Lee Thuston

Practice Areas

Automotive

Succession Planning

Corporate Law

Manufacturing

Economic Development

Tax Law

Trusts & Estates Planning

Mergers & Acquisitions

Career

Lee is the former Chairman and Managing Partner of Burr & Forman. He practices in the Corporate/Tax practice group where he focuses on economic development, business, and succession planning, trusts and estates, and tax law.

A driving force behind Alabama’s economic development, Lee has played a large role in some of the State’s major manufacturing deals which include serving as Alabama Counsel during the site selection and negotiation processes for Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.; Mi-Tech Steel, Inc.; and IPSCO Steel when these companies chose to locate their facilities in Alabama. His experience in the automotive industry also involves assisting Honda Manufacturing of Alabama with the implementation of its incentives package with the State for the development of its plant in Lincoln, AL, as well as assisting Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC with the implementation of its incentive package with the State for the development of its plant in Montgomery, AL. He represented Honda in the establishment of its transmission manufacturing facility in Tallapoosa, GA in 2004. Additionally, Lee was instrumental in boosting the State’s profile in the aerospace industry by working with public and private entities to create a desirable environment – legally, tax-wise, economically, and socially – to attract Airbus to build a manufacturing facility in Mobile, AL.

Lee wanted to become a lawyer after discovering his passion for serving clients. With a long-storied career of representing clients across the Southeast, Lee still finds the variety of each case, and the opportunity to be a trusted business advisor for his long-term manufacturing, automotive, and transportation clients, rewarding. With a focus on the firm’s overall approach, Lee puts much of his effort into leading by example and bringing out the best in others. Considering himself a fixer, he continually strives to solve impossible problems and to show his clients how well the law can work for them through his efforts.

When away from work, Lee enjoys spending time with his five grandchildren, hunting, and fishing.

Lee earned his LL.M. in Taxation from New York University and his J.D. from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.

Professional Memberships

American Bar Association

Alabama State Bar

Tennessee Bar Association

Birmingham Bar Association, President - 2005

Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association, Board of Directors

Birmingham Business Alliance, Executive Committee

Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, Corporate Secretary

Personal

UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, Board of Directors and past Board President

Alabama Wildlife Federation, Board of Directors and past Board President

Education

Awards