Atty. James L. Pattillo
With over 15 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. He focuses his practice on matters involving insurance coverage and bad faith liability, business and commercial litigation, professional and product liability, class action, toxic torts, and transportation.
Profile Summary
About James L. Pattillo at a glance
James L. Pattillo is a personal injury, business, litigation, and insurance attorney based in Birmingham, Alabama, practicing at Christian & Small LLP. They have 24+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2002. Admitted to practice in Alabama (2002). Educated at Samford University (J.D., 2002) and University of Florida (M.A.M.C, 1999). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026). Serands clients in Birmingham, AL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- With over 15 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
- He focuses his practice on matters involving insurance coverage and bad faith liability, business and commercial litigation, professional and product liability, class action, toxic torts, and transportation
- He is a frequent speaker and writer in the areas of trial practice and technique, litigation management, and social media policy and practice, has been a monthly legal columnist for CLM Magazine, and was the 2012 Chair of the Defense Research Institute’s (DRI) national Young Lawyers Section
- Jim believes that bad faith exposure presents unique challenges that are separate and distinct from contractual liability, and that an initial approach to these matters should involve several core tactics: an immediate review of the claims file and policy, an interview with the primary adjuster, an analysis of applicable law and jury charges, and a preliminary assessment of extra-contractual damages
- He understands that having a clear and organized strategy, establishing and maintaining firm discovery deadlines, and extensive preparation are key to gaining an advantage as litigation proceeds to trial
Practice Areas Explained
James L. Pattillo's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James L. Pattillo handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.
James L. Pattillo is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Alabama →
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
James L. Pattillo is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Alabama →
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
James L. Pattillo is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Alabama →
Insurance attorneys for coverage disputes, bad faith claims, denied claims, and policy disputes.
James L. Pattillo is one of 121,912 insurance attorneys indexed nationally. Browse insurance attorneys in Alabama →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Alabama
Practicing law in Alabama. Legal matters in Alabama are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Birmingham are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Alabama state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Alabama brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Alabama courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Alabama attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Birmingham or all attorneys in Alabama.
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