Christian & Small LLP

View the profile as it appeared in Alabama Super Lawyers 2008 (PDF)

Christian & Small is a full-service firm with an unsurpassed reputation for providing skilled, experienced and innovative representation of clients that range from individuals to multinational corporations. Attentive, detail-oriented and committed to excellence, the firm’s lawyers are problem-solvers both inside and outside the courtroom. The partners include fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Trial Advocates and the American Bar Foundation, as well as former presidents of the Alabama State Bar, the Birmingham Bar Association and the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association. They are consistently recognized in The Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA. Now the following attorneys are listed in Alabama Super Lawyers®.

Clarence M. Small Jr. has more than 45 years of experience in all types of civil litigation. A respected trial lawyer, he represents clients in complex business and commercial matters and is a highly sought-after mediator and arbitrator.

Thomas W. Christian, one of Alabama’s pre-eminent litigators, is named among the state’s Top 50 lawyers in Alabama Super Lawyers. He successfully handles a wide range of cases, including complex litigation, medical malpractice defense and professional and products liability.

James C. Huckaby Jr. defends businesses in class actions, mass actions and other complex litigation, handling cases involving state and federal securities laws, insurance sales practices, antitrust matters and environmental damages.

Robert E. Cooper has served as lead counsel in more than 200 trials, defending product manufacturers, health-care providers and transportation companies. He represents clients in complex and personal injury litigation in all of Alabama’s state and federal courts.

Edgar M. Elliott IV has tried cases throughout Alabama for more than 25 years. He specializes in the defense of medical malpractice, transportation and insurance bad faith, fraud and coverage matters.

LaBella S. Alvis excels in the courtroom whether the case involves medical malpractice, labor and employment, aviation, liquor liability, insurance, domestic relations or trucking issues. She is listed among the Top 25 Women in Alabama Super Lawyers.

Richard E. Smith, managing partner, has tried more than 100 jury trials to verdict and has won more than 90 percent of them. He focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation, construction and environmental matters, and he represents financial services, health-care and corporate entities.

Deborah Alley Smith, listed among the Top 25 Women in Alabama Super Lawyers, heads the firm’s appellate, post-verdict and briefing group. She has been involved in many successful appeals before the Alabama and federal appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.