Environmental Law 2025

USA – ALABAMA Trends and Developments

Trends and Developments Contributed by: John M. Johnson, Brian P. Kappel, Mary Parrish McCracken and M. Elizabeth Harrison Lightfoot, Franklin & White, LLC

Lightfoot, Franklin & White, LLC is a nationally rec- ognised litigation firm with offices in Birmingham and Houston. For over three decades, Lightfoot has built a reputation for excellence in trial advocacy and stra- tegic problem-solving, consistently earning recogni- tion among the market observers. With more than 70 attorneys, the firm represents clients across diverse industries, including healthcare, energy, manufac- turing and financial services. Lightfoot’s approach combines deep trial experience with efficient case management, ensuring comprehensive representa-

tion tailored to each client’s business objectives. The firm’s environmental and toxic tort practice is trial-fo- cused, providing end-to-end representation for man- ufacturers, municipalities and utilities facing complex scientific issues, financial exposure and reputational risk. Lightfoot’s multidisciplinary team collaborates with leading scientific and technical experts, deliver- ing results that protect clients’ interests in the most challenging matters. Their commitment to integrity, innovation and client success defines Lightfoot’s leg- acy in high-stakes litigation.

Authors

John M. Johnson is a founding partner at Lightfoot, Franklin & White and a nationally recognised leader in environmental and toxic tort litigation. With over 30 years of experience, Johnny has defended major compa-

Mary Parrish McCracken is an associate at Lightfoot, Franklin & White, focusing on white-collar criminal defence, medical malpractice and products liability. She has sub- stantial experience advocating for

nies in complex class actions, mass torts and individual lawsuits. He authored the Pesticide Litigation Manual and several influential law review articles. He is a frequent speaker at industry semi- nars. Johnny’s innovative litigation management protocols have set standards for efficiency and cost control. He is consistently recognised for his out- standing trial advocacy.

executives and stakeholders through federal and state agency investigations, as well as defending clients in high-stakes toxic tort and product liability actions. Mary Parrish is recognised for her excellence in oral advocacy and brief writing, and is a member of the Birmingham Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section Executive Committee. Her strategic approach and dedication to client goals make her a trusted resource for organisations and individuals.

Brian P. Kappel is a partner at Light- foot, Franklin & White, specialising in business, commercial and employ- ment litigation. He represents compa- nies in contract disputes, antitrust matters, class actions and product

M. Elizabeth Harrison is an associate at Lightfoot, Franklin & White, bringing strong research and analytical skills to her litigation practice. Liz’s expertise includes commercial litigation, environ- mental and toxic torts, medical mal-

liability claims. Brian also advises on NCAA compli- ance and investigations, leveraging his experience in collegiate athletics. He is known for creative prob- lem-solving and efficient case management, earning industry recognition. Brian is active in professional organisations, including the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association and the Sports Lawyers Association.

practice and product liability. She graduated cum laude from Tulane University Law School, where she was a Dean’s Medal Recipient and published in the Tulane Law Review. Liz has completed judicial intern- ships with federal judges in Alabama and is active in the Alabama Bar Environmental Law Section. Her thorough preparation and commitment to excellence drive her success in complex legal matters.

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