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James L. Pattillo

With over 20 years of litigation experience in both state and federal courts in Alabama and more than 70 trials to verdict, it goes without saying that Jim Pattillo is comfortable in the courtroom.

His clients include some of the largest insurers, product manufacturers, and commercial interests in the nation. His experience includes numerous seven and eight-figure cases routinely obtaining results that exceed expectations. Jim is passionate about his belief that the best results are obtained when every case is handled from the outset with the preparation and strategy needed to be successful at trial. That approach leads to the most favorable settlements and the most successful outcomes at trial. As the Litigation Practice Group Chair at Christian & Small, LLP, he instills that thorough preparation to everyone on his team.

His practice has been recognized by several legal publications including Best Lawyers, SuperLawyers, Chambers, and others. He is a leader in the development of the next generation of lawyers to represent their clients with excellence in the courtroom. He is a frequent writer and speaker on high-stakes litigation and trial practice. He has also been recognized by organizations such as the Defense Research Institute, International Association of Special Investigative Units, and the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance for expertise and leadership in litigation. He speaks and writes on product liability, insurance, and trial practice for a number of organizations. He is also the author of the Southern Litigation Digest newsletter- click here to subscribe.

Professional and Community Involvement

  • American Bar Association: Member
  • American Inns of Court: Member
  • Defense Research Institute (DRI): Member; Chair, Young Lawyers’ Section (2012)
  • Alabama State Bar: Member
  • Alabama Defense Lawyers Association (ADLA): Member
  • Birmingham Bar Association: Member
  • International Association of Special Investigative Units (IASIU): Member
  • Alabama Policy Institute: Past Associate Board Member
  • Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation: Past Board of Directors
  • Vulcan Select Youth Sports: Chair, Board of Directors

Awards and Recognition

  • Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® in the fields of Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
  • Selected for inclusion by Mid-South Region Super Lawyers® in 2017-2019 in the field of personal injury defense, general; by Alabama Super Lawyers® in 2011-2014 as a Rising Star in the field of personal injury defense, general
  • Listed by Birmingham Magazine among its 2012-2013 “Top Attorneys”u
  • Named a 2025 Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation

Representative Experience

  • Defended insurer in federal court arson trial involving innocent insured doctrine.
  • Defended a global medical software company against claims under Alabama’s product liability doctrine.
  • Defended motorcycle distributor in claims under the Alabama Warranty Act and Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act involving an alleged product defect in a motorcycle’s transmission and clutch manufacturing.
  • Represented management group in a suit involving an alleged commission claim on the sale of a $10,000,000 USD business jet.
  • Counsel for multiple insurers, including a major national personal lines insurer for bad faith, enterprise, and company litigation for claims involving significant breach of contract claims, bad faith, and extra-contractual litigation.
  • More than 15 years of litigating a variety of insurance, commercial, and general liability matters
  • More than 70 trials to verdict in Alabama – including over 15 trials to verdict in direct actions against insurers
  • More than 100 summary judgment motions briefed and argued
  • More than 20 cases argued in Alabama federal courts

Publications and Presentations

Admissions

  • Alabama
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Alabama
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Alabama
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Colorado

Practice Areas

Education

  • Furman University, 1997, B.A. in Business Administration
  • University of Florida, 1999, M.A.M.C.
  • Samford University Cumberland School of Law, 2002, J.D.
Practice Areas
Business Litigation Law
Class Action Law
Commercial Litigation Law
Insurance Bad Faith Law
Insurance Coverage Law
Product Liability Law
Professional Liability Law
Toxic Torts Law
Transportation Law