About

BOB WHARTON

Bob has practiced in both Georgia and Tennessee for the past 38 years representing people who have been hurt at work, in car and truck accidents, and any other case where individuals have been hurt. He enjoys working with people and his experience helps him give the client a clear and straightforward picture of the case.

Bar Admissions and Professional Associations

• Alabama State Bar

JAMES WETTERMARK

James H. Wettermark is the senior partner of Wettermark & Keith, LLC. He has spent his entire 38 year legal career representing individuals who have been injured by the wrongful conduct of others.

After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in Economics, Mr. Wettermark attended law school at the University of Alabama graduating in 1978. His academic achievements at Alabama included being the Student Work Editor of the Alabama Law Review, a member of the winning team in the John Campbell Moot Court Competition, and a member of the Bench and Bar Legal Honor Society.

CHRIS KEITH

Originally from Panama City, Florida, Chris appreciates the warm weather and sunshine. Growing up 90 miles from Tallahassee, Chris has a strong passion for his undergraduate alma mater – Florida State University. The first in his immediate and distant family to attend College, Chris excelled. While at Florida State Chris served as the President of Garnet Key Honor Society and was one of a few students selected to attend the Inaugural College Leadership Florida. Chris then attended Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama where he served as the Editor in Chief of the Cumberland Law Review. After graduating from Cumberland with honors and receiving membership in the Order of the Coif, Chris began pursuing his ultimate passion of seeking Justice for his clients in Courtrooms throughout the Country.

Richard Wright

Richard grew up in Columbus, Georgia. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and in 2006 obtained his Juris Doctorate from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.

Richard has spent more than twelve years representing individuals who have been injured. Richard handles nursing home, products liability, defective medical device, defective drug, medical malpractice, environmental contamination, and wrongful death actions. He has extensive experience representing his clients against some of the largest pharmaceutical and medical device companies in the country. Richard has represented clients in the following matters:

• MDL 1842, In Re: Kugel Mesh Hernia Patch Products Liability Litigation
• MDL 2197, In Re: DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., ASR Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation
• MDL 2244, In Re: DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., Pinnacle Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation
• MDL 2329, In Re: Wright Medical Technology, Inc. Conserve Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation
• MDL 2391, In Re: Biomet M2A Magnum Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation
• MDL 2433, In Re: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company C-8 Personal Injury Litigation
• MDL 2441, In Re: Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation
• MDL 2776, In Re: Farxiga (Dapagliflozin) Products Liability Litigation
• MDL 2768, In Re: Stryker LFIT V40 Femoral Head Products Liability Litigation
• MDL 2775, In Re: Smith & Nephew Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation
• MDL 2846, In Re: Davol, Inc. / C.R. Bard, Inc. Polypropylene Hernia Mesh Products Liability Litigation

Richard is admitted to the Alabama State Bar and is a member of the American Association for Justice and the Birmingham Bar Association.

Richard is an active member at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church and a fan of the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons

Bar Admissions

• Alabama State Bar
• Supreme Court of Alabama
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama
• U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama

Professional Associations

• Alabama State Bar Association
• American Association for Justice
• Birmingham Bar Association
• Alabama State Bar, Volunteer Lawyer Program
• American Bar Association

MIKE PERRY

Mike is a native of Birmingham. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 2000 (B.A., English) and Faulkner University, Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in 2012 (J.D.).

Prior to becoming a lawyer, Mike was a newspaper reporter, with stints at the Mobile Press-Register, the Savannah (Ga.) Morning News. His reporting earned thirteen (13) statewide journalism excellence awards, including the 2005 “Freedom of Information Award” from the Georgia Associated Press.

As a law student, Mike served as a law clerk to the Hon. Charles Price (ret.), presiding judge of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Montgomery. After law school, he spent three years as a criminal defense attorney, defending numerous clients in jury trial against charges of major felonies, including capital murder, before returning to Birmingham to launch his own practice.

As a trial lawyer, Mike employs his reporting background to aggressively gather evidence and develop a winning case theory that will deliver the justice his clients deserve. He is a member of the Alabama State Bar, the Alabama Association of Justice, and a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, Ga. (2015).

He is an avid reader, enjoys running and exercising, and resides in Trussville with his wife and son.

Bar Admissions

• Alabama State Bar

Professional Associations

• Alabama Association of Justice
• Graduate of the National Criminal Defense College – Macon, GA

ROPER ELROD

W. Roper Elrod grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. Roper attended the University of Alabama where he graduated magna cum laude from the Honor’s College with a Bachelors of Science in Biology in 2006. Following graduation, Roper continued his education at the University of Alabama School of Law, which he graduated from in 2010. While in law school, Roper clerked with Owens and Millsaps, LLP in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Following law school, Roper served as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Judge Glenn Thompson in Morgan County. Following his clerkship, Roper returned to Birmingham, where he is determined to devote his knowledge and experience to help injured individuals navigate claims against big insurance companies.

W. Roper Elrod grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. Roper attended the University of Alabama where he graduated magna cum laude from the Honor’s College with a Bachelors of Science in Biology in 2006. Following graduation, Roper continued his education at the University of Alabama School of Law, which he graduated from in 2010. While in law school, Roper clerked with Owens and Millsaps, LLP in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Following law school, Roper served as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Judge Glenn Thompson in Morgan County. Following his clerkship, Roper returned to Birmingham, where he is determined to devote his knowledge and experience to help injured individuals navigate claims against big insurance companies.

Bar Admissions

• Alabama State Bar

SHAWN CARDWELL

Shawn works out of the Chattanooga, Tennessee office. He is a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2006, and has practiced in Alaska and Tennessee. Before entering the practice of law, Shawn served in the United States Marine Corps and honorably retired in 2001. Originally from New Mexico, Shawn is proud to call Tennessee his home since 2010.

Bar Admissions

• Tennessee State Bar

TAMMY SMITH

Tammy grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. She holds Bachelors’ degrees in English and Psychology from Birmingham Southern College (2001) and a law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law (2007). Prior to attending law school, Tammy was instrumental in founding a local non-profit organization that provides Birmingham teenagers with opportunities to engage in community service.

Since graduating law school, Tammy has exclusively advocated for individuals who have been injured, cheated or abused by another person, company or entity. Before joining Wettermark Keith, Tammy spend the first ten years of her legal career advocating for the injured at Taylor & Taylor. She is licensed to practice in all Alabama state and federal courts, as well as the 11th Circuit appellate court. She has handled all types of personal injury claims, including automobile accidents, toxic torts, products liability, workplace injuries and dangerous drug injuries.

Bar Admissions

• Alabama State Bar
• Alabama State and Federal Courts
• 11th Circuit Appellate Court

AMBER OSBORNE

Amber grew up in Hokes Bluff, Alabama. She received her undergraduate degree in English from University of Alabama in 2007, and graduated from Birmingham School of Law in 2012. Amber began her career in Social Security Disability working as a claims representative for the Social Security Administration and joined Wettermark Keith in 2010, while working on her law degree. Amber has over 10 years of experience working in the disability field. She is admitted to practice before the Alabama State Bar, the United States Federal District Court for the Northern and Middle District, and she is a member of the Birmingham Bar Association.

Fun Fact: Amber was a college cheerleader at Jacksonville State University for a short time, prior to transferring to University of Alabama.

BOOTH SAMUELS

Booth grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated with a B.A. in European History from Washington and Lee University in 2003. In 2006, Booth earned his J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law.

In 2006, Booth was admitted to practice in Alabama, and in 2008 became licensed to practice in Louisiana. He is admitted in the US District Courts for the Northern and Middle Districts of Alabama and the US District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Louisiana. He is also licensed to practice in the US Court of Federal Claims, where he previously handled vaccine cases, and the United States Supreme Court. Booth is a member of the Alabama Bar Association, the Louisiana Bar Association, and the Birmingham Bar Association.

Having spent his entire legal career representing individuals who have been harmed and hurt by the actions of others, Booth knows what it takes to get results for his clients. He has extensive experience in general personal injury matters, including automobile accidents and premise liability cases, products liability, and bad faith/fraud actions.

Brady Rigdon

Brady grew up in Atlanta, Georgia before attending Auburn University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration in 1998. He then attended Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, where he earned his Juris Doctorate. Brady has worked as a trial lawyer since 2001, and is licensed to practice in Alabama state and federal courts.

Prior to joining Wettermark Keith, Brady spent a number of years in private practice as a civil defense attorney before devoting nearly a decade serving the citizens of Alabama as a Deputy District Attorney and later as a Jefferson County Assistant Attorney. He now uses that same passion for justice at Wettermark Keith by representing individuals who have been wrongfully injured by the misconduct of others.

Brady currently resides in Hoover, Alabama with his wife and three sons. He is a long-time member of Church of the Highlands, and enjoys playing tennis and coaching his sons’ baseball and football teams.

Brian Smith

Brian is the managing attorney of the firm’s disability practice. Brian represents individuals in disability cases from start to finish: initial application, reconsideration, Administrative Law Judges (ALJ) hearings, Appeals Council, and federal court. Brian also represents clients in Rail Road Retirement (RRB) disability hearings and is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to represent veterans. Brian service area includes the entire southeastern portion of the United States.

Brian gained his disability training and experience over several years as a disability specialist with Social Security’s initial and reconsideration claims decision making agency, the Disability Determination Service (DDS). At the DDS Brian adjudicated Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) adult and child claims. At the DDS, Brian was awarded two Positive Feedback Pioneer Awards by SSA’s Office of Quality Performance. This award recognizes claims adjudicators that employ outstanding disability claims practices. From 2017 to 2019, he was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in the area of Social Security disability law.

Brian received his undergraduate degree from Jacksonville State University in criminal justice where he was named 2005 Peer Educator of the Year. Brian received his Master of Public Administration degree from Troy University where he was named Outstanding Graduate Political Science Student of the Year for 2006-2007. He completed his law degree at Birmingham School of Law while working full-time at the DDS and the firm. Brian is originally from Geneva County (Malvern) Alabama.

Bar Admissions

• Alabama State Bar
• United States District Court (Northern District of AL, Middle District of AL, Eastern District of TN)
• Accredited VA Representative

Associations

• Super Lawyers Rising Star 2017-2019
• American Association for Justice
• Alabama Association for Justice (Chair, Social Security Section)
• Birmingham Bar Association
• National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (Sustaining Member)
• National Association of Disability Examiners (2007-2011)

Chris Deering

Chris has extensive experience representing clients in a broad range of employee rights claims, as well as helping those suffering from injury caused by others through no fault of their own. His focus areas include claims involving employment discrimination, wrongful employment termination, retaliation, harassment, wage payment matters, whistleblower issues, and personal injury. He has litigated such matters throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas for two decades. In all of his cases, his goal is to obtain the best result for the client.

A native of Texas, Chris is recognized as one of the nation’s top lawyers in the annual U.S. News & World Report’s Best Lawyers in America® and Mid-South Super Lawyers® ratings. He graduated magna cum laude from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. While in law school, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cumberland Law Review, was a judge on the Moot Court Board, and was selected as a Cordell Hull Fellow. He is also a member of Curia Honoris, Phi Delta Phi, and Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honorary, and is a graduate of the Alabama State Bar Leadership Forum.

Away from the office, Chris enjoys time with his family, salt water fishing in the Gulf, wood-fire cooking, and is an avid, but not particularly competitive, obstacle course racer.

Education

• Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, Cumberland School of Law at Samford University
• Bachelor of Arts, Samford University

Bar Admissions

• State of Alabama
• State of Florida
• District of Columbia
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh and District of Columbia Circuits
• U.S. District Court, Middle, Northern and Southern Districts of Alabama
• U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Florida
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Northern Districts of Texas

Professional Associations

• American Bar Association
• Birmingham Bar Association

Craig Lewis

Craig was raised in Florence, Alabama and attended the University of North Alabama where he graduated in 1993 with a B.S. in accounting. He then attended The Cumberland School of law at Samford University and received a J.D. in 1996. Upon graduating law school, Craig was admitted to practice in the states of Alabama and Georgia where he has handled civil cases for almost 25 years. His practice is focused primarily on personal injury, but also has included complex litigation and construction cases over the years.

Craig has three sons that keep him busy with sports, band and Boy Scouts. Craig is AV rated with Martindale-Hubbell.

Bar Admissions

• Alabama State Bar
• Georgia State Bar

David Miller

David Miller is a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College (1995) and the University of Alabama School of Law (1998). In college, David was a leader, ultimately serving as President of the Student Government Association, and graduated with a degree in business.

In the 20 years since graduating from law school, David has successfully advocated for both plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation. He obtained a favorable verdict in his first solo jury trial, mere weeks after obtaining his law license. David has tried, mediated and appealed numerous cases throughout Alabama and has led continuing legal education seminars. While he has experience in handling a broad range of cases – from contract disputes and fraud to medical malpractice and wrongful death – in recent years David has narrowed his practice to advocate exclusively for individuals injured by the conduct of others.

David is a life-long resident of Birmingham. He enjoys time with his family, photography and running.

Bar Admissions

• Alabama State Bar
• United States District Court Northern District of Alabama
• United States District Court Middle District of Alabama
• United States District Court Southern District of Alabama

Professional Associations

• American Bar Association
• Alabama State Bar Association
• Birmingham Bar Association
• Alabama State Bar, Volunteer Lawyer Program

Henry A. Lawrence III

Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, Henry attended Missouri State University where he played NCAA Division I soccer while also obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance in 2008. After beginning his career as an insurance adjuster in North Carolina, he returned to his home state and received his Juris Doctor degree from the University Of Mississippi School Of Law. While in law school, Henry was awarded a Graduate Assistantship with the University Of Mississippi School Of Education, and was also the recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award.

Henry has a unique background, in that he has experience in every aspect of litigation, ranging from insurance claims and defense, to dispute resolution and the pursuit of justice. He began his legal career as a civil defense lawyer here in Birmingham, which has given him the fundamental advantage of seeing “both sides” of the courtroom. Coupled with his experience in the world of insurance, Henry possesses the rare combination of first-hand knowledge from inside the insurance machine, and the different paths available to all parties in reaching a favorable result.

Henry also obtained his Private Pilot License in 2013. He and his wife, Lauren, are proud new parents of a baby girl, Allie.

Bar Admissions

• Member of the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Alabama

Jessica Brooks

Jessica Brooks was born in Birmingham and grew up in Florence, Alabama. She attended the University of Alabama where she received a Bachelor of Arts in English and political science in 2004. Jessica went to law school at Loyola University College of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she received a Juris Doctorate in 2008. She has worked for Wettermark Keith since 2011 representing clients in all phases of the Social Security Disability process. Jessica is admitted to the Alabama (2009) and Georgia (2008) state bars. She lives in Birmingham with her husband and two children.

Bar Admissions

• Alabama State Bar
• Georgia State Bar

Professional Associations

• Alabama Association for Justice
• Birmingham Bar Association

Megan Seaton

Megan joined Wettermark Keith in 2019 as an attorney in our Social Security and Veterans Disability department. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alabama’s Honors Program, where she graduated cum laude in 2010. Her majors were in both International Studies and in French, and she received a Global Studies certificate. Megan also studied at l’Institut de Touraine for French Studies. Megan received her Juris Doctor from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in 2017, where she was named a Scholar of Merit, was on the Dean’s List, and served as a Judge Abraham Caruthers Fellow. Megan received the Judge Daniel H. Thomas Award in Admiralty. Megan was a member of the American Journal of Trial Advocacy, winning Best Candidates Paper.

Megan is a member of the Alabama State Bar. She is also admitted to the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Megan is admitted as an accredited attorney for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for veterans’ benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Megan is a member of the Judge James Edwin Horton Inn of Court.

In her spare time, Megan enjoys attending attend Church of the Highlands where she enjoys being involved in prison ministry outreach.

Bar Admissions

• Alabama State Bar

MuhammadAbdullah

Growing up in a large family equipped Muhammad Abdullah with one of the most powerful skills that an attorney can possess: effective communication. As the second of nine children, Muhammad learned very early on how to communicate with people who have diverse personalities and interests. He says that while it is important to zealously advocate on behalf of clients, it is equally important to keep clients informed.

At Wettermark Keith, Muhammad uses his effective communication skills to advocate on behalf of clients. Prior to joining the firm, Muhammad was an agent who negotiated sports and entertainment contracts. Additionally, Muhammad worked for Christian and Small LLP as a business and commercial litigator. He’s also a certified public accountant (CPA) who worked as an auditor for Ernst & Young’s Atlanta office. Muhammad’s accounting experience helps him assess the potential risks and benefits of proposed contract terms, legal strategy or business transaction.

Bar Admissions

• Alabama State Bar
• Georgia Bar

Education

• Alabama State University, 1999, B.S. cum laude; 2001 M.S. Accounting/li>
• University of Alabama School of Law, J.D. 2010, J.D. ; LL.M in Taxation 2016
• Alabama/Georgia Certified Public Accountant, 2004, 2005

John Stephens

John grew up in Birmingham and joined Wettermark Keith in January of 2018. He has been a certified Traffic Accident Reconstructionist and Investigator for 18 years. His certifications include: Traffic Homicide Investigation, Advanced Traffic Homicide Investigation, Traffic Crash Reconstruction, Commercial Vehicle Crash Investigation, CSX Railroad Grade Crossing Collision Investigation, Total Station Certification, Forensic Mapping Certification for crime/crash scenes and Vista FX Software Certification.

When not in the office, John enjoys spending time with his wife of 28 years. He also enjoys traveling, spending time at the lake, attending church, watching sports, going to the gun range, and weightlifting.

Kevin Collett

Upon graduation from Western Kentucky University, Kevin spent 20 years in law enforcement where he became certified as an accident reconstructionist, K-9 handler, Public Information Officer and a member of the Special Response Team. He is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy in Quantico, VA. and the Southern Police Institute (AOC) – Louisville, KY. He spent his last 12 years in law enforcement as the Chief of Police in the City of LaGrange, Kentucky.

Upon retirement, he wanted to continue to use his experience to help individuals who may need assistance at Wettermark & Keith.

Lee Hawker

Lee Hawker was born in Danville, Virginia, but spent most of his youth in Mobile, Alabama. He attended the University of South Alabama where he played on the golf team and received his BA in 1987. Lee has worked over two decades in the legal claims industry as well as many years in the legal and provider environment.

Lee has been married for over 25 years and has two sons. He enjoys golfing and spending time with his family and two pups.

Steven Nicewonder

Steve is the Operations Manager in our Intake Department and started with Wettermark Keith in July of 2017. Steve attended Gulf Coast State College and began his career as a licensed contractor in the construction industry and later managed various companies.

One of Steve’s favorite aspects of this job is the people he works with and the conversations he has with our clients. He is committed to helping those in need.

When Steve is not in the office, he enjoys spending time outdoors, small building projects and is an avid Florida State fan.

Amanda Hoffman

Amanda joined Wettermark Keith in January of 2019 and is the firm’s Marketing Director and Media Buyer. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration (Major in Marketing) from the University of Mississippi. Prior to joining Wettermark Keith, she worked at several advertising and in-house agencies in Birmingham and has over 15 years of media buying experience.

When not in the office, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, attending church, baking, photography and traveling. She also enjoys going to football games and cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels.

Brian Conrad

After obtaining a marketing degree from The Mississippi State University, Brian moved north to Birmingham, Alabama. He initially worked for Nationwide Insurance Company before joining the “good guys”, Wettermark & Keith in June of 2009. With over 10 years experience in the personal injury field, Brian serves as our leading case manager as well as office jester. When he is not pulling for the Bulldogs, he is pulling against the lowly Black Bears.

David Rushton

David Rushton comes to Wettermark Keith with an extensive traffic crash investigative background developed during his career as a police officer and previous experience as an investigator for another personal injury law firm.

David retired as a Captain from the Pelham, Alabama police department after nearly 26 years in policing where he served in various assignments in patrol, traffic, and administration. David served on Pelham’s traffic unit as an officer, supervisor, and commander for 20 years where he investigated thousands of traffic crashes ranging from simple fender benders to multiple fatalities. David has completed hundreds of hours of traffic crash investigation training becoming certified as a traffic crash reconstructionist and a commercial motor vehicle inspector.

David earned a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University and an M.S. degree in Criminal Justice from Faulkner University. David is also a graduate of the 123rd Administrative Officers Course of the Southern Police Institute where he earned a graduate certificate in Police Executive Leadership Development from the University of Louisville in Kentucky.

Freddie Williams

Prior to joining Wettermark Keith as a case manager, Freddie began working with Allstate Insurance in 2008, in the following divisions: first notice of loss, subrogation, med pay, liability determination, and as a casualty adjuster (rep and un-rep) for the final four years.

Freddie’s extensive background working in the insurance field has made him a perfect match with Wettermark Keith.

Freddie graduated from Samford University in 2007, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education, majoring in exercise science, health promotions and fitness management. Additionally, he has his Senior Claims Law Associate Certification (SCLA).

Freddie was born in Helena, AL and played 4 years of division one basketball at Samford University.

KellyParker

Kelly joined Wettermark Keith in August of 2015. She has over 20 years of experience in client and customer relations and enjoys spending each day helping clients with any concerns.

In her spare time, she loves to travel and spend time outdoors.

Will Hassinger

Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Will attended Auburn University, graduating cum laude in 2001. Upon graduation, he began his studies at The University of Alabama in 2002, graduating with his Juris Doctor in 2005. Will obtained dual licensure in 2016, becoming a member of the Tennessee State Bar.
Will is the managing attorney for the firm’s Workers’ Compensation Practice. He has over a decade of litigation and trial experience, including extensive experience in mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Over the past decade, Will has represented clients in the following matters:

• Workers’ Compensation (including Retaliatory Discharge)
• Motor Vehicle Negligence
• Medical Malpractice
• Violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act
• Premises Liability
• Product Liability
• Fraud and Bad Faith
• Breach of Contract

As an attorney, his philosophy is simple: aggressively negotiate to his client’s goal, and give each and every client the personal service they deserve. He believes every client should feel as though his or her case is THE most important case in the firm.

Bar Admissions

• Alabama State Bar
• United States District Court, Northern District of Alabama
• Tennessee State Bar

Professional Organizations

• Alabama Association for Justice
• Birmingham Bar Association
• Alabama Workers’ Compensation Organization