Our Attorneys
Highly Skilled and Down-to-Earth
We believe attorney-client relationships must be based on trust. Because you are, in fact, trusting your attorney and their firm to represent your interests. And that requires a lot of trust. But to build trust, you must be collaborative. You must be able to communicate, unite and work together.
At Clark, May, Price, our attorneys are open, accessible and down-to-earth. They are skilled lawyers and, more importantly, skilled listeners. They absolutely enjoy working closely with their clients, understanding their needs and helping them achieve their desired outcomes. Here, you don’t have a lawyer. You have a partner, and a team you know and trust.
Nicholas Brown
Associate
P: 205-721-8825
Nick Brown joined Clark, May, Price, Lawley, Duncan & Paul in April 2021. Born and raised in Birmingham, Nick earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Alabama and his Juris Doctorate from Cumberland School of Law. At Cumberland, Nick was a member of the Black Law Students Association and a member of the 2015-2016 National Moot Court Team.
Nick’s experience as a judicial law clerk for two Alabama judges gives him a unique background to understand litigation from the judicial side of the bench. In his spare time, Nick enjoys running, watching movies, reading books, and cheering for the Atlanta Braves.
Bar & Court Admissions
- Alabama State Bar
- United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Alabama
Memberships
- Birmingham Bar Association
Charles H. Clark
Partner
P: 205-683-1312
Charles H. Clark, Jr. (Clay) is a senior partner in the firm and is actively engaged in the practice of workers’ compensation defense litigation, employment law, intentional torts arising out of workers’ compensation claim handling, industrial accident litigation, retaliatory discharge, sexual harassment, ADA litigation, discrimination, motor carrier litigation, and general liability litigation.
Clay represents a wide range of local and national clients and is consistently “AV” rated by Martindale-Hubbell surveys. He is listed in “Birmingham’s Top Attorneys” by Birmingham Magazine, “Top Lawyers” by the Birmingham Business Journal, Alabama Super Lawyers, and is consistently recognized in The Best Lawyers in America. He is a Fellow of The College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers. Clay is a frequent lecturer, speaking throughout the Southeast on the topics of employment law, industrial accident litigation, and workers’ compensation.
Bar & Court Admissions
- Alabama State Bar
- Alabama Supreme Court
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama
- United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama
- United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama
- United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit
- United States Supreme Court
Memberships
- Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
- Alabama State Bar
- Alabama Workers’ Compensation Defense Lawyers Association
- American Bar Association
- Birmingham Bar Association
- Council on Litigation Management
- Defense Research Institute
- State of Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Legal Advisory Board
Joe Duncan
Partner
P: 205-544-2301
Joe Duncan, one of the founding members of the firm, represents clients ranging from family companies to Fortune 500 businesses at both the trial and appellate level. His practice consists of the defense of claims relating to personal injury, product liability, contractual disputes, trucking and insurance coverage. Joe spends much of his time working with clients, contractors and trade groups to proactively reduce the risk of liability using lessons learned from litigation.
Joe has helped to mold Alabama law in both the legislative and judicial branches. He assisted in authoring legislation relating to contractor liability and argued to the Alabama Supreme Court on the subjects of indemnity, personal injury and product liability. In Hosea Weaver and Sons, Inc. v. Balch, the Alabama Supreme Court recognized the “accepted-work doctrine” based on arguments made by Joe as amicus counsel on behalf of the Alabama Road Builders Association. The Court’s decision reversed a $7.5 million verdict in favor of the plaintiffs and rendered a judgment in favor of the defendant. More recently, in DISA Industries, Inc. v. Bell, Joe also successfully argued for the Court to reverse a $500,000 verdict in favor of a plaintiff and rendered the verdict in favor of the Defendant.
Joe is “AV” rated by Martindale Hubbell and has been recognized as one of Birmingham’s Best Attorneys and Birmingham’s Best Construction Attorneys. Most recently, in 2019, Joe was recognized as a Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters and a Top Rated Lawyer in Insurance Law by ALM and Martindale Hubbell. Joe also serves as an instructor at CLM’s Claims College and its Litigation Management Institute.
Joe and his wife, Ellen, live in Vestavia with their children, Porter and Sophie. In his spare time, Joe coaches youth baseball, runs half marathons, travels and volunteers at Children’s Hospital as Santa Claus. Joe earned his undergraduate degree from Auburn University and his juris doctor from The University of Alabama School of Law.
Bar & Court Admissions
- Alabama State Bar
- United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Alabama
Memberships
- Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
- American Bar Association
- Birmingham Bar Association
- Claim and Litigation Management Alliance
- Defense Research Institute
- Journal of American Law
Charles Fleming
Partner
P: 205-671-0327
Charles Fleming represents hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical providers in cases of medical negligence.
Charles also represents a variety of restaurant and hospitality entities and transportation companies. Charles frequently lectures to insurance and industry groups on topics relating to claims and risk management issues. Since beginning his practice in 2002, Charles has successfully defended retail and hospitality clients, hospitals, physicians and long-term care facilities in a variety of cases and venues.
Bar & Court Admissions
- Alabama State Bar
- United States District Court of Alabama, Northern, Middle and Southern Districts
Memberships
- Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
- Birmingham Bar Association
- Claims & Litigation Management Alliance
- Defense Research Institute
- National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association
- Trucking Industry Defense Association
Representative Experience
- Charles obtained a defense on behalf of a nursing home facility in an AMLA matter tried before an arbitrator in Mobile, Alabama, in October 1, 2018.
- Charles successfully defended a long-term care facility in a medical malpractice case that was tried before an arbitrator in Jefferson County, Alabama, in March 2018.
- Charles successfully defended a restaurant franchisee in a food poisoning case tried in February 2017.
- Charles secured a defense verdict on behalf of a nursing home in a medical malpractice case tried before an arbitrator in Mobile County, Alabama, in July 2016.
- Charles successfully defended a nursing home in a medical malpractice case that was tried before a jury in Mobile County, Alabama, in December 2013.
Jeremy Gaddy
Partner
P: 205-671-0397
Jeremy Gaddy has a diverse practice built on a methodical and scientific approach to cases stemming from his engineering degree from Georgia Tech. His unique skill set permits him to understand complex matters and ensure his clients’ goals are met in a timely and cost-effective manner. His practice includes clients in the areas of transportation, medical malpractice, construction, retail and hospitality and general insurance defense. Jeremy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech and his J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law.
Jeremy regularly speaks to insurance professionals and transportation clients on current and emerging liability issues. Jeremy enjoys spending time with his wife Margaret and children, Alice and Virginia. He is also an avid runner and attends Canterbury United Methodist Church.
Bar & Court Admissions
- Alabama State Bar
- Mississippi State Bar
- United States District Court for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Alabama
- United States District Court for the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi
- United States Supreme Court
Memberships
- Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
- Birmingham Bar Association
- Claims Litigation Management Alliance
- National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association
Karmen Gaines
Associate
P: 205-721-8949
Karmen Gaines joined Clark, May, Price, Lawley, Duncan & Paul in May 2021. Karmen was born and raised in Birmingham and followed in her father’s footsteps to earn her B.A. in International Relations, graduating cum laude, and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Alabama.
While in law school, Karmen was a member of the Black Law Students Association and achieved national success as a member of the Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition Team and Alabama Trial Advocacy Competition Team. Karmen’s competitive, hard-working spirit and prior experience as a judicial law clerk make her a valuable member of the Clark, May, Price team.
In her free time, Karmen enjoys running, playing with her dog, Taz, and trying new restaurants in the Birmingham area.
Bar & Court Admissions
- Alabama State Bar
- United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Alabama
Memberships
- Birmingham Bar Association
- Alabama Bar Association
Elton H. Darby, III
Associate
P: 205-671-0419
Elton Darby joined Clark, May, Price in August of 2019, with a practice that focuses on general insurance defense and worker’s compensation defense. He brings a wealth of civil litigation experience in the trial and appellate courts at both the state and federal level. Elton prioritizes trust, efficiency and clear communication in relationships with his clients.
Elton wants to use his legal expertise to serve others. He enjoys volunteering through Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham which provides legal services and advice to those that may not have access to legal resources. While in law school, Elton also served the student body by working in the University of Alabama School of Law’s Civil Law Clinic.
Elton earned his B.A. from the University of Mississippi, magna cum laude, and earned his J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law. Elton enjoys living in Birmingham and supporting the community through support of Red Mountain Park, WBHM Birmingham, and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.
Bar & Court Admissions
- Alabama State Bar
- United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Alabama
Memberships
- Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
- Birmingham Bar Association
- Claim and Litigation Management Alliance
Margaret “Megan” Head Jones
Partner
P: 205-544-2308
Megan Jones has the stamina and resume of an attorney well beyond her years. She relishes a challenge and thrives under pressure. She is an engaging storyteller who eloquently and instantly commands attention. Megan’s passion for the cause she is defending and her undeniable pursuit for truth and fairness draw in the jury with a persuasive voice on behalf of her clients. Her father and grandfather were both attorneys, so she grew up understanding the importance of seeking and serving justice.
After graduating cum laude from law school, Megan began practicing law in 2009. In her practice, she represents hospitals, physicians, nursing homes, medical labs, insurers and other providers faced with legal challenges. Throughout her career, Megan has won summary judgments and tried to verdict numerous cases involving medical malpractice, insurance defense and employment issues. Her practice areas also include transportation, general litigation and workers’ compensation.
In addition to her active litigation practice, Megan regularly presents to clients on emerging issues and professional negligence. She also offers risk management counseling, deposition training and trial preparation. Her dedication, experience, expertise, and undeniable love for the law have led her to become a trusted mentor to young attorneys and students in the Cumberland School of Law Trial Program. Additionally, in 2017 Megan was recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal as a Rising Star of Law, and in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, named a Mid-South Rising Star by Super Lawyers.
When Megan is not working or serving her community, she spends time with her husband Justin, sons Sawyer and Wilder and the family dogs. She also enjoys playing competitive tennis. Megan earned her BA from Florida State University and her JD from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. Go NOLES!
Bar & Court Admissions
- Alabama State Bar
- U.S. District Court for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Alabama
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
Memberships
- Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
- Birmingham Bar Association
- Birmingham Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program
- Claims and Litigation Management Alliance
- Defense Research Institute
- International Association of Defense Counsel
- Order of the Barristers
H. Cannon Lawley
Partner
P: 205-383-4554
Cannon Lawley is a partner in the firm and has extensive experience representing clients in a broad range of litigation and transaction matters. He also chairs our Appellate Advocacy group. Cannon’s trial and appellate practice areas include medical malpractice, governmental liability, products liability, aviation litigation, business disputes, intellectual property, employment practices, litigation, class actions and mass tort actions.
Cannon obtained an undergraduate degree in Forest Resources and remains actively involved in the management of family-owned timberland. Drawing from this practical experience, Cannon routinely assists clients with a variety of natural resource and real estate-based transactions and litigation, including those involving land and timber, oil and gas, regulatory compliance, personal injury and property damage.
Cannon earned his BS in Forest Resources from Auburn University and his JD from The University of Alabama School of Law. He is admitted to practice in Alabama, Mississippi, all federal district courts in Alabama and Mississippi, the Fifth and Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeals, and before the United States Supreme Court.
Bar & Court Admissions
- Alabama State Bar
- Mississippi State Bar
- Alabama Supreme Court
- Mississippi Supreme Court
- United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Alabama
- United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi
- Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
- Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
Memberships
- Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
- Defense Research Institute
- Aviation Insurance Association
- Alabama Forestry Association
- Forest Landowners Association
- American Bar Association
- Best Lawyers in America
- Vice-Chairman, Forest Resource Committee, American Bar Association
- Chairman Elect, Auburn University School of Forestry & Wildlife Science Advisory Counsel
- Commissioner, Alabama Land Recycling & Economic Development Commission
T. Kelly May
Partner
P: 205-435-6302
Kelly May, one of the founding members of the firm, believes success is achieved through hard work, preparation and dedication to accomplishing the mission. Having served on active duty as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and attaining the rank of Major, he understands the importance of these traits and applies them to every case he handles. Kelly also understands the value of teamwork and implements this principle by working closely with his clients to find the best solution.
Since 1989, Kelly has developed an active defense practice in the areas of civil rights litigation, employment law, real estate litigation, products liability, trucking litigation and complex business and commercial litigation. He represents a wide variety of clients in a multitude of settings, including successes in state and federal courts and in matters involving the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Kelly has received professional recognition including being listed by Best Lawyers as one of The Best Lawyers in America and as a top attorney in Alabama by Super Lawyers. Kelly was also named one of “Birmingham’s Top Attorneys” by Birmingham Magazine, “Best of the Bar” by the Birmingham Business Journal and received the highest Martindale-Hubbell peer rating of AV-Preeminent®. Kelly was recently recognized in the Benchmark Litigation 2019 as a Labor and Employment Star.
Outside of work, Kelly is a committed outdoorsman. He enjoys hunting, college football and relaxing at the farm with his family and friends.
Kelly earned his B.S. in Finance from Auburn University, his MBA from Samford University and his J.D. from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.
Bar & Court Admissions
- Alabama State Bar, 1985
- United States District Court for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Alabama
- United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
Memberships
- Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
- Defense Research Institute
- Leadership Council for the Alabama Center for Real Estate
Justin Nolen
Associate
P: 205-549-1620
Justin Nolen joined Clark, May, Price, Lawley, Duncan & Paul, LLC in August of 2019. He is involved in a wide variety of insurance defense cases specifically in the areas of general liability, worker’s compensation, mortgage field services, transportation litigation, employment, and professional liability representing Real Estate Agents, Real Estate Brokers, Real Estate Agencies, and Home Inspectors. He also does a variety of appellate work in both the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals and the Alabama Supreme Court.
Justin grew up in nearby Pelham, Alabama, before attending Huntingdon College for his undergraduate degree, graduating cum laude. While at Huntingdon, he was a member of the men’s golf team and the president of his fraternity. Justin then earned his J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law.
In his time away from work, Justin enjoys playing golf and traveling. He also enjoys pulling for the Crimson Tide!
Bar & Court Admissions
- Alabama State Bar
- United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Alabama
Memberships
- Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
- Birmingham Bar Association
- Claim and Litigation Management Alliance
Eris Bryan Paul
Partner
P: 205-332-7518
Eris Bryan Paul, or BP, as most folks call him, attempts to handle every case that comes across his desk in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The son of a sheriff and grandson of a judge, at an early age he experienced the legal profession across several different levels. He learned at an early age to connect with people from every walk of life and to respect their valuable time and hard-earned resources. It’s an approach he uses in full force to defend his clients, no matter the practice area.
For the last 15 years, BP has represented a wide variety of individuals, companies and insurers. He has tried civil cases to verdict as a first chair lawyer in State, Federal and Bankruptcy courts in Alabama. He has also succeeded in appellate issues in front of both the Alabama Supreme Court and the Court of Civil Appeals. BP has worked cases in almost every one of Alabama’s 41 judicial circuits and all three federal districts in the state. He loves the variety his law practice offers, and BP is committed to an immersive approach that consistently drives results and the best possible outcomes for his clients. For his efforts, BP was named a 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Rising Star by Super Lawyers.
Much of his time away from work is spent with his wife, Ginny, and their two young children, Mary Addison and Mack. BP enjoys golf, hunting and enjoying the great outdoors.
He earned his BS from The University of Alabama and his JD from The University of Alabama School of Law.
Bar & Court Admissions
- Alabama State Bar
- Alabama State Courts and Appellate Courts
- Northern, Middle and Southern U.S. District Courts, including all three Bankruptcy Courts
- United States Tax Court
Memberships
- 2011 Graduate Future Leaders Forum
- Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
- Birmingham Bar Association
- Claims and Litigation Management Alliance
- Defense Research Institute
- Past Co-Chair of the Wills for Heroes Task Force, Alabama State Bar Association
- Professional Liability Defense Federation
- The Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration’s Commerce Executive Society
Walter J. Price
Partner
P: 205-267-6973
Walter Price has been representing healthcare providers in professional negligence matters for over 30 years. He regularly represents hospitals, physicians and other providers in state and federal courts across Alabama. In addition, he frequently consults with healthcare institutions on risk management issues including time-sensitive investigations. While his practice focus has involved medical liability matters, Walter has also defended pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers and represented insurers in bad faith cases. His work defending automobile insurers was the catalyst behind publications addressing uninsured motorist insurance coverage which are cited as references in the Alabama Pattern Jury Instructions.
Some of Walter’s other publications include “Anesthesia Litigation – Clinical Basics and Current Liability Issues” in the May 2017 issue of the DRI’s “For The Defense,” as well as the September 2012 article “Chorioamnionitis – An Alternative Cause for Cerebral Palsy” in that same publication. Most recently he authored “Shoulder Dystocia – Defending the Unpredictable” published in the May 2020 issue of “For The Defense.”
Walter is a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel, the Defense Research Institute and the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Professional Liability Defense Federation, and he has been recognized in various publications including The Best Lawyers in America (Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, Health Care Litigation, Insurance Litigation and Insurance Law) and Super Lawyers. He was named the 2015 Birmingham Insurance Litigation “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers.
Walter is a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. He and his wife are supporters of Preschool Partners, a non-profit dedicated to providing early childhood education for under-resourced communities. They have two children.
Bar & Court Admissions
- Alabama State Bar
- United States Supreme Court
- 11th Circuit Court of Appeals
- U.S. District Courts for Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Alabama
Memberships
- Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
- International Association of Defense Counsel
- Defense Research Institute
- Professional Liability Defense Federation (Member of Board of Directors 2016-2018)
- Professional Liability Underwriting Society
- Claims and Litigation Management Alliance
Melissa Sinor
Associate
P: 205-383-4639
Growing up in a military family, Melissa Sinor lived in many places, studied different cultures and learned the meaning of hard work. Her experiences have given her the ability to engage with people from all walks of life and thrive in an ever-changing environment. She approaches her legal practice with an open mind and is committed to providing the highest quality work product.
Melissa’s law practice is focused in the areas of medical malpractice and general business defense. While in law school, Melissa was an esteemed member of the mock trial team, a member of the FSU College of Law Supreme Court and a student ambassador. She also participated in the FSU College of Law’s Public Interest Law Center as a student attorney.
Melissa earned her BA, summa cum laude, from Auburn University and her JD from the Florida State University College of Law, cum laude. Upon graduation, Melissa was inducted into the FSU College Law Chapter of the Order of the Coif and currently serves as an FSU College of Law Alumni Admission Partner.
When she is not working, Melissa and her husband Will enjoy spending time with their daughter, their two cats–Marvin Gaye and Stevie Nicks, participating in outdoor activities and cheering on the Auburn Tigers.
She earned her BS from The University of Alabama and her JD from The University of Alabama School of Law.
Bar & Court Admissions
- Alabama State Bar
- United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Alabama
Memberships
- Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
- Birmingham Bar Association