Thank You for Celebrating 25 Years of Christian & Small
We appreciate you following along throughout the year as Christian & Small proudly marked its 25th anniversary. This celebration allows us to honor the many remarkable individuals, cherished stories, and experiences that have defined our firm’s journey and shaped our foundation.
A Legacy of Courage, Integrity, and Friendship
When Tom Christian and Clarence Small established Christian & Small, they did so with courage and vision. Founding partner Richard Smith reflects on their impact.
“I want to thank Tom Christian and Clarence Small for their foresight, their guts, and their confidence in starting this firm. I’m eternally grateful for their investment in me. They allowed me to try lawsuits with them, gave me a vote of confidence, and made me a partner. They exemplified integrity and humanity, not just as lawyers but as individuals.”
Richard also honors other legendary figures and his great friends who shaped the firm, Bibb Allen and Edgar Elliott. Their dedication to the law established a foundation of excellence and a culture of camaraderie that continues to thrive today.
Memorable Moments Through the Years
Richard shared one particular story about Bibb Allen that captures the balance of professionalism and humor that makes our firm special.
“While heading to court in Montgomery in the early 2000s, Bibb realized he had forgotten his necktie. The only store open that early was a thrift shop, where Bibb purchased a gaudy, oversized tie for a dollar. When addressing the jury that morning, Bibb joked, ‘I see some of you eyeing my tie, so I’ll tell you about it. It was quite the bargain at the thrift store down the street.’”
“Bibb’s ability to turn a potentially embarrassing moment into something lighthearted epitomized his self-awareness and charm. More importantly, his brilliance as a trial lawyer shone through, proving you don’t have to take yourself too seriously to take your work seriously.”
Richard also shared a deeper reflection tied to a bottle of Cuban rum sitting on his credenza, a gift from Bibb. Decades ago, a client gifted the bottle to Bibb to celebrate a case victory. Over time, as the rum slowly evaporated, Bibb came to see it as a metaphor for life and time slipping away.
Before retiring, he passed it to Richard, reminding him that every day is borrowed time and a gift. It’s a poignant reminder of the values that guide us.
Reflecting On a Meaningful Journey
Mike Vercher, who has dedicated his career to Christian & Small, shared his gratitude for the legends who shaped his path.
“I was incredibly fortunate to work for legendary Alabama trial lawyers like Bibb Allen, Clarence Small, and Tom Christian, during a time when most cases still went to trial,” Mike said. “Watching how they conducted themselves both inside and outside the courtroom taught me everything I needed to know about practicing law and living a full, productive life. Choosing Christian & Small for my entire career is one decision I’ve never regretted.”
Mike also expressed appreciation for his colleagues, such as Jim Carlson and Eddie Elliott, who taught him the technical skills to handle high-stakes, complex cases. “Their mentorship helped mold me into the lawyer I am today.”
Gratitude For Our Clients and Looking Ahead
Of course, none of this would be possible without the trust and loyalty of our clients. For 25 years, you’ve allowed us to serve you, represent you, and stand by your side. Your confidence in us has been our greatest privilege, and we owe our success to you. Every case, every interaction, and every triumph has been a step forward together.
As we mark this milestone, we’re also looking to the future. Richard shared his optimism for the next generation of attorneys at Christian & Small. “The firm keeps hiring excellent lawyers who represent the high ideals established at the beginning. These younger lawyers are much broader and more capable than I ever was, and that makes me deeply confident in the future of Christian & Small.”
The legal profession is evolving, and the times ahead will undoubtedly be complex and challenging. Yet, our core values of integrity, camaraderie, and commitment, founded 25 years ago, will continue to guide us.
Reflecting on 25 years brings a sense of pride, gratitude, and humility. We honor those who are no longer with us, celebrate the stories and friendships that have defined us, and look forward with excitement to the opportunities ahead.
To our clients, colleagues, and community, thank you for being a part of our story. Here’s to the next 25 years of Christian & Small.
25 Years of Nonstop Advocates
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25 Years of Mentoring the Next Generation of Attorneys
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25 Years of Nonstop Advocacy in Class Actions, Mass Actions, and Toxic Tort Litigation
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About Christian & Small
Christian & Small LLP represents a diverse clientele throughout Alabama, the Southeast, and the nation with clients ranging from individuals and closely held businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. By matching highly experienced lawyers with specific client needs, Christian & Small develops innovative, effective, and efficient solutions for clients. With offices in Birmingham, metro-Jackson, Mississippi, and the Alabama Gulf Coast, Christian & Small focuses on litigation and business, is a member of the International Society of Primerus Law Firms, and is a Mansfield Rule™ Certified Plus Law Firm. Our corporate social responsibility program is focused on education, and diversity is one of Christian & Small’s core values
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.