For 25 years, our experienced team has assisted clients throughout the entire construction lifecycle—managing bid processes, contract negotiations, project development, and final certificates of occupancy. We work closely with a diverse range of industry professionals, including owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers.
With extensive expertise in contract disputes, construction defects, materialmen’s liens, and bond claims, we have successfully litigated jury cases in both state and federal courts. We have extensive experience advocating for clients before arbitration panels and mediators, ensuring their best interests are always protected.
Greer B. Mallette
The Construction Practice Group is led by Managing Partner Greer B. Mallette, who addresses issues related to stormwater runoff, nuisance, trespass, 
and construction defects. Drawing on his previous experience as the Safety and Environmental Manager for a large waste disposal company before embarking on his legal career, Greer brings valuable insights to his practice.
Greer is a member of the Downtown Rotary Club of Birmingham, the Alabama Council on Real Estate, and the American Bar Association. Best Lawyers in America® routinely recognizes him in the fields of Construction Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation-Construction, Litigation-Land Use and Zoning, Litigation-Real Estate, and Real Estate Law. He is recognized by Benchmark Litigation as a 2025 Litigation Star and is selected for inclusion in Alabama Super Lawyers®.
Greer’s experience includes:
- Represents various construction subcontractors and suppliers in perfecting liens and ensuring timely payment.
- Advises clients on indemnity, risk management, and risk transfer.
- Achieved summary judgment in favor of a construction material testing firm against allegations of failing to properly test soils and provide advice regarding subsurface conditions.
- Successfully resolved a case involving construction defects and water penetration in a 250-unit residential apartment building located in a large urban area, resulting in the complete re-cladding of the structure. The contractor and owner made claims against the numerous subcontractors, including our client, who was responsible for the balcony work.
Greer shared, “Construction litigation continues to become more complex and almost always involves multiple parties, multiple causes, indemnity issues, well-qualified experts, and an incredibly large volume of information and data that is equally available to all the parties. It is imperative that counsel be prepared to handle the large volume of data with an eye for detail to accurately and efficiently evaluate the case early in the process. Also, given the complexity and variables involved in most construction disputes, the ability to work collaboratively is just as important as the ability to be a strong advocate.”
Rachel J. Moore
Rachel Moore is an accomplished attorney at Christian & Small with over 30 years of legal experience. She represents general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in litigation matters. As the current president of the Alabama General Contractors Association’s associate board, she ensures that members are informed about legislative developments affecting the construction industry. Additionally, she is active in appellate practice and is currently pursuing cases related to Alabama’s lien statutes.
“One of the specialties of our construction group is that we’re varied in our approach. We know the hot topics and can provide a variety of services even outside of the insurance context,” says Rachel Moore.
Rachel notes that the firm’s involvement in legislative advocacy and industry organizations over the past 25 years enables us to provide proactive guidance on emerging trends in construction law. She added, “We recognize issues that need to be taken up on appeal, that need to be decided by the Alabama Supreme Court so that our construction industry can have more guidance.”
Rachel is consistently recognized by Best Lawyers in America and has been named a 2025 Benchmark Litigation Star, as well as earning an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Several clients have shared their experiences of working with her.
- “I have always enjoyed working with Rachel. I have trust in her and know she understands our needs and how we operate.”
- “Rachel has always been on top of our cases and knows the laws. I recommend her to any of our construction contacts needing legal help.”
Richard E. Smith
Richard Smith is a founding partner at Christian & Small, where he focuses his practice on complex corporate litigation for clients across various industries. He has tried almost 200 jury trials to verdict in nine different states. He has handled numerous cases related to construction, including bridges, pollution control facilities, federal projects, and commercial buildings. Currently, he is managing a $23 million case involving bridge defects in Alabama.
“We have extensive trial experience, and I believe our clients recognize that. They are confident in our trial skills and our appellatepractice, ensuring that we address all necessary issues, both in preparing to defend lawsuits and in navigating the appellate process,” says Richard. One client notes, “Richard is knowledgeable and down-to-earth and does his best to keep costs down. He and his partners and associates have always been a pleasure to work with.”
Richards is a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel, the Defense Research Institute, and is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He is recognized by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America®, Alabama Super Lawyers, and Benchmark Litigation.
F. Todd Weston
Attorney Todd Weston focuses on claims for contractors, subcontractors, and trades with a strong emphasis on indemnity and risk transfer in construction contracts. He and his team are regularly retained to handle complex construction and trade-related professional liability matters in the South.
Todd’s most recent construction experience includes:
- Defending a general contractor against various construction negligence and defect claims related to seven separate new student housing construction projects at a major state university. This case represents one of the highest exposure, non-personal injury construction matters pending in that state.
- Representing a general contractor in a property loss subrogation suit following a fire during the renovation of a hospitality building in an upscale residential neighborhood, Todd and his team successfully obtained a Motion to Dismiss after filing the appropriate third-party pleadings that sought defense and indemnity through the subcontractor and the at-fault subcontractor welding company.
- Favorably settled construction defect claim spanning multiple lawsuits and an arbitration concerning the collapse of a cement floor of a new construction expansion of a large storage facility. The Plaintiff’s damages claim was in excess of $6 million USD.
- Successfully represented a property insurer in a property loss subrogation lawsuit filed following a large fire. Todd and his team were able to prove that improper fire suppression systems, not in compliance with code, and a failure to implement proper inspections and safety protocols were the cause of the fire. Following a week-long trial, the team secured a $4.46 million jury award representing the full 100% subrogation recovery for the client.
Todd is a member of DRI (Defense Research Institute) and Vice-Chair of the DRI Insurance Coverage Practice Symposium. He is recognized by Best Lawyers in America®, Benchmark Litigation, and Chambers USA as Up & Coming in the Field of Litigation: General Commercial.
Conclusion
Whether navigating complex disputes or providing strategic counsel, Christian & Small has been dedicated to helping construction industry professionals thrive in an evolving legal landscape for the past 25 years. We look forward to what the next 25 years have in store.
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 the areas of 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.