In 1926, a young man named Harvey Deramus graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law and came to Birmingham to establish a practice. Deramus knew the value of education, the wisdom of surrounding himself with quality people, and the duty of community service, lessons he proceeded to pour into his fledgling firm. Today, that firm is known as Johnston Barton Proctor & Rose LLP, and nearly 87 years later, those same basic tenets still apply.

Johnston Barton has steadily grown and diversified to meet the needs of an expanding and changing city. Today, with over 40 lawyers, the areas of legal services performed by Johnston Barton include all of the areas associated with full-service, national law firms. The Firm is particularly recognized within the State of Alabama and Southeast region for its extensive practice in business and tax-related matters, litigation, health care, and labor and employment law. Our clients range from major public corporations to closely held businesses and individuals.

Although Johnston Barton works on both a national and international scale, our lawyers remain committed to the local area. Throughout The Firm’s long history, Johnston Barton has maintained a strong commitment to the Birmingham community, legal and otherwise. The Firm’s attorneys are leaders of the local and state bar associations (three have served as President of the Birmingham Bar Association) and are active participants in local charitable and community organizations, churches, and public institutions and agencies.