Bradley Arant Boult Cummings adds Martha Roby as senior advisor
Former congressman Martha Roby has joined Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP as a senior advisor in the Governmental Affairs and Economic Development group. Roby served as the U.S. Representative for Alabama’s Second Congressional District from 2011 to 2021. She served on the Agriculture, Armed Services, and Education and Workforce committees and was also the chairman of the Subcommittee of Oversight and Investigations of the House Armed Services Committee. Ms. Roby received her J.D. from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. She also received a B.M in Music Business from New York University. She was in private practice in Montgomery, Alabama, and then served on the Montgomery City Council from 2003 to 2010. During her tenure in Congress, Roby sponsored and cosponsored more than 500 bills. She spent much of her time focusing on issues relating to veterans’ health, military mobility, and abuses in the Veterans Affairs health system. In her new position, Roby will provide governmental affairs, but not legal, services for clients. Managing Partner and Chairman of the Board Jonathan Skeeters stated, “We are extremely pleased to welcome Martha as a senior advisor for governmental affairs and economic development. Martha has a decade of service as a member of Congress and service on the Montgomery City Council, as well as a background in private legal practice. She brings tremendous experience to our firm and will be able to help advance the interests of our clients in Alabama and across the country.” “I have had the pleasure of working with Martha since her election to Congress in 2010,” stated David Stewart, Bradley’s Governmental Affairs Practice Group leader. “During her service in Congress, she distinguished herself for her ability to solve problems for her constituents and to work well with all members of Congress. Martha has a wide breadth of experience from her time in Washington and on the Montgomery City Council. We are very excited to have Martha join us.” Roby was the first representative from Alabama’s Second Congressional District to serve on the House Appropriations Committee, where she served on six of the 12 subcommittees, including the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, the Labor, Education, Health and Human Services Subcommittee, the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee, the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, and the Legislative Branch Subcommittee. In this position, she had direct oversight of over 90 departments and related agencies. With offices in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and the District of Columbia, Bradley’s 550 lawyers represent clients in several industries, including banking and financial services, construction, energy, healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, real estate, and technology.
Five Bradley attorneys recognized as stars
Five attorneys from Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP have been recognized as National Practice Area Stars for Product Liability according to the 2021 edition of Benchmark Litigation. Benchmark Litigation provides law firm and lawyer rankings based on extensive interviews with litigators, dispute resolution specialists, and their clients. Benchmark Litigation determines rankings through peer reviews and case examinations and is the only publication that focuses exclusively on U.S. litigation. They also analyze the market’s most important cases and firm developments in order to determine their rankings. The Bradley partners that were recognized are Leigh Anne Hodge, Lela Hollabaugh, Kimberly Martin, Craig Mayfield, and Tripp Haston. Bradley Arant Boult Cummings was also ranked nationally as a Tier 1 firm for Product Liability and Recall. Partners Craig Mayfield and Tripp Haston are based in the Birmingham office, and Kimberly Martin is based in the Huntsville office. Hodge, who serves as Bradley’s Litigation Practice Group Leader stated, “We are proud of this national recognition from Benchmark Litigation, which is directly attributable to the success that our attorneys have achieved on behalf of our clients. We are very fortunate to have some of the nation’s top trial attorneys who all have vast experience litigating in the most challenging jurisdictions in the country.” Tripp Haston, who chairs Bradley’s Life Sciences Litigation team added, “No other nationally ranked firm in either Tier 1 or Tier 2 had more individual Litigation Stars recognized or had as many female Litigation Stars recognized for Product Liability. This is a signature recognition of the breadth and depth of our group’s talent and proof of our success in working as a team.” Bradley’s Litigation Practice Group is the firm’s largest practice and includes almost half of the firm’s nearly 550 attorneys. With offices in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and the District of Columbia, the firm represents clients in several industries including banking and financial services, construction, energy, healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, real estate, and technology.
Birmingham attorney Robert Couch to oversee Puerto Rico, USVI disaster recovery funds for HUD
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a familiar Birmingham face rejoining its ranks. Attorney Robert Couch has parted ways with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings‘ Birmingham office, after accepting a position to return to HUD to serve as the Federal Financial Monitor to oversee the grant administration and disbursement process of disaster recovery funds to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Couch was selected for the position by HUD Secretary Ben Carson in response to reports of financial mismanagement and corruption in Puerto Rico. As a career member of HUD’s Senior Executive Service, Couch is overseeing HUD’s Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)-Disaster Recovery efforts in Puerto Rico, which involves aid intended to help the island nation’s recovery from Hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017 and to help it prepare for future natural disasters. “We are glad to have Robert re-join our Department to manage our financial oversight operations in Puerto Rico,” said Secretary Carson. “He has an extensive background with decades of private and public sector experience dealing with financial reporting, risk management, and executing the law. Robert will be an asset in supporting HUD’s mission to continue aiding recovery efforts in Puerto Rico while ensuring that appropriated funds are used in a responsible manner and for their intended purpose.” “I greatly appreciate the Secretary’s confidence in me,” added Couch. “I share his dedication to the recovery from Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and his determination to ensuring that the funds entrusted to HUD by Congress for the survivors are expended as quickly as possible while still safeguarding against waste, fraud and abuse. I look forward to working with the disaster recovery teams in both locales, and I thank Olga Castellón, the Acting FFM, for paving the way so I can hit the ground running.” Couch previously served as HUD’s General Counsel from December 2006 to November 2008 where he acted as the chief legal advisor to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and other principal staff, providing advice on federal laws, regulations, and policies affecting HUD programs. He also served as President of the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), Commissioner on the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Housing Commission, and as a member of President George W. Bush‘s Task Force on the Status of Puerto Rico. Prior to his government service, Couch was President and Chief Executive Officer of New South Federal Savings Bank in Birmingham, Ala., and acted as General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer of First Commercial Bancshares. He is a former Chairman and Member of the Board of Directors of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, former President of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Alabama, a Certified Public Accountant (inactive), and a Certified Mortgage Banker (Master Certificate).
Democrats Chris Christie, Joseph Siegelman face off in attorney general primary
Voters in Alabama’s Democratic primary for attorney general will choose between a political newcomer with decades of legal experience and the son of a former governor who wants people to judge him on his own merits. The two attorneys, Chris Christie and Joseph Siegelman, are at different stages of their legal careers but making their first runs for public office. They face off Tuesday for a chance to meet the winner of the Republican primary, where Attorney General Steve Marshall faces three challengers. Both Democratic candidates say the office of attorney general should concentrate more on consumer protection but has been distracted by side issues under past leadership. “People in Alabama need to have someone in Montgomery who is going to look out after their interests,” said Christie, 59. Siegelman, 29, said the attorney general’s office needs to focus more on people than politics. “I believe that we have lost focus on the people of Alabama, the issues that affect them and how we can use that office to assist the people of Alabama and make their lives better,” he said. His priorities include consumer protection, fighting the opioid addiction epidemic and advocating for a criminal justice reform that doesn’t warehouse the mentally ill in state prisons. Siegelman said that although people might be familiar with his last name, he wants them to get to know him. “I’m proud to my father’s son. I’m proud to be my mother’s son, but I want to make sure people get to know Joe. My dad’s not in this race,” he said. Siegelman’s father, former Gov. Don Siegelman was a dominating figure in state politics for years, but his career came to a close with a conviction on federal bribery charges. The younger Siegelman is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law and joined the Cochran Firm practice, where his work included civil rights issues. He also joined his father’s appellate legal team, occasionally speaking to the press on his father’s behalf as the elder Siegelman fought to overturn the conviction. Christie is emphasizing his more than 30 years of legal experience, and says his priorities are fighting corruption and promoting consumer protection and public safety. He said the state needs to have an attorney general willing to fight corruption — on both sides of the political aisle. “My objective is not to put as many government officials in jail as possible. My objective is to have compliance with the law. … For those that don’t, there are going to be consequences,” Christie said. Christie wants to seek changes in the ethics law. He is critical of the ability of “dark money” — money from undisclosed donors — to flow into nonprofit foundations connected to politicians. Christie is a graduate of Duke University School of Law and had been a partner with the law firm of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings. In his law practice, he has represented pension plans, including the Retirement System of Alabama and health care providers. His notable cases include a $16 million settlement for state employees in a lawsuit over a deferred compensation plan after discovering the investment firm that got the business had been paying millions to the employees’ lobbying group. The Alabama Democratic Conference has endorsed Christie in the race. Siegelman has been endorsed by the New South Alliance and equal pay activist Lilly Ledbetter. The primary has become notable for its matchup of famous names. Christie is no relation to the former New Jersey governor by the same name, but humorously notes that the coincidence has garnered him much news coverage in the Garden State. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Birmingham lawyer Tripp Haston named to Who’s Who Legal: Thought Leaders 2018
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings attorney Tripp Haston, a partner in the firm’s Birmingham, Ala. office, has been named a “thought leader” in the Who’s Who Legal: Thought Leaders 2018 in both the Life Sciences and Product Liability Defence categories. He is one of only two U.S. attorneys, and five globally, to be included in both categories. Now in its second edition, the current Who’s Who Legal: Thought Leaders lists 11 U.S. attorneys who are among 31 lawyers from across the globe in the Life Sciences category. The Product Liability Defence category lists 21 attorneys worldwide, including 10 from the United States. “Tripp’s reputation as a leader in the life sciences and product liability litigation is truly worthy of global acclaim,” said Bradley Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner Beau Grenier. “Tripp’s inclusion in the Who’s Who Legal: Thought Leaders guide celebrates the praise he has earned from his peers and clients through regional, national and international engagements.” Co-chair of Bradley’s Life Sciences Industry Team, Haston represents a broad spectrum of clients on regional, national and international engagements. He regularly represents medical device and pharmaceutical clients in products liability litigation. In addition, he has served numerous clients as national trial and coordinating counsel and as a national team member in individual actions as well as mass tort and multi-district litigation. His experience has involved matters throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and South America. Haston is a member and past president of the International Association of Defense Counsel — an invitation-only legal organization of leading defense attorneys from more than 50 countries. In addition, he has served as a board member of DRI, the nation’s largest organization of defense counsel, as well as Lawyers for Civil Justice, an organization comprised of leading corporate counsel and defense bar practitioners dedicated to promoting fairness in the U.S. civil justice system. He also is active in service to the United Way of Central Alabama and has served as an officer and board member of his community’s charitable foundation for its public schools. Haston earned his J.D. (summa cum laude) from the University of Alabama School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from Auburn University. The Who’s Who Legal directories list more than 24,000 private practice lawyers from more than 150 national jurisdictions, covering 34 areas of corporate and commercial law. Only those listed lawyers who obtained the highest number of nominations from peers, corporate counsel and other market sources in the most recent research cycle were considered for inclusion in the Thought Leaders guide. According to Who’s Who, the Thought Leaders are “among the very best in their field, without exception. Their names are ubiquitous in their own legal spheres and, in many cases, transcend them.” The Who’s Who Legal guides are intended to serve as reference sources for companies seeking to corroborate the reputations of lawyers recommended by another party.
Personnel note: Bradley elevates 13 attorneys to partner
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings law firm has elevated 13 of the firm’s attorneys to partner, effective Jan. 1. The new partners are: James Blake Bailey, Lindsey C Boney IV, Christopher A. Bowles, Monica Wilson Dozier, David W. Holt, Erin Jane Illman, Sarah J. Jacobs, Scott Lenz Jr., Brian M. Rowlson, Frankie N. Spero, Michael A. Thomason Jr., Heather Howell Wright and James W. Wright Jr. “The firm congratulates Bradley’s accomplished attorneys who have earned promotion to partner,” said Bradley Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner Beau Grenier. “We are proud of these talented individuals’ hard work and commitment to our clients and our firm. We look forward to their future contributions and successes.” Five of the new partners work in Bradley’s Alabama offices in Birmingham and Huntsville. Details on each new Alabama-based partner, grouped by office, may be found below: Birmingham, Ala. James Blake Bailey is a member of Bradley’s Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Distressed Investing Practice Group. He represents debtors and creditors in bankruptcy, out-of-court workouts and restructurings, and bankruptcy-related litigation. He also regularly represents commercial lenders and mortgage servicers in federal court commercial litigation. He has transactional experience negotiating and documenting out-of-court workouts, as well as pursuing pre- and post-judgment creditor remedies, including receivership and receiver sales, non-judicial foreclosures, and garnishments. Bailey received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) from the University of Florida. Lindsey C Boney IV is a member of Bradley’s Litigation Practice Group and Life Sciences Industry team. He regularly represents pharmaceutical and medical device companies in national mass tort litigation, often as a national team member for legal strategy and appellate issues. He also has represented numerous national and international companies in a variety of other matters. Boney received his J.D. (summa cum laude) from the University of Alabama School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from Auburn University. He clerked for the Hon. William H. Pryor Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Michael A. Thomason Jr. is a member of Bradley’s Corporate and Securities Practice Group. He advises public and private clients, from start-ups to large corporations, in the areas of business formation, mergers and acquisitions, investment and financing transactions, securities compliance, and a variety of other transactions and corporate matters. He also has significant experience in the area of private equity and venture capital transactions, representing both private equity companies in their investments and acquisitions and emerging growth companies in their formation, capital raises and sale. He received his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School and his Bachelor of Science (summa cum laude) from Auburn University. James W. Wright Jr. is a member of Bradley’s Financial Services, General Litigation and Environmental Litigation Practice Groups. He earned his Accredited Mortgage Professional designation through the Mortgage Bankers Association. He received his J.D. (magna cum laude) from the University of Alabama School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Huntsville, Ala. David W. Holt is a member of Bradley’s Litigation and Intellectual Property Practice Groups. He focuses on a variety of complex litigation matters in state and federal courts around the country. His cases span a broad range of issues, including patent, trademark, and copyright infringement, commercial disputes and product liability. He also advises clients in all aspects of intellectual property law. Holt earned his J.D. (summa cum laude) from the University of Alabama School of Law. He also holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science (summa cum laude) in chemical engineering, both from the University of Alabama.
Donald Trump nominates Birmingham attorney Kevin Newsom to 11th Circuit Court
Birmingham attorney Kevin Newsom is the latest Alabamian to receive a high-profile appointment from the Donald Trump administration. On Monday, Trump nominated Newsom, Alabama’s former solicitor general who now chairs the appellate group at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings in Birmingham, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. The 45-year-old Newsom, if approved, would succeed Montgomery-based Judge Joel Dubina, for the seat that covers Alabama, Georgia, and parts of Florida. Newsom was among the 10 judicial nominees named by the White House this week. According to YellowHammerNews.com, Newsom graduated from Harvard Law School in 1997, where he served as Harvard Law Review’s articles editor. He earned his undergraduate degree at Birmingham’s Samford University in 1994, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0. After graduating law school, Newsom clerked for Judge Diarmuid O’Scannlain of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, and then for U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter from 2000-2001. Newsom later joined Covington & Burling’s Washington-based appellate litigation practice group, where he served for two years before becoming Alabama solicitor general in 2003, appointed by then-Alabama Attorney General Bill Pryor. In 2004, Pryor was named to the 11th Circuit, and was on Trump’s list of potential U.S. Supreme Court nominees. A biography online says Newsom personally argued four cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, and over 19 federal appellate court cases, as well as several in state appellate courts. In 2007, Newsom stepped down as solicitor general to join Bradley Arant, calling the “the SG gig … the job of a lifetime.” At Bradley Arant, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts appointed Newsom twice to the U.S. Judicial Conference’s advisory committee on appellate rules, making him one of only three private practice attorneys to serve on the committee. “Kevin Newsom is an exceptional choice for this high honor. I am confident that his strong principles will enable him to apply the law in a fair and just manner,” Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby told YellowHammerNews.com. “President Trump has made the right decision in selecting Kevin to sit on the 11th Circuit, and I believe he will prove to be an asset to our nation’s judicial system as a federal judge.”
Private prison company hires former Jeff Session aides to lobby in D.C.
GEO Group, the Boca Raton-based private prison corporation, recently hired three lobbying firms in Washington D.C. POLITICO Influence reports that this month, GEO brought on David Olander of Capitol Counsel for real estate investment trust tax issues; David Stewart and Ryan Robichaux of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings — former aides to Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions — to advocate on federal government use of contract correctional facilities; and the Scrivner Leon Group’s Michael Scrivner and Peter Leon for privately operated correctional facilities. GEO previously retained Leo Aguirre and Da Vinci Group’s Mark Smith. According to the GEO website, the company operations include the management and/or ownership of 104 correctional, detention, and community re-entry facilities with approximately 87,000 beds worldwide. In the U.S., GEO maintains 64 facilities, with 75,152 beds. In August, the Justice Department announced it will end the use of private prisons, which have lately come under fire for poor conditions and business practices.
