Judge Judson W. Wells, Sr., President

February 2025

Volume XLVIV, Issue 2

In This Issue...

Ann's Article............................Page 2

Mardi Gras Social....................Page 3

CLEs.......................................Page 7

Lawyer Assistance..................Page 9

Mentoring Matters...................Page 10

Young Lawyers........................Page 11

Women Lawyers......................Page 13

Vernon Crawford......................Page 14

Significant Decisions................Page 15

SAVLP......................................Page 16

In the News..............................Page 18

Mobile Bar Foundation.............Page 20

Birthdays..................................Page 23

  2025 OFFICERS

President - Judge Judson W. Wells, Sr.

President-Elect - Mary Margaret K. Bailey

Vice President - Sidney W. Jackson, III

Secretary - Maxine Walters

Treasurer - Gordon G. Armstrong, III

Asst. Treasurer - David D. Anthony

Executive Director - Ann Forbes

Editor - Michael D. Strasavich

President’s Message

Happy February and Happy Mardi Gras! The annual revelry begins in earnest this month and concludes with Fat Tuesday on March 4^th. By the time you read my next column, we’ll be waving goodbye to Mardi Gras 2025.

Please mark your calendar for two great Mardi Gras events in February. Your Mobile Bar Association and the Young Lawyers Section are sponsoring our annual Mardi Gras Social on Thursday, February 20th at MBA headquarters in the LaClede Building on Government Street. Last year this was a huge hit, so sign up this month when you receive an e-mail about the event. Bring your family members, including your children and grandchildren! You can catch the parade twice from the MBA HQ.

The Vernon Z. Crawford Bay Area Bar Association is holding a Mardi Gras CLE on February 28th and March 1st at the Admiral Hotel. The 2025 Judge Cain Kennedy Honoree, Ricardo Woods, will be honored at the March 1st awards brunch. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Ricardo! The Mardi Gras CLE also includes a Mardi Gras mixer for attendees on February 27^th at Kazoola. Please see President Tierany Hatcher’s column in this MBA Bulletin for more information.

Your Mobile Bar Association is off to a great start in 2025! January was very successful, and the calendar was loaded. I’ll list just several of the events. First, we have a great Executive Committee who met for the first time this year to consider a full slate of business. The EC unanimously approved the 2025 budget, which represents good stewardship of your dues.

Speaking of the 2025 budget and dues, please pay your 2025 membership dues which are now due! Prompt payment of dues by our members allows your MBA to have a great year and continue providing many member services!

As your MBA President, I was honored to speak on behalf of our Association at the investiture ceremonies of Mobile County District Judge Johana Bucci (January 10^th) and Mobile County Probate Judge Mark Erwin (January 17^th). Judge Bucci and Judge Erwin had overflow crowds and memorable ceremonies. Congratulations to our newest judges!

We ended the month with a bang on January 31^st at the federal courthouse with our State of the Bar Annual Meeting. This breakfast meeting was well-attended and featured an impressive lineup of speakers. Judges of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, of the 13^th Judicial Circuit of Alabama’s Circuit and District Courts, and of the Mobile County Probate Court and Mobile Municipal Court, each spoke about their respective courts. Cooper Thurber, 2025 Chair of the MBA Grievance Committee, gave his committee’s annual report for 2024. The event was FREE for MBA members and provided one hour of CLE for those who attended, whether in person or by Zoom. Many thanks to Judges Jeffrey Beaverstock, Henry Callaway, Wesley Pipes, Zack Moore, Mark Erwin, and Carvine Adams, all of whom took time out of their busy schedules to speak. Also, thanks to Judge Beaverstock and his fellow federal judges and magistrate judges for hosting this event!

One of the goals of your MBA officers and Executive Committee this year is to improve upon and expand the free services provided to our members. We’ve already begun doing this by making our on-site CLEs FREE to our members! These include CLE seminars offered by the MBA CLE Committee and MBA Section meetings. Of course, if there is an option to purchase lunch at a CLE, that will be up to the Member to decide. To check out these amazing free programs, please go to the MBA website.

We hope to also expand free services for our members in other areas later this year. I have appointed President-Elect Mary Margaret Bailey to chair an ad hoc committee to study how we can best expand free services to our members. I expect Mary Margaret’s committee to come up with some great ideas which the Executive Committee can consider implementing later this year. I will report further on this once any additional free member services are approved.

MBA Vice-President Sid Jackson is lining up interesting speakers for our member luncheons throughout the year. The March Membership luncheon will be held on Friday, March 21^st at the Battle House. Sid promises a great speaker and topic—stay tuned for more information in the March Bar Bulletin.

Did you know that your Mobile Bar Association has 31 Sections and Committees? Like the old Baskin Robbins 31 flavors of ice cream, the variety is impressive! Many of the Sections and Committees work hard to involve members in their areas of practice and areas of interest. Each month, I will recognize a few Sections and Committees as well as their chairs. This month, I recognize and thank some of our most active Sections, listed below along with their chair:

• Government Employee—Jen Susman (this is a brand-new Section that has already hit the ground running!)
• Bankruptcy—Alex Garrett
• Domestic Relations—Krissy McCullough
• In-House Counsel—Alex Wood
• Probate—Deena Tyler
• Worker’s Compensation—Boyd Miller

Thank you to the above Sections and their hard-working chairs! Keep up the good work in 2025.

I will close my column each month with a quote, whether serious, funny, inspirational, thought-provoking, topical, or random. In honor of Mardi Gras and its original home of Mobile in the United States, I’ll recognize the late great Mobile native, Eugene Walter:

"But, after all, if, as a child, you saw, every Mardi Gras, the figure of Folly chasing Death around the broken column of life, beating him on the back with a Fool's scepter; or the figure of Columbus dancing on top of a huge revolving globe of the world; or Revelry dancing on an enormous upturned wine glass - wouldn't you see the world in different terms, too?"

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Judge Judson W. Wells, Sr.

Mobile Bar Association, 2025 President

Well, 2025 started off with a bang! We began January with the retirement of Mobile County Probate Judge Don Davis, the investitures of 13^th Judicial Circuit District Court Judge Johana Bucci, of Mobile County Probate Judge Mark Erwin, and of Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sarah Stewart in Montgomery, as well as our State of the Bar Annual Meeting, AND 7.5 inches of snow in Mobile that basically shut us down for two to three days. Exciting…. and crazy times!

Welcome, February! Hopefully, we will have warmer temperatures since Mardi Gras is arriving. Please make plans to join us on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Mobile Bar headquarters for our Mardi Gras Social. MBA will partner with the Young Lawyers Section and sponsor, Boller Law, for this great family-friendly event! Important note about the event: since Mobile Bar headquarters is located inside the parade route, please arrive early! We will be ready for you by 5:30 p.m. Be sure to bring your family, and encourage the attorneys in your firm to attend. And yes! You can see the parade twice - once on Royal Street, and then once on Conception Street. We will have Dew Drop hamburgers and hot dogs, king cake, sodas, beer, wine, live music, and one bag for each family to hold their Mardi Gras throws. Again, make plans to join us. A link to register for the event is below.

Reminders:

• 2025 Membership Dues invoice: By now, you should have received your 2025 membership dues invoice. Invoices were emailed to all MBA members during the month of January. Many thanks to all who have already paid their dues.
• To get the MBA Member Rate for events: Please sign in to your MBA profile before registering for an event. If you are a member of the Mobile Bar, you already have a profile on the website. For signing in, you have a username and password. You can reset your password at any time. If you do not know your log-in credentials, please contact MBA headquarters, as we are happy to assist. Also, make sure your legal assistant has access to your log-in credentials.
• Update your MBA Profile: Your log-in credentials also give you access to update your member profile at any time. Please help us by keeping your information regarding employment, phone number, email, and professional and personal addresses as up to date as possible. We maintain the website with more than 1,100 member records on a daily basis, so your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thank you again for your membership. We are successful as an association because of members like YOU. If you have any questions or comments you would like to share, please contact me directly by email at aforbes@mobilebarassociation.com or by phone at 251-433-9790. Our door is always open.



Onward,

Ann

P. Ann Forbes

Mobile Bar Association, Executive Director

YOU'RE INVITED!

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Like last year, your MBA dues statement was emailed to you and should have been received during the first full week of January. From that email, you can print the invoice and pay by check, OR you can pay by credit card online. You do not have to log in to your profile on the website to pay online.

Also, your 2025 membership dues invoice includes a $25.00 donation to the Mobile Bar Foundation. The funds received from this donation help the Foundation to provide grants to area non-profits such as South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program, Legal Services, Mobile County Veterans Court, and Via Center for management of the Volunteer Guardian Program. If you do not want to make the donation, please contact us at MBA headquarters, and we will update your 2025 membership dues invoice.

Membership Dues are due no later than Monday, March 31, 2025.

Whether you are a new or renewing member, THANK YOU for your support and your commitment to elevating the legal profession to the highest possible standard. Again, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 251.433.9790.

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CLE COMMITTEE

By Daya Naef, CLE Committee Co-Chair

AI in Law: How Emerging Technology Can Empower Local Law Firms

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant innovation—it’s here and transforming industries, including the legal profession. While larger firms may have been early adopters of AI tools, many smaller firms and solo practitioners are now wondering: is this technology relevant to my practice? The answer is a resounding yes.

As the newly appointed co-chair of the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Committee for the Mobile Bar Association, I am particularly excited to help our local legal community navigate this transformative era. In this role, one of my key goals is to promote resources and programs that demystify cutting-edge technologies like AI and demonstrate how they can enhance law practice for firms of all sizes.



AI offers a range of tools to streamline legal work, making practices more efficient and competitive. For instance:

• Legal Research: AI-powered platforms such as Casetext or Lexis+ AI can analyze case law in seconds, saving hours of manual research and providing more precise results.
• Document Automation: Drafting contracts, wills, or pleadings becomes faster and more accurate with tools that minimize human error and free up valuable time for client strategy.
• Case Management: AI-enhanced client intake systems and case management software help organize workflows, improving efficiency and client satisfaction.

The misconception that AI might replace the human touch in law couldn’t be further from the truth. Instead, these tools empower attorneys to focus on what matters most—strategic thinking, client advocacy, and building relationships. Whether you're handling complex litigation or routine transactional work, AI can improve client outcomes, streamline operations, and even reduce the risk of attorney burnout.

As CLE Committee co-chair, I am committed to helping Mobile Bar Association members stay ahead of the curve by offering educational opportunities to explore AI's practical applications. Whether through webinars, demos, or in-person programs, our committee is here to guide you through this exciting frontier.

AI isn’t just the future; it’s reshaping how we practice law today. If you’re curious about how AI can benefit

your practice, 2025 is the perfect time to explore its potential.

For questions and CLE ideas, please contact me at daya@thesuccesspartner.com or 504-669-1020. Thank you!

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FEBRUARY CLES

Bankruptcy Section Meeting

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Available CLE Credits: 1.0

LOCATION: FEDERAL COURTHOUSE | JURY ASSEMBLY ROOM

For more information: Jennifer Morgan by email at jennifer_morgan@alsb.uscourts.gov or Alex Garrett by email at agarrett@silvervoit.com.

ON-DEMAND CLES

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LAWYER ASSISTANCE

By Beth Rehm, Lawyer Assistance Committee Chair

The Need For Gratitude

What is gratitude? The term has many definitions, but most agree that gratitude brings joy. As stated by Brene Brown in her book “Atlas of the Heart,” gratitude is not only an emotion but also a practice.

Numerous studies have found that journaling about gratitude makes one more fulfilled by life, happier, sleep better, be less anxious, be more productive, and engage in more physical activity, whether it be real exercise or just stopping to “smell the roses.” Who does not want this in life? We all have busy lives, and these benefits could help us all.

One of the most effective ways to practice gratitude is keeping a journal specific to gratitude. Studies (aren’t there studies for everything?) suggest that journaling once a week with specific examples of gratitude – more than just having a roof over one’s head – and limiting the entries to ten are most effective in reaping the benefits of gratitude.

Personally, I’ll admit I heard for many years from numerous people that I should keep a gratitude journal. To me, it was yet another task to put on my plate. I finally changed my mind and started one. I went so far as to purchase a hard-bound journal with the words “Happy Thoughts” emblazoned on the cover.

Each week, I tried to write ten specific things for which I was grateful. It was difficult to start, and I struggled to write a specific list. But I did it. My lists included random small things – drinking Vietnamese iced coffee, conquering a difficult recipe, installing a mail post and mixing the concrete by myself, buying tickets for a concert, purchasing new shoes that were truly comfortable, taking the stairs all week instead of the elevator, teaching my dog a new trick, hearing or reaching out to someone I had not talked to in ages, etc. Yes, some of these seem silly, but the practice of writing down small specific things for which I was grateful made me realize how grateful I was for many larger parts of life. I noticed changes in myself. And some of them made me laugh.

Being grateful truly is an emotion, but practicing gratefulness strengthens that emotion.

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MENTORING MATTERS

By Greg Vaughan, Mentoring Committee Member

Just a few years to live…

My friend and MBA member Randy Lyons received this news. He shared his story with me the other day at the courthouse – and now I share it with you.

About fifteen years ago, Randy noticed a pain behind his knee when exercising. He was an avid runner, but he knew this pain was different. A visit with an orthopedic doctor revealed a mass behind his knee cap. A few more doctor visits, and he was ultimately diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Bone marrow cancer.

Randy conducted some online research, and the results were not good – about 2 ½ years to live. Horrible news for anyone to receive. For Randy, a husband with two young daughters and a son, it was devastating. Can you imagine your young daughter, with tears in her eyes, pleading for your life so you can walk her down the aisle at her wedding one day? Heartbreaking. That was Randy’s reality….

One set of doctors said that with extensive treatment, they could possibly get Randy to 8 years. Another set of doctors was even more optimistic. He ended up in Little Rock, Arkansas (with the more optimistic doctors). Randy endured 3 rounds of chemo, a stem cell transplant, and multiple rounds of other cancer treatments. He did all this while continuing to work full-time at a defense firm, getting his hours in and supporting his family – as he has always done. Amazingly, and against the medical literature, Randy’s on year 15 since his diagnosis and, most significantly, HE’S BEEN IN REMISSION FOR 10 YEARS!

Randy’s journey has brought some clarity to life – and several aspects of our conversation resonated with me:

Time with Family

Before his diagnosis, Randy was like many of us, living to work, not working to live. In other words, work was more of a priority than it should have been. He mentioned to me that oftentimes, he and his wife (Fran) would comment about wishing they had the time to take a trip – go for a hike – just make a memory. For reasons we are all familiar with, those plans sometimes take a back seat to the hustle of life. For Randy, that does not happen these days. They always wanted to see the Grand Canyon – well, they did it. Randy and Fran love to travel; they’re hiking buddies – so that’s what they do. A few weeks ago, when we had our conversation, they were headed to Chattanooga, TN to stay at the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel. Why? Well, why not?! Life is precious, and time with loved ones is even more so.

Remain a Professional

While Randy was undergoing treatment, he was actively litigating. In one of his cases, he needed a continuance so he could go out-of-town for treatment. Opposing counsel objected. Hard to imagine that – but he did. The judge did the right thing and granted Randy’s request. Fast forward, and the same lawyer that had objected now had a health battle himself. He eventually had to ask Randy for a continuance. The same lawyer that wouldn’t give Randy some extra time to attend chemo now needed a favor. Being the professional he is, Randy graciously agreed to the continuance. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you is Randy’s way – even when it’s tough – and it’s the right way to practice.

Share your why

During our conversation at the courthouse, Randy gave me the best guidance I have ever received from a lawyer. He shared his faith with me. He told me that in the darkest days of his cancer journey, he never lost faith that God would see him through it. He told me that we have two choices when facing a significant health challenge -- live in self-pity or live with the confidence that God will give you the strength to endure your battle.

Randy said he would have never shared this with me before his diagnosis. He was more private about his faith – reluctant to speak it. Not now, not after this. When the opportunity is right, he will tell you all the wonderful blessings he has received from Christ. Blessings that are there for all of us, in good times and challenging times.

Remember Randy’s daughter, who wanted so badly for her Daddy to walk her down the aisle. Well, that happened – and what a wonderful joyous occasion it was!

God’s timing is always the best. I’m so grateful for my visit with Randy and for the wisdom he shared with us. Please give his advice some thought and re-focus on life’s many blessings.

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I have spent a lot of time around lawyers and judges through my involvement in the bar’s mentoring program. This article is just one from a collection of articles reflecting what I have learned there and along the way.

If you have any questions, comments, or would like to suggest future topics, please send me an email at greg@vaughanpoe.com or call 251-432-8883.

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YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION

By Robert Alexander, Young Lawyers President

This month we are starting our bimonthly event series, Beverages with the Bench. We began the event series last year, and it was a resounding success throughout the year. Our first event will be on Tuesday, February 11^th at Post on Dauphin Street from 5:30-6:30 p.m., and will be sponsored by The Law Offices of Damrich & Allen.

The annual Young Lawyers Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, May 16^th at Spring Hill Golf Course. There will be a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m., with lunch beginning at noon. After the golf round, dinner will be provided, followed by a cocktail party. More information will be forthcoming, and we hope to see many of you there. Law clerks are welcome to attend as well.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss potentially sponsoring a Young Lawyers event this year, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at ralexander@hglawpc.com.

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WOMEN LAWYERS

By Kelly Adams, Women Lawyers President

I hope everyone both survived and enjoyed “snow-pocalypse” and “ice-ageddon” last month. As we turn to Mardi Gras season and the last month or so of winter, the MBA Women Lawyers have a few announcements.

First, annual dues for the Women Lawyers section remain at $35 with checks made out to MBAWL, P.O. Box 770, Mobile, AL 36633. Your membership support helps us put on our lunch CLEs, happy hours, the Trailblazer Tea, and other similar events.

Our first lunch CLE will be held on February 4, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. in the Jury Administration Room of the Federal Courthouse, 155 Saint Joseph Street. Our own Rachele Reis from Legal Services Alabama will present How Can I Help Post-Disaster for one-hour of general CLE credit.  While the deadline to order lunch already passed on January 31, 2025, I remind everyone that you may still attend the CLE for free and bring your own lunch. You may still register for the CLE by emailing mbawomenlawyers@gmail.com with your bar number. 

Finally, our 2025 Trailblazer nomination period opened on February 1, 2025, and will run until March 15, 2025. What traits does a Trailblazer have? I found an article by Debbie Gilbert which discusses 6 characteristics of a Trailblazer: (1) The ability to think and see differently; (2) Clear purpose; (3) The courage to persevere; (4) Obstacles are [just] a challenge; (5) Self-belief; and (6) Independence from the crowd. Click here to read Debbie Gilbert's article.

The Mobile Bar has had many great Trailblazers over the years, and in its storied tradition, will continue to have more. Please think about the local bar and nominate any woman who you believe embodies these traits and characteristics of a Trailblazer. You may click here to complete a nomination form. If you have any problems with the online nomination process, please email Maxine Walters, Trailblazer Committee Chair at maxinemtw@gmail.com.

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By Tierany Hatcher, Vernon Z. Crawford Bay Area Bar Association President

Do you know a law student, or a graduating senior who has been accepted to law school? If so, then ask them to apply for the Judge Cain James Kennedy Scholarship!

The Judge Cain James Kennedy Scholarship is designed to cultivate future generations of attorneys dedicated to civil rights and public service work in the greater Mobile area. The scholarship is open to students who are currently enrolled as a law student, AND to graduating seniors who have been accepted into law school.

• Applicant​s must be a resident of the greater Mobile area, or must have demonstrated a desire to practice law in the greater Mobile area. 
• Applicant​s must have exhibited a commitment to community service. 
• Applicants must show proof of enrollment or acceptance into law school.
• Applicant​s must submit a completed application and essay by the deadline of 11:59 p.m. CST on ​Friday, February 14, 2025.
• The award recipient will be notified by ​Friday, February 21, 2025, and is asked to be present in Mobile for presentation of the scholarship on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

​

For more information or questions, please contact the Vernon Z. Crawford Bay Area Bar Association.

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In Prestige Design and Build, LLC v. James, No. SC-2024-0667 (Ala. January 10, 2025), the Supreme Court reversed a trial court's second dismissal of a complaint on res judicata grounds because the first dismissal was not an adjudication on the merits. Though recognizing that on remand the trial court may be justified in dismissing the complaint a second time for other reasons, the Court stressed that res judicata did not apply because the dismissal of the first complaint was due to plaintiff (a limited liability company) being represented by a non-lawyer which was considered a nullity under Alabama law and therefore was not an adjudication on the merits.

In Digital Forensics Corporation, LLC v. King Machine, Inc., No. SC-2024-0031 (Ala. January 10, 2025), the Supreme Court reversed a trial court's denial of a motion to compel arbitration, even though fraud in the inducement was claimed. Finding that the plaintiff's claim of fraud in the inducement was directed at the underlying contract as a whole, the Court held that it is well settled Alabama law that that claims of fraud in the inducement are, themselves, subject to arbitration, unless the alleged fraud directly involves the arbitration clause itself as opposed to the whole of the contract at issue.

In Jenkins v. City of Birmingham, No. SC-2024-0217 (Ala. December 20, 2024), the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal on the basis that the trial court had lost jurisdiction over certain claims several months before summary judgment was actually granted and an appeal thereafter filed. According to the Court, after plaintiff's motion to alter, amend, or vacate the trial court's previous order dismissing plaintiff's claims pursuant to Ala. R. Civ. P. 59 was denied as a matter of law, the trial court could no longer reinstate such claims based on subsequent motion filed by plaintiff with the trial court.

In HD Hyundai Construction Equipment North America, Inc. v. Southern Lift Trucks, LLC, No. SC-2023-0853 (Ala. January 17, 2025), the Supreme Court held that a trial court lacked the discretion to enjoin arbitration proceedings, even where underlying contract granted an option to bring a declaratory judgment action relating to contract enforceability in the trial court. Holding that the issue of whether an arbitration clause applies to the parties' dispute is determined based on the language of the agreement, the Supreme Court held that the parties' option to bring declaratory judgment action in trial court was not exclusive and did not otherwise limit the arbitrator's otherwise comprehensive jurisdiction over disputes arising from the contract.

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Are you interested in providing pro bono services to low-income Mobile County clients through SAVLP? Here are three ways to help. 

1. Choose a date for an “in office” shift. Select the types of cases with which you are willing to assist and meet clients at the SAVLP office. SAVLP staff will schedule 2-4 clients during the two-hour period and send you information for a conflict check in advance. During your shift, you’ll meet with the client, assess the situation, and work with SAVLP staff to determine the next steps. This is a convenient way to volunteer and an excellent opportunity for less seasoned attorneys to gain experience. We even have a free parking space for you to use! For more information, e-mail ariana@savlp.org. 
2. Volunteer at a limited legal advice clinic. We offer these at the Mobile County Courthouse on the second Thursday of every month from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. If you would like to sign up for a shift, e-mail heather@savlp.org.

Sign up to help at Project Homeless Connect (PHC). Housing First, Inc., rescheduled its annual event due to recent weather conditions. Originally set for January 24^th, PHC now will take place May 15^th. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact ariana@savlp.org.

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The following applicants were approved for membership by the Mobile Bar Association Executive Committee. They were welcomed into the Mobile Bar Association on Friday, January 31, 2025.

ACTIVE MEMBERS:

• Ian Brendel, graduated from the Jones School of Law in 2007, admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2009, and is employed Ian A. Brendel, LLC.
• Phyllis B. Conwell, graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2024, admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2024, and is employed with Helmsing, Leach, Herlong, Newman & Rouse.
• Thomas D. Hannahan, graduated from Cumberland School of Law in 2024, admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2024, and is employed with Helmsing, Leach, Herlong, Newman & Rouse.
• Jacob B. Hulcher, graduated from Jones School of Law in 2023, admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2023, and is employed with Webster Henry Bradwell Cohan Speagle & DeShazo.
• Blaize M. Naman, graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2024, admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2024, and is employed with Adams and Reese, LLP.
• Yanya G. O’Hara, graduated from the University of Notre Dame School of Law, Australia in 2000, admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2019, and is employed with USA Health.
• Richard H. Taylor, Jr., graduated from Loyola New Orleans School of Law in 2024, admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2024, and is employed with the 13^th Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama.
• Elizabeth Wilson, graduated from Washington and Lee University School of Law in 2024, admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2024, and is employed with Armbrecht Jackson LLP.

ASSOCIATE MEMBER:

• Joshua S. Lewis, graduated from Cumberland School of Law in 2024, admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2024, and is employed with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP.
• Taylor Winkler, graduated from Cumberland School of Law in 2022, admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2022, and is employed with E. J. Saad Law Firm.

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KUDOS: On January 21, 2025, MBA Member The Honorable Sarah Stewart took office as Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Chief Justice Stewart was elected as Chief Justice in November of 2024 after serving as an Associate Justice on the Alabama Supreme Court since January of 2019. Prior to that, she served for thirteen (13) years as a Mobile County Circuit Court Judge and was the first female president of the Alabama Association of Circuit Court Judges. In 2022, the Mobile Bar Association Women Lawyers recognized Chief Justice Stewart with the Trailblazer Award. Congratulations, Chief Justice Stewart!

DIED: Retired MBA Member C. Michael Smith died on January 15, 2025. A native of Albertville, Alabama, Mike graduated from Douglas High School, Auburn University, and the University of Alabama School of Law. He was a founding partner of the law firm of Paul and Smith, P.C. where he practiced law for forty-two (42) years. A long-time resident of Fairhope, Mike was an ardent Crimson Tide football fan and member of the Baldwin County Red Elephant Club. He loved living in Fairhope where he considered each new day a wonderful gift and each of his friends and relatives a special blessing. Mike is survived by his beloved wife, retired MBA Member Suzanne Paul.

DIED: James David Jeffries, father of MBA Member Jim Jeffries, died on January 3, 2025. Born in Holly Ridge, Louisiana, David’s work with International Paper Company led him to move from Bastrop, Louisiana to Mobile; then to Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Darien, Connecticut; and ultimately back to Mobile, which he called home. In 2002, he retired after a long and successful finance and accounting career with International Paper. David is survived by his wife of sixty-three (63) years, two (2) sons, five (5) grandchildren, and two (2) great-granddaughters.



DIED: Stephanie Sullivan Cleverdon, sister of retired MBA Member Carroll Sullivan, mother-in-law of MBA Member Knox Boteler, and cousin of retired MBA Member Joe Sullivan, died on January 24, 2025. A native Mobilian, Stephanie attended the Visitation Monastery, St. Mary’s Catholic School, St. Ignatius Catholic School, and Bishop Toolen High School. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, respectively, and worked as a counselor at several schools in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Stephanie was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Mobile, St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Fairhope, the Junior League of Mobile, and several mystic societies. She loved to sing, dance, and spend time with her family on Mobile Bay. She was predeceased by less than a month by her husband of fifty-four (54) years and is survived by three (3) daughters and eight (8) grandchildren.

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Are you and/or your legal assistant in need of a Government Plaza ID Badge? If the answer is “YES," then the Mobile Bar Association is your first stop to acquire your ID Badge. Each badge is $50. For more information, please contact the Mobile Bar Association by phone at 251-433-9790 or email at info@mobilebarassociation.com to start the process.

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale is pleased to announce leadership changes and promotions across the firm. Chris Williams, from their Fairhope office, has been elected to serve on the Executive Committee.

Frazer Greene is pleased to announce that Blair G. Mattei has made Partner.

For Sale: Historic building in immediate proximity to Government Plaza and courts at 205 Church Street. The building dates back to 1844 and is an ideal location for a law firm. Please contact Jeremy Milling by phone at 251-421-0919 or by email at Jeremy@Millingre.com for further information.

For Rent: Renee E. Thiry, Esq., has space for rent at her office and/or possible partnership opportunity. Please contact Renee by phone at 251-478-880 or by email at thiry.renee@gmail.com.

Office space for lease on Downtowner Blvd. It has 1,200 square feet with four office spaces and two restrooms. For more information, contact Matt Cummings by phone at 251-476-6000 or by email at matt@cummingsassoc.com.

Office space for lease at 1610 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36604. Large offices with available conference room and possible receptionist services. For more information, contact Brent Day by phone at 251-441-1925 or by email at receptionist@solonlaw.net.

Law office building for sale at 1250 Dauphin Street. It has 2,955 square feet with on-site parking and a Historic Development Commission plaque. For more information, contact Joe Thetford by email at jt@thetfordlegal.com.

DOWNTOWN OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE: Beautiful, spacious office in an historic home in the beautiful DeTonti Square neighborhood. Plentiful onsite parking with EV charging station, available conference room, waiting area, and kitchenette. Receptionist on site. Fiber-Optic internet provided. One block from the Federal and Bankruptcy Courthouses. Perfect for a solo or out-of-town firm desiring a Mobile presence. Available now. 205 N. Conception St. Contact HENRY BREWSTER by phone at 251-338-0630 or by email at hbrewster@brewsterlaw.net.

EXCELLENT MIDTOWN OFFICE SPACE: Nice, affordable offices for rent in Midtown at the Loop. Located on Government St. next to Little Flower Catholic School. Plenty of free parking. The space includes 1-3 offices as well as a reception area, bathroom, and kitchenette. A conference room is also available for use. The offices are 134 sq.ft.; 146 sq.ft.; and 191 sq.ft.;. The waiting room is 147 sq.ft. Contact Mike McNair, office: 251-450-0111; cell: 251-510-3223. Email: msm@mcnairlawyer.com.

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In memory of: Betty Coale

Donation made by: Harwell E. Coale, Jr.

In memory of: Jon A. Green in recognition of his service to SAVLP.

Donation made by: Kathy Miller and Charlie Fleming

In memory of: Donna W. Smalley

Donation made by: Kathy Miller and Charlie Fleming

In memory of: Hank H. Caddell

Donation made by: Kathy Miller and Charlie Fleming

In memory of: Thomas M. Galloway, Jr.

Donation made by: Kathy Miller and Charlie Fleming

In memory of: G. Porter Brock, Jr.

Donation made by: Kathy Miller and Charlie Fleming

In memory of: Judge Robert H. Smith

Donation made by: Kathy Miller and Charlie Fleming

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Listed below are members who celebrate a birthday in February.

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