ATTORNEYS

For the People

Passing by the venerable old two-story colonial that majestically overlooks West Main Street in Centre, one can’t help but be impressed with its stately countenance. It embraces an illustrious past and has been home to the law firm of Buttram, Hawkins, and Hopper for almost four decades.

The architectural gem was built in 1907 and has only been occupied by three very distinctive owners. Historically known as the SavageCampbell-Buttram House, it was listed in 1981 on the Alabama Register of landmarks and Heritage. H. Dean Buttram, Jr., bought the property in 1978 to establish the law firm.

During his early college years, Dean Buttram was not sure where his career would take him and vacillated between Pharmacy School, Dentistry, and a few other occupational choices. He finished college, holding a BA degree from Jacksonville State University, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Public Administration. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. In 1998, he was tapped by President Bill Clinton to serve as United States Judge for the Northern District of Alabama.

Since 1983, Buttram has served as the attorney for the Cherokee County Commission. He has been local counsel for the Alabama Power Company since 2004. His area of practice includes family Law, criminal law, real estate law, wills and estates, personal injury, and civil litigation.

“Among the three of us serving the firm, we may see approximately 1,400 cases a year. Sometimes only a letter is needed to resolve a situation, and some require more extensive work. We all lend a hand if a member wants additional input. Many times, after hours,” says Buttram. “We are blessed with supportive families. My wife, Kathy, understands I can’t always be home for dinner when a case or workload is pending.” His son, Dr. H. Dean Buttram, III, is a professor and head of the Jacksonville State University School of Criminal Justice.

William (Bill) Hawkins, Jr., a coal miner’s son, grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. His father encouraged him to pursue higher education and discover the benefits of working in a smaller town. Taking the good advice, Bill Hawkins graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1986. He earned his law degree from Cumberland School of Law at Samford in 1989. While there, he was also a member of the American Journal of Trial Advocacy.

“When I heard about Centre, a small town in Alabama, I came to check it out. It didn’t take me very long to know it was right for me then, and it continues to be so today.” He says most clients want someone to talk with and return their calls. “Clients want a lawyer they can depend upon. We understand that being in touch is very important, to whatever degree is possible. It is not unusual for us to call a client to check on them. Our concern should be for their physical and mental well-being, too.”

With a wide range of practice, Bill represents a diverse field of clients, with extensive experience in personal injury, wrongful death, custody, domestic relations, and general civil litigation.

Hawkins has represented the Cherokee County Commission for the past 20 years. He also serves as the judge for Centre’s Municipal Court. As a coach and president of the local Dixie Youth Baseball League, he is actively involved in youth sports. He is a past president of the Centre Optimist Club. He, and his wife Niiki and family, attend the First United Methodist Church of Centre.

Chad A. Hopper joined the firm in 2000, the same year he earned his law degree at the University of Alabama. He received his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, from Jacksonville State University in 1997.

Both Chad and Dean were named Outstanding Male Graduates in their senior years at Jacksonville State University.

“After completing law school at the University of Alabama and being licensed, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to practice,” says Hopper. “Metro cities were an option, but I was also thinking about returning to my hometown. The more I explored the idea, the more it felt right. Practicing law here, where I grew up, became appealing. I loved the attitude and atmosphere of the law firm. I especially liked the way they treated people—with respect and compassion. It is rewarding to help people find relief from their legal problems. Looking back twenty-three years, my wife Brooke and I are happy to have decided to raise our family in a community we know and appreciate.”

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