Balch Partner Julia Barber Named to Birmingham Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40

Balch & Bingham is pleased to announce that Julia Barber, partner in the firm’s Birmingham office and member of the Environmental & Natural Resources Practice, has been selected as one of Birmingham’s 2026 Top 40 Under 40 by the Birmingham Business Journal (BBJ).The award recognizes rising stars in Birmingham’s business community who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact in their fields before the age of 40.

Julia has established herself as one of the Southeast’s leading environmental lawyers, trusted by Fortune 500 companies, utility providers, and industry leaders to navigate some of the nation’s most complex environmental regulations. Her work spans everything from federal appeals court challenges across the country to multibillion-dollar mergers and nationwide greenhouse gas policy.

As Balch & Bingham’s youngest-ever Hiring Partner, Julia supports the firm’s success by recruiting top talent, mentoring young attorneys, and creating opportunities for women to lead. Within the firm, she serves on several leadership committees, where her colleagues seek her guidance for the same reason her clients do: her insight, judgment, and ability to navigate complex challenges with clarity and confidence.

Beyond her environmental practice, Julia dedicates time to uplifting the Birmingham community through service. She has spearheaded Balch’s United Way of Central Alabama campaign, driving record participation, and overseeing initiatives that delivered thousands of meals, school supplies, and reading kits to local children. Her hands-on service has extended through Project Corporate Leadership, the Southern Environmental Center, and the United Way of Central Alabama’s Young Philanthropists Society.

In addition to Julia, Balch is proud of its BBJ Top 40 Under 40 alumni including Alan Lovett, partner and member of the Energy Practice; Lee Johnsey, partner and member of the Real Estate Practice; Brandi A. Russell, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and Director of Talent Management; Patrick Strong, counsel and member of Balch Sports; Adam Israel, partner and member the Litigation Practice; Jonathan Hoffmann, partner and member of the Consumer Finance Litigation Practice; and David K. Bowsher, partner and member of the Corporate & Commercial Practice.