For Immediate Release
April 9, 2019
Birmingham law firm Starnes Davis Florie has named a new chief strategy partner to implement the firm’s strategic direction and innovation initiatives.
Stephen W. Still Jr. has taken on the role, succeeding Jay M. Ezelle, who is now managing partner of the firm.
“I look forward to the prospect of helping to chart a course for our firm during a time of significant change in the legal profession,” Still said. “Our firm’s primary focus has always been our clients and how we can most efficiently and effectively meet their needs. As client needs change, so too has the breadth of our practice areas and location of our practices. As chief strategy partner, I look forward to working with Jay and the executive committee to continue to expand our footprint to better serve our clients.”
Still will continue to represent clients, in addition to his long-term strategic and general counsel duties.
A majority of Still’s practice is devoted to defending malpractice claims against long-term care providers and claims against insurers, third-party administrators and employers for breach of contract, bad faith, fraud and the tort of outrage. He also devotes a significant portion of his practice to representing health care providers in a variety of regulatory matters. Since 2012, he has represented several attorneys and law firms in legal malpractice lawsuits and investigations before the Alabama State Bar Association.
“Stephen has been an integral leader for our firm for many years serving as general counsel. When I became managing partner, I knew immediately that Stephen was the obvious choice to work with us on the long-term strategy for the firm,” Ezelle said. “Improving outcomes and experience begins with understanding our clients’ needs in a deep and meaningful way, and Stephen’s sound judgment will help us find new ways to utilize all of the many resources available across the more than 50 practice areas within our firm.”