About Dwight
Dwight practices in the business section of Burr & Forman LLP emphasizing commercial real estate and finance, in which he has nearly 30 years experience. He represents both lenders and developers with traditional real estate projects such as shopping centers, office buildings, apartments, hotels, and condominiums, as well as nursing homes, assisted living facilities and industrial properties. His finance practice often involves capital markets lending, loan syndications and mezzanine financing. In addition, he devotes significant time assisting clients with negotiation of leases, sales and acquisitions. Dwight has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 1999, and from 2003 through 2012 he has been selected by Chambers USA as a “Leader in their Field” in real estate in Alabama. In addition, he was also listed in Chambers in 2012 as a “Leader in their Field” for Banking & Finance. He has also been named among Alabama Super Lawyers from 2008 through 2012. He has served numerous terms on the firm’s executive committee and serves on the Advisory Board of Trustees for the Alabama Center for Real Estate at the University of Alabama (ACRE).
Dwight received his B.S., summa cum laude, from the University of Alabama. He received his J.D. in 1982 from the University of Alabama, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif, representing standing in the top 10% of the graduating class.
What are your hobbies and other interests?
I am an avid (but not too serious) follower of University of Alabama basketball and football, enjoy spending time with my family, reading and traveling. In the winter I particularly enjoy skiing. In addition, I am treasurer and past president and an active member of the Advent Sunday School Class of the Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church and participate in the United Methodist Men’s weekly Wednesday morning Bible study.
What advice would you give to a young student in law school?
When you begin the practice of law, remember to listen to your client, ask questions and learn as much as you can about your client’s business. You cannot serve your clients if you don’t understand their goals. Advise them of risks but keep in mind that they hire you to help them find solutions, not problems.
How do you define a “good day?”
A good day is seeing your client excited about successfully completing a difficult transaction and knowing you helped bring that about. A great day, though, is being on a ski slope in Colorado with friends and family.
How do you spend your weekend?
A typical weekend starts with a Friday night dinner and movie with my wife, followed by Saturday morning breakfast at a local restaurant with my son, then an Alabama football or basketball game during those seasons, with church on Sunday morning followed by a few errands or household chores in the afternoon, and ending with a good book to relax and complete the weekend.