The Decatur City Board of Zoning Adjustments approved requests to allow a law practice, Mama Justice Law Firm, to operate at 1206 and 1208 Somerville Road SE in the city’s Medical Center District.

Attorney Tiffany Speed, representing Mama Justice, said the firm focuses on serious personal-injury cases tied to medical care and intends Decatur to be its first Alabama location. "If the sale is approved, Grama Justice intends to make a meaningful invest investment in this community not only financially but through outreach and service," Speed said, offering the firm’s record of community involvement.

Board members questioned whether the firm’s practice fits the medical district’s existing use restrictions; staff and speakers noted a zoning definition change taking effect in January that would broaden allowable professional uses in the district. Property owner Dr. Gordon Telipin, who has occupied the buildings since 1995, supported immediate approval so the firm could begin operations without delay. "So the opportunity to have this ... legal practice come to town and use my 2 buildings and attract ... new young professionals to the city, I think is great," Telipin said.

A board member moved to approve the application for 1206 Somerville, the motion was seconded and the roll call recorded affirmative votes by the members present; the board approved that request. The board later read and approved a related application for 1208 Somerville Road, also noting the pending January zoning change.

The approvals allow Mama Justice Law Firm to occupy the properties in the MC Medical Center District; the city will process standard occupancy and business permits.