How much does it cost to hire William for a business case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does William offer a free consultation?

William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.

How long do business cases in Alabama typically take?

Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can William take my case if I'm outside Birmingham?

William is licensed in Alabama. Matters governed by Alabama law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with William?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is William accepting new business clients right now?

William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

William A. Davis III, Business Attorney in Birmingham

Quick answer

William A. Davis III is a partner based in Birmingham, AL. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Environmental. William has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Starnes Davis Florie Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Birmingham, AL
Experience: over 52 years
Known for: Business · Construction · Environmental

Handles Business, Construction, and Environmental matters from Birmingham, AL.
Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by William A. Davis III

William concentrates on business, construction, environmental, general, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Birmingham, Alabama

William takes business matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.

Construction cases in Birmingham, Alabama

William takes construction matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.

Environmental cases in Birmingham, Alabama

William takes environmental matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.

General cases in Birmingham, Alabama

William takes general matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Birmingham, Alabama

William takes insurance matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.

Biography

About William A. Davis III — Over 52 years of Alabama business experience

William A. Davis III is a partner based in Birmingham, AL. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Environmental. William has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Starnes Davis Florie Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

William Anthony (“Tony”) Davis has been with the firm since 1976. He is a senior partner and has served on the firm’s Executive Committee. Tony’s practice is devoted to civil litigation with emphasis on natural resources law, business litigation, accountant’s professional liability, environmental law, insurance, municipal law, and products liability. He is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Alabama, as well as the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

Tony represents professionals including accountants, bankers, and business interests across the State of Alabama in Federal, state and bankruptcy courts. He has broad experience in complex litigation involving banking, finance, accounting, and general business matters. The Alabama Supreme Court recently upheld a motion for summary judgment ruling in favor of Tony’s client in an accounting matter involving financial papers, audits, and sub-prime loans.

Tony has wide experience in representing mining and mineral companies in various aspects, including mineral rights, contractual issues, environmental and toxic tort issues, employment, condemnation and worker’s compensation matters. Tony has also handled a wide array of commercial litigation, including the handling of cases for the insurance, banking, and accounting-related industries.

Professional Recognition

•Super Lawyer in Alabama by Mid-South Super Lawyers magazine for Bet-the-Company-Litigation and Energy & Natural Resources in Super Lawyers, Corporate Counsel Edition, and has been recognized for Energy & Natural Resources in Super Lawyers, Business Edition .
•'Litigation Star' for the state of Alabama in Benchmark Litigation.
•Listed in Best Lawyers in America for Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Environmental Litigation, Municipal Litigation, Mining Law, Natural Resources Law, and Workers' Compensation. In addition, Best Lawyers in America has named Tony Davis the “Birmingham Best Lawyers Natural Resources Lawyer of the Year” for 2013 and 2014 and 'Birmingham Best Lawyers Municipal Lawyer of the Year' for 2022.
•An AV rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings TM
•An AV rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings TM
•Omicron Delta Kappa.

Highlights

•Obtained a jury verdict worth more than $50 million in favor of a multinational corporation against one of the three largest railroad companies in the United States in a dispute involving a long-term contract for rail transportation. Argued the appeal before the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, resulting in a complete affirmance of the judgment.
•Secured a multimillion dollar judgment in favor of a multinational corporation in a case involving a contract for port throughput capacity and the international export of metallurgical coal.
•Secured an $8.3 million dollar judgment in favor of a multinational corporation in a case involving a contract for port throughput capacity and the international export of metallurgical coal. The case was tried in the Northern District of Georgia, and the judgment was affirmed on appeal in a published opinion, Southern Coal Corp. v. Drummond Coal Sales, Inc., 28 F.4th 1334 (11th Cir. 2022), in which the appellate court also found that our client was entitled to attorneys’ fees and litigation costs in addition to the judgment amount.
•Secured the dismissal of a federal RICO lawsuit seeking more than $100,000,000 in damages from eleven defendants that included both corporate entities and individuals.
•Obtained complete summary judgment in favor of accounting firm and two of its accountants on claims brought by a property developer arising out of the alleged mishandling of a multi-million dollar tax deduction for the donation of interests in mountain property.
•Obtained a judgment as a matter of law on all claims in favor of their clients, an investment consulting firm and its affiliated companies, when plaintiff rested its case after eight days of trial. Plaintiff, a competitor company, was seeking $7 million in compensatory damages in addition to punitive damages for alleged violations of the Alabama Trade Secrets Act and conspiracy to breach fiduciary duties arising out of the hiring of a group of investment advisors away from the plaintiff.
•Currently representing developers and general contractors in numerous State and Federal claims regarding allegations that toxic Chinese Drywall was utilized in properties owned by the Claimants.
•Obtained a summary judgment in favor of a coal mining company in a seven-year case arising from disputes over leases and agreements dating back to the late 1960’s.
•Obtained a jury verdict in a historical matter involving claims brought under the Alien Tort Statute, a 218 year old law.
•Represented City of Mountain Brook in rezoning of ten acre parcel for commercial use.

News & Insights

•Starnes Davis Florie LLP Secures Landmark $256 Million Jury Verdict for Drummond Company, Inc.
•Starnes Davis Florie Secures Landmark $256 Million Verdict in a High-Profile Trial
•Benchmark Litigation 2026 Ranks Starnes Davis Florie as a Highly Recommended Litigation Firm
•35 Starnes Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2026
•Starnes Davis Florie Ranked as a Highly Recommended Litigation Firm in the 2025 Edition of Benchmark Litigation
•33 Starnes Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2025
•SDF Sponsors the 2024 UA School of Law BLSA Annual Scholarship Awards Banquet & Congratulates Alfred Perkins on the Gail K. Johnson Award
•Starnes Davis Florie Ranked as a “Highly Recommended Litigation Firm” in the 2024 Edition of Benchmark Litigation
•30 Starnes Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2024
•30 SDF ATTORNEYS LISTED IN BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA 2023
•Davis, Wells & Presley Win Appeal for Multinational Corporation
•STARNES RANKED AS A “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FIRM” IN THE 2022 EDITION OF BENCHMARK LITIGATION
•TONY DAVIS & CHRIS EAGAN NAMED BEST LAWYERS “2022 LAWYER OF THE YEAR”
•29 SDF ATTORNEYS LISTED IN BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA 2022
•DAVIS, WELLS, AND PRESLEY SECURE AFFIRMANCE OF A JUDGMENT WORTH MORE THAN $45 MILLION DOLLARS FOR A MULTINATIONAL CORPORATION
•Starnes Ranked as a “Highly Recommended Firm” in the 2021 Edition of Benchmark Litigation
•SDF’s Davis, Wells, and Presley Secure a Judgment in Favor of a Multinational Corporation
•Twenty-Six SDF Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2021
•SDF Attorneys Davis, Wells & Presley Secure a Complete Dismissal of a Federal RICO Lawsuit Seeking More than $100,000,000 in Damages
•SDF’s Tony Davis, Trey Wells, and Ben Presley Secure Jury Verdict in Favor of Multinational Corporation

How William handles business matters

William Anthony (“Tony”) Davis has been with the firm since 1976. He is a senior partner and has served on the firm’s Executive Committee. Tony’s practice is devoted to civil litigation with emphasis on natural resources law, business litigation, accountant’s professional liability, environmental law, insurance, municipal law, and products liability. He is admitted to practice in all state and…

Who William represents

William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, construction, and environmental matters in Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area.

Credentials

William A. Davis III's legal education and bar admissions

University of Alabama School of Law
J.D. · 1974
University of Alabama
B.S. · 1971

William studied at J.D. in University of Alabama School of Law and B.S. in University of Alabama.

Law school and academic background

William completed J.D. in University of Alabama School of Law and B.S. in University of Alabama. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Alabama is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of William A. Davis III

William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

William A. Davis III's office in Birmingham

William's primary office is at 100 Brookwood Place, 7th Floor, Birmingham, AL, 35209. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Starnes Davis Florie Llp

100 Brookwood Place, 7th Floor

Birmingham, AL 35209

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Client feedback

Client reviews of William A. Davis III — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Birmingham.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William A. Davis III claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire William A. Davis III — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Birmingham, Alabama

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for William

William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about William A. Davis III

How much does it cost to hire William for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Alabama typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Birmingham?
William is licensed in Alabama. Matters governed by Alabama law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with William?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new business clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Alabama residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like William A. Davis III. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can My LLC Be Sued For $50,000 In Alabama?
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I launched a catering business in Greenville, South Carolina, without realizing I needed specific licenses. I could face fines or even business closure if I'm not compliant. What a
1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
What Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
My partnership decided to dissolve our corporation in California due to lack of business. We filed all taxes but didn't know about the formal steps to dissolve it legally. We still
1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada
Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile in Alabama

William handles business matters throughout Alabama. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

William A. Davis III, Business Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama

Quick answer