Fred S. Ball began his law practice in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1890. In the early 1920's, his son, Fred S. Ball, Jr. joined with him and the firm became known as Ball and Ball. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Ball's other sons, Charles A. Ball and Richard A. Ball joined the firm. After adding a number of additional attorneys, it became a professional association in 1977. In 1988, its name was changed to Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak, P.A. It is presently comprised of fourteen partners and four associates. Firm members participate in state and local bar activities, as well as national associations.The firm engages in a general business and defense-oriented civil practice in all state and federal courts throughout Alabama. Although the firm performs all types of general litigation, there are attorneys who concentrate in business litigation, medical malpractice, professional liability matters, employment law, worker's compensation, governmental entity and trucking defense. In addition, the firm offers a broad range of additional services including real estate, trusts and estates, media and commercial communications, mediation and arbitration services, and general corporate law.FIRM NEWS:September 20082008 Multiple Sclerosis Advisory BoardFirm Attorneys Monty Montgomery and Jay Watkins were named to the Advisory Board for Multiple Sclerosis Leadership Class of 2008. Attorney Montgomery was a member of the 2007 Leadership Class. Attorney Watkins was a member of the 2006 Leadership Class and has been a on the advisory board since 2007.August 2008 - Defense VerdictThe Firm recently obtained a defense verdict in a jury trial in Mobile County, Alabama. The plaintiff contended was that she had the right of way in a turning lane which the defendant's vehicle occupied. The plaintiff claimed a low back herniation and demanded $85,000 to settle. At trial, the plaintiff was impeached with prior claims pertaining to the same alleged claims. After deliberating 30 minutes, the jury returned a verdict for the defense. The case was tried by Jay Watkins.