Get to Know Our Skilled Legal Team
James Parrish Coleman
Partner
James Parrish Coleman was born on August 23, 1955, in Jackson, MS. He and his wife, Frances, live in Silverhill, AL. He is a 1977 graduate of Loyola University with a degree in journalism. He worked as a newspaper reporter, operated his family's marine supply business, and was a sales representative for a large manufacturer before attending law school at Birmingham School of Law.
He graduated and was admitted to the Alabama Bar in 2006. He started work as an associate at Murchison & Howard, LLC in Foley, AL, and opened his own firm in July 2012. He is registered with the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution. He is an avid cook and an active volunteer for the United States Coast Guard as a legal assistance attorney for the United States Coast Guard, District 8 (CR). His son, James Parrish Coleman III, is his law partner.
James Parrish Coleman III
Partner
James Parrish Coleman III is a native of Baldwin County, AL. He attended St. Patrick Catholic School in Robertsdale and graduated from McGill-Toolen in Mobile. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English, cum laude, from Springhill College, his Master of Arts in English Literature from The University of Virginia, and his Juris Doctor from Loyola University in New Orleans. Before attending law school, James worked in public relations and handled both political campaigns and business clients.
James was a member of Loyola's National Trial Advocacy Team and was admitted to the Louisiana Bar in October 2014. He was admitted to the Alabama Bar in April 2015. He is married to Mary Wittendorfer Coleman. They and their two children, Adele and James IV, live in Montrose, AL.
Lynn F. McConnell
OF Counsel
Lynn F. McConnell graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in 1985 and from Wake Forest University Law School in 1988. She moved to Fairhope from New Orleans in 1994 and began her solo family law practice in 2006 once her youngest child entered school. She associated as Of Counsel with the firm in the fall of 2023 after working with the Colemans as colleagues for many years. Lynn has four adult children and she and her husband, James Vincent McConnell, III, enjoy their four grandsons, who all fortunately reside nearby.
Lynn conducts mediation of initial and post-judgment domestic relations and custody matters after completion of specific training in divorce, family, and domestic violence issues. She was recently certified as an appellate mediator. She is frequently appointed by the judges to act as a guardian ad litem where it is appropriate to have an advocate dedicated to a child’s best interest, as her passion is to provide a voice to the children who find themselves the subject of a court proceeding through no fault of their own.
Lynn is registered with the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution, and she currently serves as Secretary and Chairperson of the Domestic Relations Committee for the Baldwin County Bar Association.
Whitney Bell
Master Chief Paralegal
Whitney N. Bell is a native of Texas and the master chief paralegal who manages our office. She graduated from Coastal Alabama Community College with her associate degree in physical science of paralegal and is currently studying for her bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of South Alabama. She is responsible for many duties that hold our firm together, such as drafting pleadings, handling the relationships with clients and other attorneys, discovery, criminal and district court pleadings, and trial preparation. She loves anything outdoors, attending/working concerts, and spending time with her family and her son. She and her son Bentley live in Spanish Fort, AL.
Abby Jay
Paralegal
Abby Jay is originally from London, England, and has been a certified paralegal for family law and business mediator for the last 12 years. For the last 11 years, she has worked in family and criminal defense in Mobile and Baldwin County, AL. She and her husband have been married for 7 years and she is a mother to six children. In her free time, she enjoys cooking for her family, visiting the beach, and hunting during the season.
Nicol Santos
Office Administrator
Odalis Nicol Santos is a native of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Who was raised here in Baldwin County since 2002? Graduating from Foley High School, class of 2018, and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She is a coordinate bilingual in English and Spanish. She is responsible for scheduling and communication with clients. Her knowledge of Spanish and lifelong immersion in Hispanic culture allow us to effectively serve the Hispanic residents of our communities.
rENEE sMITH
Paralegal
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