Balch & Bingham Elects Four New Attorneys to Partnership

Balch & Bingham is pleased to announce the election of four attorneys to the firm’s partnership, effective January 1, 2022. The new partners represent three practices and include Elizabeth Flachsbart from the firm’s Birmingham, Ala. office, Cyrus Chin from the firm’s Houston, Texas office, and Katie Hood and Jake Lambert and from the firm’s Gulfport, Miss. office.  

“Each of our new partners have demonstrated superior legal ability, work ethic and commitment to our clients and our communities,” said Stan Blanton, managing partner. “I am pleased to announce the election of Elizabeth, Cyrus, Katie and Jake to our partnership and look forward to their continued success.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR NEWEST ATTORNEYS ELECTED TO PARTNERSHIP:

Cyrus Chin | Corporate Practice, Houston

Cyrus represents clients across multiple industries in all phases of the business life-cycle, from corporate structuring and formation, to daily operations, to negotiating the acquisition and sale of businesses. He also works with private companies, private equity funds and their portfolio companies in connection with strategic investments, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, as well as on general corporate matters. 

Cyrus served on the firm’s Susan B. Livingston Boot Camp for Success Committee in 2021, which is Balch’s signature pipeline program that focuses on attracting promising students from groups historically underrepresented in the legal profession and from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as students facing other significant barriers to entering the legal profession.

In addition, Cyrus serves as the Balch Business Boost program coordinator for the firm’s Houston office. Balch Business Boost supports entrepreneurs of color and/or women-owned businesses and start-ups by providing free or low-cost legal services.

Elizabeth Flachsbart | Litigation Practice, Birmingham

Elizabeth has a diverse practice in the area of general commercial litigation, with particular experience in casualty claims, electrical contact cases, environmental litigation, personal injury and death claims, product liability defense, insurance, construction and patent claims. She represents state and local utility companies, insurance companies, and private corporations and manufacturers.

Elizabeth served on the firm’s Susan B. Livingston Boot Camp for Success in 2021 and is a member of the Birmingham Education Foundation’s Junior Board. In addition, she serves on the Honors College Council for the University of Alabama's Honors College, and is a Fellow in the Blackburn Institute.

Katie Hood | Litigation Practice, Gulfport

Katie's practice focuses on a wide spectrum of general business and complex litigation matters for both governmental agencies and private sector clients. Katie’s day-to-day practice includes contract interpretation, business litigation, and environmental litigation. Recently, she has represented clients in matters related to personal injury, business entity formation and corporate transactions, and boundary disputes over Mississippi's tidelands. 

Katie’s community involvement includes serving as a Life Member of the Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport; Secretary/Treasurer for the Harrison County Bar Association; Board Member for The Staton Society of the University of Mississippi School of Law; and as a prior Commissioner for the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Services.

In addition, Katie has served on the firm’s hiring committee since 2017. 

Jake Lambert | Litigation Practice, Gulfport

Jake represents private and public entities along with individuals in a wide range of litigation and business matters, including general commercial litigation, construction disputes, medical malpractice, personal injury, excessive force, and employment discrimination.  He has successfully represented clients before the Mississippi Supreme Court and federal district courts of Mississippi. 

In addition, Jake serves by appointment of the Mississippi Supreme Court as a member of the Mississippi Bar Complaint Tribunal.