The law firm of HOPKINS, BARVIÉ & HOPKINS traces its origin to July 1, 1977, when Alben N. Hopkins opened his offices in Gulfport, Mississippi. Prior to that time, Mr. Hopkins had practiced in Jackson, Mississippi, and Gulfport, Mississippi. The firm has grown steadily since its establishment and has worked untiringly in litigation, mass tort litigation, and general practice.

Litigation has always been the particular area of concentration for the firm. The firm has represented the State of Mississippi in antitrust litigation and as a special prosecutor for the Attorney General. Also, it has represented other defendants in antitrust litigation, and political leaders and corporate clients in all areas of legal questions. All areas of litigation have been represented, including admiralty and aircraft litigation, workers' compensation, longshore and harbor workers, bad faith, automobile, asbestos, and toxic tort. It represents numerous companies, associations, businesses, and individuals in all types of trials throughout the Southeastern United States. The firm's practice includes a substantial amount of litigation in both State and Federal Courts, as well as arbitration and administrative hearings.

The firm has been most active in the representation of national corporations in the mass tort field. Mr. Hopkins was one of the primary defense counsel from the inception of the asbestos litigation in Mississippi. The firm, with the aid of innovative, state-of-the-art computerization in the early days of asbestos litigation, was handling over 7,500 cases for one of the major defendants. The firm has managed litigation involving over 36,000 plaintiffs in more than 10,000 separate cases for a vast number of clients in five states. Additionally, the firm represents clients in hearing loss, hand/arm vibration syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, breast implant, silica exposure and other toxic tort litigation.

The firm is particularly proud of its dedicated efficient support staff. The staff consists of five attorneys, several paralegals and secretaries, an office manager, an office assistant, two file clerks, and a receptionist. In the representation of in excess of 30,000 cases in the asbestos field in five states, it was necessary for the computer support staff to write new programs to efficiently handle the workload and caseload that was developing. This was done with a minimum amount of time and a great deal of expertise. The firm has been sensitive to the constant changes in the practice of law, and has continuously pursued opportunities to streamline the delivery of its services. The firm traditionally provides its legal secretaries and staff with the most modern office equipment, which includes a centralized word processing system with display terminals located throughout the office. Modern dictaphone equipment and electronic copiers are also utilized, along with the firm's sophisticated telephone system which features individual attorney identification for each telephone conversation.

The firm has handled litigation in practically every area of practice. It obviously has a well balanced practice specializing in all areas of litigation. The firm has represented clients in all state and federal courts, before administrative hearings, and bankruptcy courts.