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Our Firm
The law firm of Bourland Heflin Alvarez Minor & Matthews, PLC, traces its history to two attorneys from “the greatest generation,” Albert C. Rickey (1917-2003) and Aaron Shankman (1918-2011), who, in 1956, formed the law firm of Rickey & Shankman for the general practice of law in Memphis and the Mid-South. Both men were native Memphians, attended Yale Law School, and served in the United States military during World War II. The firm grew and evolved over time but continues to be anchored by the exceptional legal ability, outstanding integrity, and strong business acumen of its two founders.
The current members of the firm, 12 in number, carry on the tradition of excellence in the practice of law, along with professionalism and community leadership, as they address the legal needs of clients in numerous and varied subject areas. Many of its lawyers formerly practiced in larger, regional firms but chose to move to this firm because of its focus on first-rate quality, efficient and responsive service to clients, and collegial, collaborative teamwork among its lawyers.
Our Practices
What Our Clients Are Saying
“The Bourland Heflin law firm has served as our general counsel for many years. Their advice is always thoughtful, comprehensive and exactly right.”
“BHAMM’s wise and professional counsel to us, through diverse situations, has been effective and beneficial in guiding and protecting our Company.”
“Our bank’s commercial mortgage lending uses BHAMM because of its deep knowledge, experience and responsiveness.”
“BHAMM provides a great combination of expertise often found in a large firm with the personal touch of a boutique firm.”
Our Team
Jack F. HeflinAssociate
Memphis native and Eagle Scout, Jack F. Heflin joined Bourland Heflin Alvarez Minor & Matthews, PLC (BHAMM) in 2015 as an associate. He focuses his practice on business and commercial litigation, estate planning and probate, personal litigation, and business law. Jack has successfully represented clients in a wide range of cases, including those pertaining to landlord and tenant disputes, will. View Full Bio
M. Matthew ThorntonMember
M. Matthew Thornton’s practice focuses on probate, trusts, and estate law, handling routine planning and administration, as well as more complex litigation matters. Drawing upon his broad experience and mediation training, Matthew is also a Tennessee Supreme Court Listed Rule 31 Mediator. He has successfully represented clients in negotiating disputes, mediation, and civil trials when. View Full Bio
Danielle M. WoodsAssociate
Danielle M. Woods focuses her practice on estate planning, probate, and personal litigation, assisting clients with estate administrations, wills and trusts, residential real estate issues, guardianships for minors, conservatorships for adults with disabilities, powers of attorney, and litigation related to that area. She frequently serves as Guardian ad Litem in probate matters. Danielle is. View Full Bio
Jennifer L. SneedAssociate
Jennifer L. Sneed focuses her practice on estate planning, probate, and personal litigation. Among the many legal matters Jennifer assists clients with are estate administrations, wills and trusts, residential real estate issues, guardianships for minors, conservatorships for adults with disabilities, and powers of attorney, as well as litigating will contests, trust disputes, and undue influence. View Full Bio
John J. HeflinMember
John J. Heflin, III is a seasoned attorney at Bourland Heflin Alvarez Minor & Matthews, PLC (BHAMM), focusing on business and commercial litigation cases and serving as chair of the firm’s litigation practice. With more than 40 years of experience preparing and trying bench and jury trials in both state and federal trial courts, as well as in briefing and arguing appeals before state and. View Full Bio
David L. BourlandMember
David L. Bourland’s practice focuses primarily on estate planning (including probate and trust administration), estate and gift taxation, and business law. Boasting a Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) in taxation, an advanced law certification with global credibility, David’s broad practice experience, legal knowledge, and skill set enable him to develop estate plans at all levels of complexity,. View Full Bio
Andrew GilleAssociate
Andrew (Andy) J. Gille is an associate at Bourland Heflin Alvarez Minor & Matthews, PLC (BHAMM) engaged primarily in the practice of transactional law, and particularly the acquisition and sale of real estate, contract and contract law, commercial mortgage-secured transactions, representation of lenders in lending intended for securitization, leasing, land use, organization and documentation. View Full Bio
Paul A. MatthewsMember
Paul A. Matthews joined Bourland Heflin Alvarez Minor & Matthews, PLC (BHAMM) as a named partner in 2006. Prior to joining the firm, he was a partner for 24 years at Armstrong Allen, PLLC, an 80-lawyer, regional firm. Paul also has 30 years of experience as counsel for a 3,000-member trade association. Selected as one of the “Top 100 Lawyers in Tennessee” and named to Best Lawyers in. View Full Bio
Robert J. PinsteinMember
Robert (Bob) J. Pinstein’s practice and experience encompasses acquisition and sale of real estate and businesses and includes mortgage-secured transactions, general business, lending law, general corporate contracts, real estate financing and development, work-outs, foreclosures, leasing and title insurance matters. Once described by a client as “the consummate real estate lawyer,” and by. View Full Bio
Scott B. PeatrossMember
Scott B. Peatross’ practice focuses exclusively on probate law, which includes wills, trusts, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and litigation related to that area. He represents clients ranging from Memphis area families to banks, institutional trustees, and estate creditors. Frequently serving as a mediator or a professional fiduciary, Scott is called upon by fellow attorneys to. View Full Bio
Donald E. BourlandMember
Donald (Don) E. Bourland has practiced with Bourland Heflin Alvarez Minor & Matthews, PLC (BHAMM) and its predecessors for his entire legal career beginning in 1974, concentrating on commercial real estate, business law, title insurance, and land title law matters. He has successfully represented commercial developers, lenders, real estate borrowers, sellers, purchasers, lessors, and lessees. View Full Bio
Robert K. AlvarezMember
Robert (Bob) K. Alvarez has practiced law in Memphis for over 35 years. Bob’s practice focuses on the areas of tax law, business law, commercial real estate law, healthcare law, estate planning and probate. He represents numerous small- and medium-sized companies in matters relating to their businesses. Bob also represents families in structuring their estate planning and wealth transfer needs. View Full Bio