History

Christian & Small was created in July of 2000. The firm's roots, however, are truly found in that of its predecessor firm, Rives & Peterson, which was founded in 1936.

Rives & Peterson was organized by Jim Smith, Kirk Jackson, Whit Windham and Al Rives. At the time, those four lawyers worked for the venerable firm of London, Yancey & Brower. Mr. George Yancey ran the firm. The four came to him one day and told him that they felt they were inadequately compensated for the work which they were performing. Mr. Yancey said he would take the matter under advisement and would promptly reply to their request. When the four arrived at the office the next day, all of their files had been removed from their desks and were in Mr. Yancey's office. He told them that all of the clients and the files were his and that they had no right to any of them. He advised that if they touched them, he would report them to the Grievance Committee and that they should take their leave immediately. They went out and sat down on the corner of 3rd Avenue North and 21st Street, which was then across from the courthouse. After some thought, Whit Windham said, "I've always heard about curbstone lawyers but I never thought I would be one."

These "curbstone lawyers," however, went on to form a formidable law practice, representing primarily casualty insurance companies. All of their wives came to the firm as secretaries and legal assistants, and Smith, Windham, Jackson & Rives went to work trying lawsuits. They quickly cemented their reputations as skilled trial lawyers. Later, Jim Smith went on to become the U.S. Attorney, Whit Windham became a long revered Circuit Judge, while Jackson and Rives practiced law until well into their 70's.

During World War II, Erle Pettus, Sr. was hired as a caretaker for the firm while Smith, Windham, Jackson and Rives all went away to fight for their country as a part of The Greatest Generation. When they returned, Mr. Pettus remained with the firm and later his son, Erle Pettus, Jr. joined them after a distinguished military career. These, and many great lawyers to come over the next fifty years, helped to shape one of the strongest litigation firms in Alabama.

The firm grew from there as a litigation firm with a primary emphasis on casualty work and a little plaintiffs business thrown in. Mr. Rives used to say, "We have enough insurance business to make us respectable and enough plaintiff's business to make a living."

The firm has over the years broadened its base far beyond litigation, but it was there that it had its roots.

Contributed by Clarence Small