Mission Statement

Jones & Ayers, L.L.C. is a civil trial practice with a focus on client service, dispute resolution, and cost effective representation. We are client driven, which means the goals, concerns, and needs of the client drive the course of how a matter proceeds. We understand that the client may want to explore early resolution of some matters. We understand that the cost of defense or prosecution must have a reasonable relationship to the exposure, risk, merits, and value of the action. We also understand that some cases must be tried and that settlement is not an option.

In order to focus on what we do best we have restricted our practice to civil litigation with the exceptions of human resources consulting, business formation and consulting, bankruptcy, white collar criminal defense, legislative lobbying, and select domestic matters.

Our goal is to not only help clients involved in litigation, but to also play a significant role in planning in a preventative capacity to avoid potential legal crises. We fulfill this roll by keeping clients advised of changes in the law and advising clients in critical decision making. We are deeply involved in the areas we practice, following judicial and legislative action, lobbying for key changes in the law, and writing amicus briefs to appellate courts. Our expectation is that we will deliver outstanding service, prompt responses, efficient and cost effective legal services delivered with courtesy. We remain committed to that goal.


Firm History

In 1984, Paula I. Cobia joined the Anniston law firm of Bolt, Isom, Jackson & Bailey, P.C. where she was an equal shareholder/partner. While at Bolt, Isom, Ms. Cobia handled numerous civil, commercial, and employment related matters. In 1995, she formed Paula I. Cobia, Attorney at Law, P.C., with offices in Birmingham and Anniston. Her practice focus was in the areas of employment law, commercial litigation, workers’ compensation, and other civil matters.

In 2002, Brian C.T. Jones formed Brian C.T. Jones, P.C. in Athens after nine years of public service as an Assistant District Attorney for first Randolph and then Limestone County. As a senior prosecutor, Mr. Jones was primarily responsible for drug crime and violent offender prosecutions.

In 1994, James C. Ayers, Jr. joined the Birmingham law firm of Clark, Scott and Sullivan, P.C. where he was a shareholder until 2003. While with the firm, Mr. Ayers practiced throughout Alabama and Tennessee defending serious bodily injury, death, bad faith, fraud, and employment cases. In 2003, Mr. Ayers formed James C. Ayers, Jr., P.C. in Columbiana.

In 2004, Jones and Ayers, L.L.C. was formed. Paula I. Cobia joined as of counsel in 2005. The firm currently maintains offices in Anniston, Athens, and Columbiana and represents clients throughout Alabama and Tennessee.