Raymond L. Bell, Jr., President

November 2024

Volume XLVIII, Issue 11

In This Issue...

Ann's Article............................Page 3

Remembrance Ceremony.......Page 4

CLEs.......................................Page 9

Mentoring Matters...................Page 12

Young Lawyers........................Page 13

VZC Bar...................................Page 14

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

Nominating Report...................Page 16

50-Year Lawyers......................Page 17

In the News..............................Page 22

Mobile Bar Foundation.............Page 24

Birthdays..................................Page 28

  2024 OFFICERS

President - Raymond L. Bell, Jr.

President Elect - Judge Judson W. Wells, Sr.

Vice President - Mary Margaret K. Bailey

Secretary - Jenna J. York

Treasurer - Brian K. Smithweck

Asst. Treasurer - Gordon G. Armstrong, III

Executive Director - Ann Forbes

Editor - Tiffany Ray

President’s Message

The holidays are upon us, and soon we will be rounding out the year with kids coming home, holiday gatherings, and family get-togethers. I hope this season is full of good times and memorable moments for each of you and your families.  

I always enjoy our bar luncheons, but the most special one each year to me is the celebration recognizing our members who have reached the 50-year mark. Practicing law is an honor and a privilege, and to be able to do it over a long career is special. Congratulations again to the lawyers who were recently recognized for reaching their golden anniversary!

This month, on Veterans Day, we will honor those members who have served our country. November 11^th is a day of celebration, and the nation’s opportunity to thank America’s service men and women for their sacrifice, patriotism, and willingness to serve and devote their lives to the common good. I am truly thankful for the service of those in the military, past, present and future. Thank you for your service.

Unfortunately, many of our veterans are facing challenges related to medical and mental health issues, unemployment, homelessness, and lack of many forms of support. Despite there being several means of assistance for veterans, there just aren’t enough resources to help them all. But as lawyers, we can help.

We can help by volunteering our time, providing legal services, supporting programs that empower veterans, and donating household items and money. These men and women and their families have given a lot for all of us and our country, and they deserve our help.

Mark your calendars: For the first time, we will recognize members who are no longer with us at a stand-alone remembrance ceremony. The ceremony will be held Friday, November 8, in the Mobile County Ceremonial Courtroom in Government Plaza at 11 a.m. This event will be special, and several of our judges from the 13^th Judicial Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama, and Mobile Municipal Court will sit en banc. Also, don’t forget to calendar our next membership luncheon, which will be held November 15 at 11:45 a.m.

Let’s Do More! As the holidays approach let us be mindful of those who are less fortunate. Let’s remember that others need our donations, clothing, and other items for warmth and shelter.

This month I am again asking all of us to give what we can to the groups and agencies that assist and provide necessities to those in need during the fall and winter. I am also asking that we find time to volunteer at centers and shelters that provide meals on the mornings and afternoons of the upcoming holidays. It only takes a few hours to help put smiles on faces that may not have much to smile about. As always, I remain…

Sincerely,

Raymond L. Bell, Jr.

Mobile Bar Association, 2024 President

During the meeting:

• We will have a Veterans Day theme with a Call the Roll of those current members of the MBA, lawyers and judges alike, who have served in all branches of the military. Make sure your profile on the website is up to date so we do not miss anyone!
• We will vote on the 2024 Slate of Officers
• Speaker is Suntrease Williams-Maynard
• Sponsor for the November Luncheon is Morgan Stanley, 5 Rivers Group at Morgan Stanley
• We will be collecting toys for our Toy Drive

ADVANCE REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2024.

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Happy November!

Like I did last month, I’d like to devote my November article to offering some helpful reminders.

To get the MBA Member Rate: Please sign in to your profile before registering

for an event. If you are a member of Mobile Bar, you already have a profile on

the website that you can sign into with your 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 - employment, phone number, email, and professional & 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.

New Office Location: Don’t forget! We are no longer in the LeVert building. We are across the street at 150 Government Street, Suite 1000A.

MBA Membership Directory: You can view the MBA Membership Directory two ways: 1. By logging into your profile on the website, or 2. If you’re not logged into your profile, by going to the tab marked “For the Public,” selecting “Member Directory,” and typing in a name. Tip: I recommend typing in just the person’s last name, because if the person goes by his/her middle name, the profile is not going to show up.

CLEs: We have a couple more in-person Lunch and Learns, and our CLE by the Hour. Information on upcoming CLEs is included in this issue of the Bar Bulletin. After CLE by the Hour, we will only offer our on-demand CLE platform on the website.

Remembrance Ceremony: This year, we will have a stand-alone ceremony to remember MBA members who died in 2023–2024. It will be held Friday, November 8, in the Ceremonial Courtroom at Government Plaza. There is no cost, and all are welcome to attend. More information on the Remembrance Ceremony is included in this issue of the Bar Bulletin.

November Membership Luncheons: The November 15^th Luncheon will have a Veteran’s Day theme with a Roll Call of current MBA members, lawyers and judges alike, who have served in all branches of the military. Make sure your profile on the website is up to date so we do not miss anyone!

Toy Drive: This year our Toy Drive will be different: We are collecting toys for Fostering Together Gulf Coast now through Monday, December 2. More information on the Toy Drive is included in this issue of the Bar Bulletin.

Thank you for your continued support! Look forward to seeing you soon.



Onward,

P. Ann Forbes

Mobile Bar Association, Executive Director

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During the ceremony, we will recognize Mobile Bar Association members who passed away in 2023-2024. We will also have the pleasure of judges from the 13th Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama, the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Alabama, and the City of Mobile Municipal Court to sit en banc.

We will recognize the following MBA members:

There is no cost, and all are welcome to attend.

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TOY DRIVE - ACCEPTING TOYS NOW!

Help the Mobile Bar Association collect toys for Fostering Together Gulf Coast, a nonprofit with the goal of providing support to foster and adoptive families in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. 

Where to drop off: Mobile Bar headquarters at 150 Government Street, Suite 1000-A, or the November 15^th Membership Luncheon.

Deadline to drop off toys: Monday, December 2, 2024

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The Mobile Bar Association offers opportunities for you to volunteer on several committees. As a

committee member, you can connect with other attorneys, contribute to the legal community, and make

an impact. It's time to start considering whether/how you would like to volunteer on one or more of the

MBA's committees for 2025. To join a committee, complete the preference form below.

DEADLINE TO COMPLETE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2024.

Make an impact! Get involved! Volunteer with the Mobile Bar Association!

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NATIONAL LOVE YOUR LAWYER DAY

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2024

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NOVEMBER CLEs

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DECEMBER CLE

ON-DEMAND CLEs

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MENTORING MATTERS

By Koby Kirkland, Mentoring Committee Co-Chair

Three Quick Tips for Improving Your Practice

Utilize AI. Try out AI platforms like ChatGPT to find ways they can make your practice more efficient. Here’s what I use AI for the most:

(1) Brainstorming. Present a scenario to ChatGPT and ask for suggestions. For example, “I’m defending a slip-and-fall case in which the incident occurred in a dimly lit hallway that may have had a wet floor. I’m deposing the injured plaintiff, who is suing my client, the business owner. What topics should I cover?” ChatGPT will respond with 8-10 key topics, each with several questions. These initial responses give you a solid foundation, then you can provide more details and ask for additional topics.

(2) Providing initial expertise – Ask ChatGPT the substantive questions you would discuss during your first expert consultation. For example, “I represent a patient who had a stroke after receiving inadequate treatment in the ER. When a patient suspected of stroke first presents to the ER, what testing and treatment should be offered?” Remember that ChatGPT can make mistakes, so ask for sources with citations, then Google those sources and confirm their accuracy.

(2) Make a networking list. Keep a list of names, descriptions, and details about people you meet while networking. My list is in the Notes app on my phone. For example, “Met Koby Kirkland at Bar lunch, solo plaintiff lawyer handling vaccine injuries, average height, great hair, kinda awkward/dumb jokes.” This list allows you to jog your memory before networking events so you can greet people by name and follow up on previous conversations. It’s a small touch that can make a big impact.

(3) Develop an on-the-fly case update system. It’s difficult to remember every case detail, so having a method for capturing updates as they come to mind is essential. When I receive a client call during a tee-ball game, or think of a new argument while walking my dog, I email myself a quick note summarizing the issue. I don’t remove that email from my inbox until it’s entered into my case management system. For longer thoughts or more complex updates, I use voice memos or talk-to-text features to ensure nothing gets lost.

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YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION

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VERNON Z. CRAWFORD BAY AREA BAR ASSOCIATION

By Maxine Walters, Vernon Z. Crawford Bay Area Bar Association President

The Vernon Z. Crawford Bay Area Bar Association is excited to announce its 2025 Judge Cain Kennedy Honoree, Ricardo Woods. The awards brunch will take place March 1 during our biennial Mardi Gras CLE at the Admiral Hotel. The CLE will welcome guest speakers from around the state covering a range of topics and will include a scholarship award brunch and a balcony parade viewing. You may register here: https://bit.ly/mardigrascle.  

We are also excited to announce that the Alabama Lawyers Association will host a mixer for our Mardi Gras CLE attendees on Thursday, February 27, at Kazoola from 5-10 PM. Registration for the Mardi Gras CLE closes Friday, December 13th, so register today!

We had a great tailgate at the Gulf Coast Challenge last month-thanks to all who attended and sponsored!

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In Ex parte Holland, No. SC-2024-0345 (Ala. October 4, 2024), the Supreme Court held that a plaintiff’s claims against a defendant were time barred by the applicable statute of limitations, even though the plaintiff’s complaint was filed before the limitations period had run. Noting that the plaintiff had only paid the certified mail fee to serve one of two defendants, the Court held that the statute of limitations had run as to the second defendant, because the commencement of an action for statute of limitations purposes requires not only a filed complaint, but also the bona fide intent to have a defendant immediately served.

In CBS Holdings, LLC v. Hexagon US Federal, Inc., No. SC-2024-0077 (Ala. October 18, 2024), the Supreme Court held that a renewal notice with materially erroneous figures nevertheless was sufficient to provide contractual notice pursuant to a commercial lease.  Despite the fact that the renewal notice contained a rent schedule with figures lower than the applicable amounts provided in the lease, the Court held that, from a renewal standpoint, the notice complied with the plain-language requirements of the commercial lease (i.e., 90 days’ advance written notice).

In Ex parte E3 Pest Control, LLC, No. SC-2024-0224 (Ala. September 27, 2024), the Supreme Court held that the plaintiffs’ choice of defendants limited the venue where the case could be heard.  In a case involving termite damage to the plaintiffs’ home, the plaintiffs brought claims not only against a defendant limited liability company with a principal place of business in Mobile County, but also against the LLC’s owner.  Granting mandamus to change the venue of the action from Mobile to Baldwin County, the Supreme Court explained that the inclusion of the LLC’s owner, individually, triggered the provisions of Ala. Code § 6-3-2 and Ala. R. Civ. P. 82(b)(1)(B): Because a named defendant was an individual and the subject matter of the action was real property, the action was required to be brought in the county where the real property was located—in this case, Baldwin County.

In Deese v. Brown, No. SC-2023-0798 (Ala. September 27, 2024), the Supreme Court held that a trial court could not inquire into the adequacy of a single-digit punitive damages award.  Noting longstanding Alabama jurisprudence placing punitive damages squarely within the discretion of the jury, the Supreme Court reaffirmed previous holdings that, unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are not subject to review for adequacy, and upheld nominal punitive damages in a wrongful death claim in the amount of $1.

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By Forrest Latta, Nominating Chair and Immediate Past President

The following Mobile Bar Association members have been nominated as officers for 2025. They were presented to the membership during the October Membership Luncheon on Friday, October 11, 2024, and will be voted on during the November Veterans-themed Membership Luncheon scheduled for Friday, November 15, 2024.

The 2025 Slate of Officers is:

• President-Elect: Mary Margaret K. Bailey
• Vice President: Sidney (Sid) W. Jackson, III
• Secretary: Maxine T. Walters
• Assistant Treasurer: David D. Anthony

Pursuant to the MBA bylaws, our current President-Elect, Judge Judson W. Wells, Sr., automatically elevates to the position of President, and Gordon G. Armstrong, III, our current Assistant Treasurer, automatically elevates to Treasurer.

Thank you to the members of the Nominating Committee who participated in the consideration of these nominees. If you have any questions, please email me at forrest.latta@burr.com.

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J. Hodge Alves, III

Hodge received his undergraduate degree from The University of the South (Sewanee) in 1966. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1969, then served in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, U.S. Navy. Hodge was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 1974 and spent a year as the law clerk for the Honorable Daniel H. Thomas, a senior judge in the United States District Court, Southern District of Alabama, who was known for his expertise in maritime and admiralty law. In 1975, after his clerkship, Hodge joined Hand Arendall Bedsole Greaves & Johnston (now Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC), where he served as Head of the Admiralty Section. Hodge retired in December 2014.

Hodge served the Mobile Bar as a member of the Resolutions and Lawyer Referral Service Committees, as well as the Alternate Dispute Resolutions, Civil Practice State and County Courts, and Civil Practice, Federal Court Sections. He was a member of the Admiralty Section for years and was Chair of that section in 2009.

James W. Bodiford, Jr.

James received his undergraduate degree from Samford University and his Juris Doctor degree in 1974 from Samford University Cumberland School of Law. He was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 1974.

James served the Mobile Bar as a member of the Archives and History and Lawyer Referral Service Committees. In addition, he is presently a member of the Domestic Relations Section. James has practiced in Mobile and Baldwin Counties and surrounding areas for the last 50 years and still maintains his solo practice.

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Thomas F. Garth

Tom received his undergraduate degree in 1970 from the University of Virginia. He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1970-71 and was stationed on the U.S.S. Lexington. Tom received his Juris Doctor degree in 1974 from Samford University Cumberland School of Law and an L.L.M. in Taxation in 1975 from New York University School of Law. He was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 1974.

Tom started practicing in 1975 with Lyons, Pipes, and Cook and continued there until the firm merged with Phelps Dunbar in 2010; he is still in practice at Phelps Dunbar. Tom has been a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel since 1989 and was State Chair from 2020-2024.

Tom was involved with the Mobile Bar as a member of the Ad Hoc/Law Firm Dissolution Committee for many years and a member of the Probate Section.

Edward G. Hawkins

Edward received his undergraduate degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1970 and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas Law School in 1974. He was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 1974.

Edward has served the Mobile Bar for many years as a member of several committees: Executive, Attendance, CLE, Resolutions, Fee Dispute/Law Firm Dissolution – Chair 2014-2018, and Law Library – Chair 2013. In addition, he has been involved in three sections: Workers Compensation, Civil Practice, State and County Courts, and Civil Practice, Federal Court – Co-Chair in 2005 and Chair in 2006.

Edward practiced law in Mobile as a partner with several law firms from 1974 to 2021, when he closed his law office and retired. In his retirement, he has served as a temporary probate judge by appointment from Judge Don Davis.

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Maxey J. Roberts

Maxey received her undergraduate degree from the University of South Alabama and her Juris Doctor degree in 1974 from the University of Mississippi Law School. She was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 1974.

Maxey has served the Mobile Bar as a member of the Law Day, Law Library, and Executive Committees. In addition, she has been involved with our In-House Section from its inception to the present.

Maxey has served the University of South Alabama from 1974 to the present. She was the University Attorney from 1974-1998, General Counsel for the University of South Alabama Foundation from 1998-2003, and since 2003, the Managing Director of the USA Foundation.

William A. Robinson

Bill received his undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College in 1971 after his college years were interrupted by service of four years of active duty and two years of reserve duty during the Vietnam War. He received his Juris Doctor degree in 1974 from the University of Alabama School of Law. He was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 1974.

In 1973, Bill began his career as a law clerk at Cabaniss, Johnston, Gardner, Dumas & O’Neal, and retired as Managing Partner of the firm over 30 years later. He was a commercial litigator in State and Federal Courts, including more than 10 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

From 2003-2006, while still practicing law, Bill also taught Civics, Ancient World History, and Cultural Geography to junior high students at Christ the King Catholic School in Daphne.

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Thomas S. Rue

Tom received his undergraduate degree from The University of the South (Sewanee) in 1968, then served in the U.S. Army from September 1968 to May 1971 as a Special Agent Military Intelligence. He received his Juris Doctor degree in 1974 from the University of Alabama School of Law. He was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 1974.

Tom began his career at Johnstone, Adams, Bailey, Gordon & Harris and later was the Chair of the Admiralty and Maritime Department. In 2013, he joined Maynard, Cooper & Gale and was the Admiralty and Maritime Practice Group Leader. He still practices at what is now Maynard Nexsen. From 2004-2006, Tom was the President of the Maritime Law Association of the United States, the only lawyer from Alabama to have achieved that status. He has also served in numerous leadership positions with other professional organizations, including the American Bar Association and the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute.

Tom served the Mobile Bar as the Chair of the Archives & History Committee from 2013-2015 and as a member of the Admissions Committee. He was also a longtime member of the Admiralty Section and led as Chair in 1988, 2008, and 2016, as well as participating in the Civil Practice, Federal Court Section.

Daniel G. Sayers

Daniel received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Alabama in 1971 and his Juris Doctor degree in 1974 from Samford University Cumberland School of Law. He was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 1974.

After graduation, Daniel began his law career at Marr & Friedlander, then in 1977 became a partner at Reynolds and Sayers. From 1996 to the present, Daniel has been in solo practice as an active trial attorney. 

Daniel served the Mobile Bar as a member of the Nominating, Professional Relations, Resolutions, and Fee Dispute/Law Firm Dissolution Committees, as well as Domestic Relations, Appellate Practice, and Civil Practice, State and County Courts Sections. Daniel was also a member of the Solo and Small Firm Section and served as Vice Chair in 2007.

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Patrick H. Sims

Pat received his undergraduate degree in 1971 from the University of Alabama and his Juris Doctor degree in 1974 from the University of Alabama School of Law. He was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 1974.

After graduation, Pat served as law clerk to Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr., in the Middle District of Alabama. After that he came to Mobile and worked at several law firms, including Cabaniss, Johnston, Gardner, Dumas and O’Neal until 2019. From 1981 through 1986 he served as a United States Magistrate in the Southern District of Alabama. He presently works in solo practice as Sims Law Firm LLC.

Pat was involved with the Mobile Bar as a member of the Nominating, CLE, and Admissions Committees as well as the Civil Practice, Federal Court Section.

Stephen R. Windom

Steve received his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in 1971 and his Juris Doctor degree in 1973 from the University of Alabama School of Law. He was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 1974.

After graduating law school, Steve joined the firm of McDermott, Slepian, Windom and Fleming. That firm transitioned into McDermott, Slepian, Windom and Reed, which later merged with Sirote and Permutt. During his successful legal career in Mobile, he also developed an itch for politics, entering the special election for a state Senate seat in Mobile County. After winning the special election, he was re-elected to full terms in 1990 and 1994.

Concurrently, Steve was one of the founders of On-Line Information Services, Inc., which developed and operated Alacourt.com, bringing electronic filing to the state’s court system. In 1998, Steve became Lieutenant Governor; after his four-year term, he opened a private lobbying practice in 2003, now known as Windom, Galliher & Associates.

Steve served the Mobile Bar on the Bar Relations Committee and was Chair in 1986. He also was a member of the Public Relations Committee and the Alternate Dispute Resolutions Section.

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The following applicants applied and were approved for membership by the Mobile Bar Association Executive Committee. They were welcomed into the Mobile Bar Association on Friday, October 11, 2024.

ACTIVE MEMBER:

Philip A. Dunn, graduated from Cumberland School of Law in 2023, admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2023, and is employed with Frazer Greene LLC.

ASSOCIATE MEMBER:

Cecilia V. Wilson, graduated from the Louisiana State University of School of Law in 2020, admitted to the Louisiana State Bar in 2020, and is employed with The Cooper Group of Companies.

KUDOS: MBA Member Michel Nicrosi has been appointed to the Committee on Lawyer Qualifications and Conduct for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit by Chief Judge William H. Pryor, Jr. The committee is responsible for conducting investigations of alleged misconduct by members of the bar of the Court and plays a key role in ensuring members of the bar comply with the Court’s disciplinary rules.  The committee consists of nine members of the bar of the Court, three from each state of the Circuit: Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.  Michel will serve a three-year term on the committee. Way to go, Michel!

KUDOS: At DRI’s Annual Meeting on October 18, 2024, MBA Member Ricardo Woods was elected Secretary-Treasurer, an office that puts him in line for a future presidency.  DRI is the nation’s largest association of civil defense attorneys and corporate counsel.  An 18-year DRI member, Ricardo currently serves as a National Director of DRI’s Board of Directors, Chair of the 2025 Annual Meeting, ADR Committee Board Liaison, and DRI Foundation DRI for Life Chair. He has been actively involved with DRI’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Government Liability Committee, Toxic Tort and Environmental Law Steering Committee, and more. Congratulations, Ricardo!

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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.

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.

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.

Jones Walker announces the expansion of their Litigation Practice Group with the addition of four new partners, Richard Gaal, Fred Helmsing, Hart Benton, and Alex Steadman, being added to the Mobile, Alabama office. 

Cunningham Bounds is proud to announce that 13 of its attorneys have been named in The Best Lawyers in America 2025. They are Dave Wirtes, Toby Brown, Skip Finkbohner, Steve Nicholas, Glenn Kushel, David Cain, Billy Bonner, Robert Mitchell, Brian Duncan, Lucy Tufts, Nick Moraitakis, and Chris Estes. Also, Joseph McGowin was named to The Best Lawyers in America: 2025 Ones to Watch list and Dave Wirtes, Skip Finkbohner, and Steve Nicholas were named to The Best Lawyers in America: 2025 Lawyer of the Year.

Eaton Barnard is pleased to announce he has reopened his solo personal injury practice at 316 South Sage Avenue. Attorney Bill Eiland has joined Eaton in his new office space.

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For the past 30 years, members of our Association have played a large part in the success of the Mobile Bar Foundation. We can’t thank you enough for your support over the years.

The Mobile Bar Foundation strives to improve the legal system, promote justice, and support the legal profession's dedication to the Mobile community. Last year, we provided grant allocations to eight area non-profit agencies that are directly making a positive impact in Mobile County. Our goal of making a community impact was successful!

Many of you contribute when paying your membership dues to the Mobile Bar Association or by making contributions to memorialize or honor a loved one or friend. We greatly appreciate your continued support in these ways.

As you and/or your firm prepare for year-end donations, please consider making a tax-deductible gift to the Mobile Bar Foundation. Contributions of any size are greatly appreciated. Donations may be made by credit card or check. To pay by credit card, sign in to the Mobile Bar Association website at www.mobilebarassociation.com, and click on the tab DONATE. If you would like to donate by check, please complete the form below and mail your form and check to Mobile Bar Foundation, 150 Government Street, Suite 1000-A, Mobile, Alabama 36602.

I hope to see you at the Mobile Bar Association’s December Membership Luncheon on Friday, December 13, at the Battle House Hotel. During that luncheon the Mobile Bar Foundation will proudly present our 2024 grant allocations to area non-profit agencies.

Thank you again for your continued support of the Mobile Bar Foundation. We are 30 years strong because of YOU!

Sincerely,

Karlos F. Finley

Mobile Bar Foundation, 2024 President

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PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO THE

MOBILE BAR FOUNDATION



Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________ E-Mail: _____________________________________

YES, I want to make a donation to the Mobile Bar Foundation -

In honor/memory of: ______________________________________________________________________

Acknowledgement sent to:

Name ____________________________________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________________

YES, I want to become a member of the Mobile Bar Foundation -

__ Life Member ($5000, can be paid in up to 5 annual installments)

__ Associate Member ($100 or more annually)

__ Regular Active Member of MBA ($25 - $99 annually)

__ I would like more information on including the Foundation in my estate planning.

I donate my gift of: $__________

Check: __________ (Please make checks payable to the Mobile Bar Foundation)

*Credit Card: Visa/Mastercard# ____________________________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________ Exp: ___________________________

Mail to: Mobile Bar Foundation, P.O. Drawer 2005, Mobile, AL 36652



* All credit card transactions will incur a $2.00 processing fee.

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Listed below are members who celebrate a birthday in November:

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STAY CONNECTED