And Then, Only One Was Left…

In March of 2018, embattled law firm Balch & Bingham announced the hiring of seven attorneys, three partners and four associates, in Jackson, Mississippi to “enhance [Balch’s] healthcare capabilities.”

Balch did a full-court press and public relations blitz just weeks after a massive exodus of money-making and seasoned partners who left the firm.

Balch rolled out their names and photos (above) with enthusiasm trying to counter the hemorrhaging:

[Balch]  announced the addition of partners Tom Kirkland, Allison Simpson and Andy Lowry, and associates Mary Jordan Fuller, Matt Sitton, Perry Taylor and Bea Tolsdorf.

All of them specialized, according to Balch, in a “wide range of regulatory, transactional, appellate and litigation matters in the healthcare industry.”

Sadly (and maybe a tale of Balch’s extreme difficulties), in the past six years, all three partners have left the firm along with three associates.

And only one was left: Bea Tolsdorf, who was eventually made partner.

Tom Kirkland, Allison Simpson, and Matt Sitton left to Butler Snow, joining the firm’s Health Law group in August of 2020.

Perry Taylor went into the private sector, Andy Lowry became a law clerk, and Mary Jordan Fuller, Kirkland’s daughter, appears to have become a full-time mom.

Balch partner Joel I. Gilbert was found guilty of bribery and money laundering just four months after these seven joined the firm.