Christian & Small is proud to announce that the firm along with four partners have been recognized by Chambers USA. Partner Thomas W. Christian was recognized for General Commercial Litigation (Senior Statesman), Partner Daniel D. Sparks for Bankruptcy/ Restructuring (Band 3), and Managing Partner Deborah Alley Smith was recognized for Appellate Litigation (Band 1) in Alabama. Additionally, Partner Richard E. Smith was identified as a “Recognized Practitioner” for Healthcare, a practice area for which Chambers USA rankings are available for the first time in Alabama.
“Being recognized by Chambers USA is a major achievement in the legal industry,” Managing Partner Deborah Alley Smith said. “As a firm and as individual attorneys we strive for excellence in everything we do – ensuring that our clients are being served in the most professional and efficient ways possible. Our commitment to our clients is at the core of the way we do business, and we have them to thank for this honor.”
Law firms and individual lawyers are ranked in bands 1-6 with 1 being the best. The qualifications include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities valued by clients. A Senior Statesman is a lawyer who no longer works hands-on with the same intensity but who remains pivotal in the firm’s success. A Recognized Practitioner is an individual on the Chambers research radar working towards being included in the printed version of the guide.
The Chambers Guides have been ranking the best law firms and lawyers since 1990 by more than 170 full-time researchers. Individual lawyers are ranked on the basis of their legal knowledge and experience. Law firm departments are ranked on the qualities of their lawyers and their individual areas of expertise. Researchers interview thousands of lawyers and their clients around the world, and their intensive research identifies the world’s leading lawyers and law firms – those who perform best according to the criteria most valued by clients.