Florence, AL

Joel R. Hamner

Joel R. Hamner is a seasoned trial lawyer dedicated to fighting for injured clients across North Alabama. He graduated from Cumberland School of Law in 1995 and has since built a reputation for holding corporations and insurance companies accountable, securing life-changing verdicts and settlements.

Thomas W. McCutcheon Jr.

Thomas W. McCutcheon Jr. is a trial lawyer with over four decades of courtroom experience. He has tried more than 100 jury trials and over 500 bench trials, with more than 2,600 cases filed in Alabama and numerous high-profile out-of-state cases. He trained with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College.

Leah Johnson

Leah Johnson joined Mezrano Alabama Injury Lawyers in 2019 and focuses her work on plaintiffs’ personal injury law. Leah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with a minor in Business Administration at Louisiana State University, where she earned a full scholarship through the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS). She attended Cumberland School of Law at Samford University on a Merit Scholarship, earning her Juris Doctorate in 2018. In 2017, Leah received the Spirit of Service Award for completing more than 30 hours of pro bono and community service work. Leah is very active within her community, giving back whenever she can. She believes in the power of service. This belief helps drive the work she does for Mezrano Alabama Injury Lawyers, working with clients who deserve justice for the injuries and harm they have sustained. When she is not in the office, you can find Leah hiking around Birmingham, hanging out with Lola at the dog park, or spending time with her husband, Alex. She especially enjoys watching football in the fall, as her parents both graduated from the University of Alabama and her brother graduated from Auburn University, so they cover the SEC between the four of them. Leah also enjoys spending time with her family in Mobile and friends in New Orleans.

Ralph E. Holt

Ralph has spent his entire legal career representing defendants in criminal cases as well as both plaintiffs and defendants in civil matters. He has tried over 100 cases in various courts throughout Northwest Alabama. He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers Association, the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Criminal Justice Section of the American Bar Association. He is past president of the Lauderdale County Bar Association and is currently serving as the Bar Commissioner for the 11th Circuit (Lauderdale County) with the Alabama State Bar Association. Ralph E. Holt was born and raised in Florence, Alabama. He attended Florence public schools, graduating from Bradshaw High School in 1982. Ralph attended the University of Alabama, obtaining his BA in 1985, and the University of Alabama School of Law, earning his JD in 1989. Upon graduation from law school Ralph served as a law clerk for the Hon. E. B. Haltom, Jr., United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. In September of 1990 Ralph returned to his hometown of Florence to practice with Holt, McKenzie, Holt & Mussleman, a law firm established in 1962 and helmed by his late father, Don Holt. Ralph is currently the managing partner of the firm, now called Holt Mussleman,. Ralph is married to the former Brantley Champion of Florence, AL. They have three children - Champ (wife Cassidy), Betty and Acker, and a grandson, Bennett. The Holts are active members of Florence First United Methodist Church. Ralph’s hobbies include watching Alabama football, traveling, snow skiing and running.

Jimmy Mezrano

Jimmy Mezrano joined his brother, Steven Mezrano, at Mezrano Alabama Injury Lawyers in 2023 after a career in the financial services industry as a Senior Treasure and Operations Executive. Throughout his career, Jimmy has successfully led teams in modernizing banking systems, enhancing online banking capabilities, and strengthening fraud prevention measures. Jimmy earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Faulkner University in 1996. Following his graduation, he worked at some of the region’s premier financial institutions including Bryant Bank, Cadence Bank, INTL FCStone, and Sterne Agee. He has overseen the secure processing of billions of dollars in financial transactions, demonstrating deep expertise in cash operations, compliance, and risk management. Jimmy excels at leadership and delivering operational excellence across organizations. Jimmy always wanted to attend law school, but it wasn’t until later in his career that he chose to pursue that goal. His decision was deeply personal. He has seen firsthand into the physical, emotional, and financial impact such events can have on a family. Motivated, he enrolled at Birmingham School of Law and earned his Juris Doctorate in 2012. The legal education he received has been invaluable throughout his career, especially in his leadership role within our firm. Outside the office, Jimmy is all about giving back. He has served on several local boards, including the City of Trussville Parks and Recreation, Saint Elias Maronite Church, the Alabama Treasury Management Association, and the Trussville United Soccer Club. Whether he’s leading a team at work or volunteering in the community, Jimmy brings energy, expertise, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Nicholas Ritchey

Nicholas Ritchey was introduced to the legal profession at an early age, growing up in a family of attorneys. Inspired by watching his father, uncles, and cousins advocate for others, he developed a deep interest in the law. Nick began his legal career at his family’s firm, Ritchey & Ritchey, P.A., where he practiced for over four years. During that time, he gained valuable experience and developed a strong foundation rooted in hard work and client-centered service. Seeking new challenges, Nick spent the next 15 years working with leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies. This corporate experience provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the business world and the inner workings of large organizations. Nearly two years ago, Nick joined Mezrano Alabama Injury Lawyers, bringing with him a unique perspective shaped by his dual background in law and business. He is committed to delivering practical, strategic solutions and dedicated representation to each of his clients.

Thomas F. Sykstus

Thomas F. (Tom) Sykstus is a Huntsville native and an attorney with Bond & Botes, practicing in Huntsville, Decatur, and Cullman. He holds a JD from the University of Alabama School of Law and an LL.M. from George Washington University School of Law. A veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, his practice areas include personal injury, immigration law, consumer bankruptcy, and consumer law.