About

Provided by Starnes Davis Florie LLP

Starnes Davis Florie LLP is a firm of real trial lawyers focused on obtaining the highest value for its clients. While the firm is one of the most experienced in complex litigation in the Southeast and vigorously contests courtroom battles in bet-the-company cases, it also understands that value means more than just winning verdicts. With a lean structure designed to deliver top shelf advice in a cost-effective way, Starnes provides real value by collaborating with its clients to accomplish their goals and enhance their bottom-line. With 60+ lawyers, the firm has offices in Birmingham, AL; Mobile, AL; and Nashville, TN.


General Litigation Practice Areas Include: 

- Appellate

- Arbitration

- Class Actions

- Commercial Disputes: 

  1. Antitrust
  2. Bad Faith/Insurance Disputes
  3. Banking & Financial Services 
  4. Construction Litigation
  5. Fidelity & Surety
  6. Privacy & Data Security

- False Claims Act / Qui Tam

- Intellectual Property:

  1. ​Patent Litigation
  2. Trademark, Copyright & Advertising 
  3. Trade Secret Litigation & Dispute Counseling 

- Mass Torts:

  1. ​Aviation
  2. Admiralty & Maritime
  3. Outbreaks
  4. Pharmaceuticals
  5. Recalls 

- Products Liability 

- Professional Liability: 

  1. Medical Malpractice
  2. Legal Malpractice
  3. Long Term Care & Nursing Home Litigation
  4. Accounting Malpractice
  5. Architect, Engineer & Design Professional Malpractice

- Wrongful Death / Catastrophic Injury 

- Securities
- White Collar, Compliance & Investigations 


Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Litigation: General Commercial - Alabama

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Starnes Davis Florie LLP is an impressive firm widely regarded as the preeminent force in Alabama's medical malpractice arena, with a strong track record in defending some of the region's largest healthcare providers and long-term care organizations. It also fields an accomplished commercial litigation group, with expertise in construction disputes, environmental claims, IP issues and securities matters. The firm is further noted for its work on consumer class actions.

Work Highlights

  • Starnes Davis Florie represented ProAssurance in litigation raising the issue of whether cryopreserved embryos meet the definition of 'minor or child' under Alabama’s wrongful death statute so as to support a claim for wrongful death related to destruction of those embryos in a cryopreservation lab.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Jay Ezelle
1
Jay Ezelle
1
Band 1
Managing partner of Starnes Davis Florie LLP, Jay Ezelle's practice includes representing clients in securities and patent infringement litigation, as well as class actions and ADR.

His knowledge of the issues and the legal system was very impressive. He was relatable and quick to respond.

Jay is an excellent attorney.

Jay's one of the smartest lawyers in the country. His brilliance blends well with his creativity when attacking and successfully navigating difficult issues. He's a go-to and delivers time and again.

Jay is an excellent lawyer and strategist.

Michael Wright
1
Michael Wright
1
Band 1
Michael Wright is a renowned litigator in the Alabama market with noted expertise in defending medical practitioners. His practice includes both wrongful death and personal injury cases, as well as medical device litigation.

Michael is an excellent lawyer and one of the people you need if you are being sued in Alabama for medical malpractice.

Michael is an excellent attorney.

Robert MacKenzie
1
Robert MacKenzie
1
Band 1

Robert MacKenzie is widely recognized for his work on medical malpractice defense, with notable expertise in medical negligence and wrongful death cases.

Robert is an excellent attorney.

Sybil Newton
1
Sybil Newton
1
Band 1
Sybil Newton heads the appellate group at Starnes Davis Florie LLP and offers considerable expertise across a wide array of disputes before Alabama appellate courts, with a background in medical malpractice litigation.

Sybil is the best appellate lawyer that I have seen.

Sybil is a highly skilled appellate lawyer. Her ability to spot issues and then succinctly communicate a client's position on those issues stands out.

Sybil is one of the best writers and appellate lawyers in Alabama.

Walter W Bates
1
Walter W Bates
1
Band 1
Walter Bates heads the medical malpractice group at Starnes Davis Florie LLP and enjoys a stellar track record in the Alabama Bar for representing physicians and other medical practitioners in litigation. His practice includes acting on wrongful death, personal injury and medical negligence cases.

He's an excellent attorney.

There's no one like him. I always feel I can call him about anything, and he's always helpful. His knowledge and preparation are unmatched. He's warm, kind, relatable and enjoyable to be around.

J. Bennett White
2
J. Bennett White
2
Band 2
Bennett White represents an impressive array of medical practitioners and healthcare institutions. He handles disputes involving wrongful death and personal injury claims, among others.

Bennett is an excellent attorney.

Joe Miller
2
Joe Miller
2
Band 2
Joe Miller has experience of obtaining favorable verdicts on behalf of medical practitioners. He is recognized for his handling of malpractice lawsuits at trial and appeal.

Joe is an excellent attorney.

3
George E. Newton II
3
Band 3

George Newton is best known for his expertise in defending his clients across complex medical malpractice matters, with notable experience in wrongful death cases.

George is a seasoned litigator who knows his way around a courtroom. His ability to work a case up in an efficient and productive manner is noteworthy.

George is an excellent attorney.

Thomas Wells III
4
Thomas Wells III
4
Band 4
Thomas Wells regularly defends corporations in high-stakes litigation. His expertise covers contract disputes and RICO violations, among other matters.

Thomas is one of the brightest young lawyers I have met.

Ranked Lawyers at
Starnes Davis Florie LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Alabama

Litigation: Appellate

Sybil Newton
1
Sybil Newton
1
Band 1
Litigation: General Commercial

Jay Ezelle
1
Jay Ezelle
1
Band 1
Robert MacKenzie
2
Robert MacKenzie
2
Band 2
Thomas Wells III
4
Thomas Wells III
4
Band 4
Litigation: Medical Malpractice Defense

Michael Wright
1
Michael Wright
1
Band 1
Robert MacKenzie
1
Robert MacKenzie
1
Band 1
Walter W Bates
1
Walter W Bates
1
Band 1
J. Bennett White
2
J. Bennett White
2
Band 2
Joe Miller
2
Joe Miller
2
Band 2
3
George E. Newton II
3
Band 3

Members

Provided by Starnes Davis Florie LLP

Alex Wood

Alfred Perkins

Alicia Harrison

Allen King

Allison Adams

Amber Whillock

Ben Presley

Beth Liles

Chris Eagan

Christian Hines

Clayton Bromberg

Cole Gresham

George Newton

Gray Stiff

John McCall

John P. Scott, Jr.

Joseph Reese

Madeleine Greskovich

Matt Keenan

Michael Lasserre

Michael Scivley

Reed Bates

Richard Davis

Rick Harris

Sarah Chamberlain

Scott Salter

Scott Stevens

Stephen Still

Sybil Newton

Tabor R. Novak, III

Todd Huntley

Warren Butler

Weathers Bolt

Will Axon

Will Davis

William A. Davis, III