I grew up in Demopolis, Alabama where I worked in my father’s business throughout high school and college. I learned early on how to solve people’s problems and maintain great working relationships. I married Michelle Newell, in 1989 and we celebrate 27 years of marriage in 2016. We have two children, Justin, age 25, and Emily, age 22.
My family has lived in Fairhope, Alabama since I graduated from Cumberland School of Law in 1991. I have practiced law exclusively in Baldwin and Mobile County since that time, occasionally representing clients in other jurisdictions for particularly difficult situations.
Upon arrival into Baldwin County, I joined the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office and became a felony prosecutor under John D. Whetstone Jr. I actually tried nine jury trials before I even passed the bar exam. Two years into my employment I became the chief trial attorney for the office. Before I finished my job with the District Attorney’s office, I had tried criminal cases ranging from a speeding ticket to a capital murder. I also tried many cases involving sex offenses and became a regular trial lawyer, trying over 100 jury trials before I left the District Attorney’s office.
In 1994 I entered private practice and joined the law firm of Wilkins, Bankester, Biles and Wynne. I handled all of the firm’s criminal work but also began handling family law, wills and estates, personal injury, and civil defense. My primary focus was to become a trial lawyer that regularly goes to court to represent his client’s.
In 1995, I was appointed the Judge of Silverhill and am still the judge today. In 1996, I began doing work for the City of Robertsdale as their City Attorney and City Prosecutor. Subsequent thereto, I have been hired to be the Town of Elberta’s City Attorney and Prosecutor as well as the City of Gulf Shores Prosecutor. In addition, I was appointed to serve as a special State Court District Judge for the 28th Judicial Circuit here in Baldwin County, Alabama.
In 2014, I decided to open my own law firm and continue to provide effective and aggressive representation of all my clients. I represent many clients through personal referrals and professional relationships that I have made here in Baldwin County but I look forward to making new ones as well. I try to maintain a personal relationship with my client while striving to engage in the practice of law ethically and aggressively. I wish to make sure all of my clients are fully aware of their legal situation and are fully informed of all potential ramifications of their legal decisions. If this means reaching a favorable settlement or going to trial, then this firm is prepared and I look forward to entering into a professional friendship with you for years to come.