John Leach – President of Mobile Bar Association

Firm shareholder, John N. Leach, has become President of the Mobile Bar Association for 2009. He most recently served as Vice President and President-Elect, and he has served in other leadership positions within the Mobile Bar Association in the past. The Mobile Bar Association celebrates its 140th anniversary this year. It is the oldest bar association in Alabama and one of the oldest in the United States.

Recognition from Chambers and Partners

Chambers and Partners released its 2008 ratings of law firms in the United States, and the firm of Helmsing, Leach, Herlong, Newman & Rouse, PC received a high rating. Chambers reports that, “This ‘high quality’ Mobile firm is recognized for its leading litigation practice with one source claiming: ‘You can’t get better lawyers in that area.’ It is the team of choice for top-notch litigation work in Mobile and is frequently referred to by its competitors.”

Chambers and Partners also gave high ratings to firm members Fred Helmsing and John Leach. Chambers reports that, “‘Experienced authority’ Frederick Helmsing practices in products liability, corporate and tax litigation; he is also recognized as being ‘highly skilled in the criminal arena’ and is ‘a phenomenal lawyer and a great guy’. John Leach is admired by peers for his ‘varied expertise at a high level’ and for being ‘universally respected by the bench and the Bar'”.

Helmsing and Leach named as Alabama Super Lawyers

Frederick G. Helmsing, Sr. and John N. Leach have been included in the recently published list of Alabama Super Lawyers which was compiled through a multi-step evaluation process that incorporated peer recognition and professional achievement. In addition, John Leach received recognition as one of the top 50 Alabama lawyers who received the highest point totals in the 2008 Alabama Super Lawyers’ nomination, research, and blue ribbon review process.

John Leach Participates in 2008 Professionalism Consortium

John Leach served as one of the six panelists at the 2008 Professionalism Consortium organized by the Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism. Mr. Leach’s topic was “Setting a Tone by Your Values: What Qualities Do Law Firms Value?” Invited attendees included Deans of the law schools in Alabama, members of the Alabama Appellate courts, State Bar Commissioners, Presiding Judges of the Circuit Courts, and local Bar Association presidents.

Casey Pipes Moderates an ABA Teleconference Panel

Casey Pipes moderated an ABA Teleconference entitled “Environmental Regulations – Compensable Takings or Permissible Legislation?” along with panelists from across the country. The purpose of the teleconference was to discuss the current state of the law in the context of a few real world situations where environmental regulations have led to regulatory takings claims.

Russell Buffkin Selected to Alabama State Bar Leadership Forum

The Alabama State Bar has selected Russell Buffkin as one of only two attorneys from Mobile to participate in the 2008 Alabama State Bar Leadership Forum. A total of only 30 lawyers were selected from across the state to become members of the forum.

Pipes and Herlong Speak at ALI-ABA Eminent Domain Seminar

Casey Pipes and Warren Herlong presented several papers at the 2008 ALI-ABA Eminent Domain and Land Value Litigation seminar in San Francisco. This is an annual three-day seminar that draws attorneys and real estate appraisers from around the country.

Casey Pipes Co-Chairs CLE International Seminar

Casey Pipes was the co-chair and a presenter at the CLE International Land Use Law seminar in Birmingham, Alabama. The two-day seminar examined all aspects of the land use and entitlement approval process in Alabama. Casey’s paper discussed the permissible and impermissible ways to annex land into a municipality along with certain zoning assurances or commitments.