Board clears Mama Justice law firm to occupy two medical-district buildings in Decatur

The Board of Zoning Adjustments approved two appeals that will allow Mama Justice Law Firm to operate at 1206 and 1208 Somerville Road in Decatur’s Medical Center District. Staff read two separate use-on-appeal requests after the applicant, attorney Tiffany Speed, explained the firm’s medical-injury practice focus and plans to invest in the community.

Speed described Mama Justice as a growing firm with offices in Mississippi and a practice concentrated on catastrophic-injury and medical-related cases. She said Decatur would be the firm’s first Alabama location and that the office is necessary to serve current North Alabama clients; Speed said the firm’s work involves medically related personal-injury matters and that non-medical representation is not part of their plan.

Property owner Dr. Gordon Telipin, a long-practicing local surgeon and owner of the two buildings, urged the board to approve so the firm can move in before a regulatory change in January that may otherwise make the application moot. Board members noted the pending regulatory change but granted both appeals, voting in favor after motion and second on the record.

Roll-call votes on Case 3 (1206 Somerville Road) recorded Flora Gonzalez: Yes; Delaine/Delaney Dean: Yes; Tom Holt: Yes; Mark Moody: Yes. Case 4 (1208 Somerville Road) was also approved by roll call and the board noted there will be no December meeting. The approvals are conditioned on the limits discussed at the hearing restricting the firm’s practice to the medical-injury focus described by the applicant.

Next steps: staff will reflect the approvals in the permit file and the applicants may proceed with occupancy and any required building or sign permits.