Benchmark Appellate is the only directory to specifically focus on litigation at the appellate level. The guide covers all twelve circuits (the First through the Eleventh and the Washington DC/Supreme Court Circuit) as well as the Federal Circuit. Benchmark Appellate spends six-months conducting extensive interviews with nominated firms and their clients in order to ensure the most thorough research and definitive rankings.

Lee E. Bains Jr. is a shareholder in Maynard’s Birmingham office. His practice focuses primarily on complex civil litigation with an emphasis on class action litigation, punitive damages litigation, life insurance marketing litigation, antitrust litigation and business tort and commercial litigation. Bains regularly handles cases in all the federal courts in Alabama, has handled cases in virtually every county in the state of Alabama, routinely handles appeals to the Alabama Supreme Court and the Eleventh Circuit, and is frequently responsible for class action cases and complex litigation throughout the United States. He has appeared as an attorney of record in cases that have resulted in more than 75 published opinions.

Drayton Nabers Jr. is also a shareholder in Maynard’s Birmingham office. He has a distinguished career which spans 50 years and includes serving as the former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice, an accomplished businessman, and a successful attorney. Nabers began his career practicing law at another Birmingham firm for 12 years. He then joined Protective Life Corporation in 1979, where he served first as General Counsel and later as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 2002. Mr. Nabers was subsequently appointed Finance Director for the State of Alabama by Governor Bob Riley. He served in this capacity until his appointment to the Supreme Court in 2004. Given his extensive professional experience, Mr. Nabers' practice is in multiple areas, including alternative dispute resolution, appellate law, complex litigation, governmental and regulatory affairs and insurance and financial services litigation.