Dentons Sirote, an international law firm with offices in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile and Tuscaloosa, has named Jim Vann its new president. Vann succeeds W. Todd Carlisle, who has served in that capacity for seven years.
Carlisle will be returning to full-time practice, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and general corporate representation. During his tenure as president of the firm, which was formerly known as Sirote & Permutt PC, the firm merged with international law firm Dentons in 2021.
“I am thrilled to hand over the reins to Jim, who is a highly competent colleague and a well-respected lawyer, besides being a wonderful person,” said Carlisle. “Jim understands the needs of our clients and thoughtfully considers the best solutions for the issues they bring to him.”
Vann, a native of Birmingham, has been with the firm since 2001, previously serving as chair of the real estate practice group. He will continue to practice during his tenure as president. His experience includes serving as general counsel to various businesses and companies, representing banks and other lenders, as well as developers and owners of multi-family and other commercial real estate in acquisition, sale, leasing and financing of such properties.
Vann is a graduate of the University of Montevallo and Cumberland School of Law. He has been recognized by Chambers USA, the Best Lawyers in America and by Martindale-Hubbell.
“For more than 75 years, our firm has focused on providing exceptional service to our clients, and we want to continue that dedication into the next chapter — supporting clients wherever they do business, whether in Alabama, the U.S. or across the globe,” said Vann.
In addition to the presidential change, Dentons Sirote has promoted Kyle Smith to chief operating officer and Lee Watts to chief financial officer.
Smith is a shareholder and chair of the Dentons Sirote’s Employment and Labor practice, with extensive experience defending employers in claims of discrimination and harassment, wage and hour cases and claims under the ADA and FMLA. He will continue to serve as chair in addition to his duties as chief operating officer.
Watts formerly served as the firm’s director of finance.
