insureds and insurance companies. While working at two large defense firms in Birmingham, Alabama, Maridi had occasion to try many cases before a jury as first-chair attorney. In a time when trial experience is rare, Maridi feels fortunate that she has been able to take a number of her cases through trial, obtaining positive results for her clients. Maridi has sharpened her attorney tools over the years learning...

Tommy has successfully brought cases against the Alabama Department of Mental Health, the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), the Alabama Department of Youth Services, the Alabama Department of Corrections, the Alabama Department of Transportation, the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles and these agency’s employees. The cases Tommy handles often occur in nursing homes, group homes, daycares, mental health facilities, psychiatric wards in hospitals, schools for troubled teens, foster homes, schools and anywhere else where these types of institutional crimes occur. Tommy has acquired many accolades during his practice, including being a prominent member of significant legal organizations such as...

R. Andrew “Andy” Jones is a man of action—inspired by those who take bold strides to help others. His favorite quote, “Do what you can, where you are, with what you have,” comes from the invigorating words of President Teddy Roosevelt, and it reflects the values that Andy holds dear in his personal and professional life.

From an early age, Andy was interested in becoming a lawyer to make a positive impact on others. Since joining Cory Watson Attorneys as a summer law clerk in 2011, Andy quickly distinguished himself among his colleagues and clients. Within three years of becoming an...

As founding attorney at Tidwell Law Group, Birmingham lawyer Jay Tidwell provides counsel in DUI and other criminal defense cases. Since 2004, Mr. Tidwell has been practicing as a lawyer in Alabama. Before establishing his current practice, Attorney Tidwell was a partner at the firm Cloud and Tidwell, LLC. Mr. Tidwell received a Master’s degree in Business Administration from University of Alabama in Birmingham and a Juris Doctor degree from Cumberland School of Law. He holds memberships with several professional organizations including the Birmingham Bar Association, Alabama State Bar and Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

Court Admissions Supreme Court of Alabama U.S. District Court Middle District of Alabama U.S. District Court Northern District of Alabama U.S. District Court Southern District of Alabama Honors, Awards, and Accomplishments Super Lawyers-2012, 2013 Birmingham School of Law-Academic Scholarship Recipient. Professional Affiliations and Memberships Birmingham Bar Association Alabama State Bar Alabama Trial Lawyers Association American...

Personal injury attorney Alva C. Caine has been a member of the Hare Wynn team since 1971. As Of Counsel for the firm, he provides valuable insight and legal assistance for a vast array of complex and difficult cases. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Alva spent three years with the United States Army before ultimately deciding to pursue a career in law. His extensive career has earned him an AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest rating possible, and recognition from The Best Lawyers in America®. Call Hare Wynn today for a free case evaluation!

Mr. Gaines is a litigator with significant broad-based experience in jury trials and arbitration proceedings in state and federal courts. Mr. Gaines primarily defends national corporations and other clients in complex commercial litigation, including actions involving contract disputes, negligent and intentional misrepresentations, interference with contractual and business relations, and negligence claims leading to wrongful death and serious injury.

Call today for a FREE consultation about your legal situation.

Kira Fonteneau was born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia. Prior to law school, Kira spent several years working in operations management roles with Wachovia Bank. In 2005, Kira began her legal career in Birmingham at a regional employment defense law firm. She later started her own firm that focused on both criminal and civil litigation. During her career, Kira has tried several cases to juries, receiving favorable rulings for her clients in both state and federal court. She has also argued at both the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the Alabama Court...

At The Stoves Law Firm, P.C., we are dedicated to delivering steadfast legal advocacy. Under the guidance of our experienced attorney, Jason A. Stoves, boasting over two decades of proficiency, we strive to offer tailored and impactful solutions spanning diverse practice areas such as DUI Defense, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and Immigration Law.

With more than 50 years of trial experience, D. Leon Ashford has earned a reputation as a skilled trial lawyer and dedicated personal injury attorney committed to fighting for the rights of ordinary injured individuals. Throughout the course of his legal career, he has fought for and won countless successful verdicts, including many multi-million dollar recoveries for his clients. Leon is experienced in a wide range of practice areas, including product liability, commercial and business litigation, wrongful death, and more, and he has been highly-awarded for his outstanding legal practice. Call Hare Wynn today for a free consultation!

Representative Decisions Dunbar v. Google, Inc., 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 3643 (N.D. Cal. 2013) Dunbar v. Google, Inc., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 177058 (N.D. Cal. 2012) Sheppard v. Google, Inc., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 173184 (W.D. Ark. 2012) Panico v. BDR Thermea, 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 110056 (N.D. Cal. 2012) Banks v. Nissan N. Am., Inc., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 37754 (N.D. Cal. 2012) Banks v. Nissan N. Am.,...

Born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. Earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1985. Graduated from Florida State University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature with minors in Military Science and Religion. Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army in May of 1991. Graduated from Cumberland School of Law, Birmingham, Alabama in 1994. Licensed to practice law in Georgia and Florida in 1994. Entered active duty in the United States Army in October of 1994 as an Army JAGC (Judge Advocate General’s Corps) officer. Graduated from Airborne Basic...

About our firm:
Small town firm. Big time results.
At Ingrum & Layson LLC, we are a firm focused on providing our clients the attention they need. We listen to all of your needs and concerns carefully and then discuss a logical course of action to help you get your desired results. We are here to help you because you matter and your case matters.

About Jarret Layson, Attorney at Law:
I was born and raised here in Opelika. I grew up going to church right across from my office, and attended high school down the street. After graduating from Opelika High School,...

Ashley Marshall is an experienced attorney located in Enterprise, Alabama. Ashley is also a proud military spouse. Ashley operates a general law practice and is also a registered mediator.

J.P. Sawyer is the Alabama attorney at Sawyer Law Firm. He is a proud graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law and went on to become a partner at the Beasley Allen Law Firm. During his nine-year tenure, J.P. has developed a passion for practicing personal injury, wrongful death, as well as nursing home abuse cases. This passion eventually led him to establish his own firm. While he knows that this move comes with several risks, he also knows that there is nothing more rewarding than helping those who can’t fight for themselves. Secure J.P.’s representation by calling...

Valerie Russell grew up in a small town in rural Alabama, in Autauga County. She currently resides in Montgomery Alabama where she lives with her husband, Lee M. (Russ) Russell, Jr. who is a partner at Capell & Howard, PC. Valerie and her husband, Russ are members of Woodland Methodist in Pike Road, Alabama.

She earned her B.A. from the University of Auburn Montgomery in 1997; and her J.D. at Thomas Goode Jones School of Law of Faulkner University in 2001. Before becoming an associate at Jinks, Crow & Dickson, P.C., Valerie began her legal career as a paralegal at Rushton,...

My name is Lee Borden. I’m a 63 year-old white male and a recovering glutton. I am a divorce lawyer and subsistence farmer near Tallassee, Alabama. Because I have a virtual practice, I provide services to people around the world. I am blessed to love my work.

If you want to reach me, I prefer you use e-mail, and you will almost always get faster service by e-mail.

I have over 20 years practicing law and started in Baldwin County, Alabama as an Assistant District Attorney. After becoming the Chief Trial Attorney for the office, I left for private practice and joined Wilkins, Bankester, Biles and Wynne in 1994. I made partner in 4 years and worked there for 20 years. I started Raines law Firm in 2014. I have been the Judge for Silverhill for 19 years, the City Attorney and Prosecutor for Robertsdale for 18 years, the Town Attorney and Prosecutor for Elberta for 6 years, and the City Prosecutor of Gulf Shores for 2 years....

For over 25 years, Mr. Underwood has represented clients in class actions and complex litigation in state and federal courts, including coordinated and multi-district proceedings. Soon after Mr. Underwood received his license, he served as the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Northern District of Alabama Eastern Division from 1987 until 1988. Legal Experience Mr. Underwood practices in the complex litigation area. He has participated in the prosecution of numerous class actions on behalf of injured plaintiffs. Mr. Underwood's experience includes serving as court-appointed lead class counsel and/or liaison counsel on behalf of plaintiffs in numerous class actions...

I was born in Andalusia, Alabama, and graduated from Andalusia High School. I graduated from Mira Costa College in Oceanside, California, University of Alabama and Jones School of Law. I served as Staff Attorney for Alabama Supreme Court Justices, A. Hugh Maddox (1987-1989), Richard L. Jones (1989-1990), and Kenneth F. Ingram (1990-1991). I have been the Municipal Judge in Florala, Alabama since 1996. I am also the Public Defender for the Andalusia Municipal Court. I am a member of the Covington County Bar Association, the Alabama State Bar Association and the Alabama Trial Lawyers Association.

A native of Andalusia, Melissa Campbell is a dedicated Alabama Attorney. Her practice is focused on Probate, Contract, Collection, Family Law and Personal Injury. Ms. Campbell's decades of experience, knowledge and skill ensure that her clients are in good hands. She is committed to providing outstanding service and representation.

Ms. Campbell received her B.A. from Auburn University. In 1990, she earned her J.D. from the Jones School of Law.

Jeff provides extensive expertise to small and large business clients regarding daily operations and tax-saving strategies. His corporate practice also includes business formation and financing issues, contract review and assistance, mergers and acquisitions and employment law matters.

He also skillfully applies his tax knowledge to his estate planning practice area. In addition to drafting documents necessary to implement his client’s estate plans, including wills and trusts, Jeff counsels regarding charitable giving and special needs planning. Similarly, Jeff provides valuable counsel to personal representatives and trustees during the estate administration process.

Jeff has extensive experience in the coordination of real estate transactions,...

Do you have questions about business formation, elder law, or Social Security disability? Do you need assistance with any kind of estate planning issue? You have come to the right firm! At The Law Offices of Joshua Key, you can rest assured in the help and support you can receive from a Birmingham probate attorney who has your best interests in mind. It is absolutely imperative that you know who you can trust at this critical juncture in your life, and Attorney Key is just the man for the task. He obtained his Juris Doctorate at the University of Missouri-Kansas...

I grew up on a small farm in Blount County, Alabama. One of my strengths as a lawyer is my ability to relate to people from all walks of life. I earned my law degree with honors from the Cumberland School of Law in 1998, where I served on Law Review and the National Moot Court Team and became the first lawyer in my family. I have been a personal injury lawyer in the State of Alabama since 1998.

I have devoted my law practice to representing and protecting the rights of survivors of accidents causing...

Michael Timberlake is a native of Huntsville, Alabama and is the son of local attorney, Kenan Timberlake. He earned his undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern in 1989 and his law degree from Cumberland School of Law in 1995. Following law school, Michael worked as a clerk for William Robertson, Chief Justice of the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. After finishing his clerkship, he has practiced for over 20 years in Huntsville with the firm of Timberlake, League, and Brooks, P.C. His practice is devoted to helping persons injured as a result of medical malpractice, nursing home...