Representation of healthcare client and its managers in defending termination/harassment case filed by 20-year employee. Individual managers were dismissed early in the action. Employer dismissed on summary judgment. Representation of manufacturing client in sexual harassment case arising in a production line setting. The plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the case. Representation of hospital in race discrimination claim filed by a 20-year employee terminated for performance. The plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the case. Representation of hospital in cases alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act by employees suffering on-the-job injury and companion workers’ compensation action. She was unable to return to her prior position and was terminated when not placed in a different position within the leave of absence period. A motion for summary judgment was granted in favor of the employer. The plaintiff appealed the case to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, where summary judgment was affirmed. Companion workers’ compensation action settled favorably. Representation of financial institution in defending Equal Pay Act claim by female manager paid a lower salary than the supervisor she succeeded. Summary judgment granted for defendant. Representation of national hotel chain in connection with race discrimination claim by a terminated security guard. Judgment for an employer after trial on the merits. Representation of hospital in pregnancy discrimination case by nurse terminated when physical restrictions placed on her due to pregnancy prevented her from performing a job. The case was voluntarily dismissed in return for a promise of neutral reference. Representation of employer in defending simultaneous claims for workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, and discrimination. Workers’ compensation claim favorably settled. The unemployment compensation claim was resolved in favor of the employer. EEOC charge dismissed. Representation of employer in case alleging race discrimination, breach of contract, tort of outrage, and slander by terminated LPN against home healthcare agency. Summary judgment rendered in favor of the employer. Representation of group health plan in action alleging age and sex discrimination by employee denied promotion. Summary judgment granted for the employer. Representation of retail client in a sexual harassment case. A motion for summary judgment was granted in favor of the employer. Representation of retail client in case alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act by an employee claiming employer failed to accommodate his requests for certain lunch breaks necessary in connection with his alleged condition of diabetes. The case was settled for $500.00 while the motion for summary judgment was pending. Assistance was provided to a number of employers in reviewing and revising employment policies to conform with recent changes in State and Federal law. Assistance was provided to a number of employers in planning and conducting training on sexual harassment, FMLA, and other matters. Service as Arbitrator on the American Arbitration Association Panel of Employment Law Arbitrators. Other Employment Matters Retained to assist the largest private employer in Mobile County in connection with a total overhaul of its personnel policies and procedures. Retained by a national management training company to conduct all-day workshops in areas of internal investigation and administering the Family and Medical Leave Act. Retained by various commercial training companies to provide training to personnel specialists in all areas of employment law. Representation of employer in a proactive strategy of obtaining court approval of mass lump sum settlements with approximately 150 employees suffering hearing loss in order to avoid the expense of anticipated separate litigation. Representation of manufacturing client in workers’ compensation action in which plaintiff claimed permanent total disability arising from neck surgery allegedly resulting from repetitive action on a production line. Award for an employer after a bench trial. The plaintiff appealed the award to the Court of Civil Appeals, which affirmed the award for an employer. The plaintiff further petitioned the Alabama Supreme Court for certiorari. Certiorari was denied. Non-Employment Matters Assistance was provided in defense of alleged Fair Housing violations made by the Department of Justice against a local company owning several apartment complexes. The case reached a favorable settlement prior to the suit being filed. Service as local counsel in anti-trust action against top Fortune 500 companies. The case reached a favorable settlement shortly before the trial was scheduled. Representation of ship owner in action arising under admiralty laws involving attempted sexual assault of client’s employee by third party on-board ship. The case reached a favorable settlement. Representation of major medical supplier in breast implant litigation. Representation of major retailer in diet drug litigation pending in Mobile, Alabama.

Professional and Community Involvement

Member, Board of Trustees of the United Way of South Alabama Member, Employment Law Section, American Bar Association and Alabama Bar Association Member, Workers’ Compensation Section, Alabama Bar Association Served on the Alabama State Bar Board of Bar Examiners As an Examiner in the Area of Federal Pleading and Practice Served As Elected Member of the Alabama State Bar Board of Bar Commissioners Secretary, National Conference of Women’s Bar Associations

Seminars + Presentations

“The #MeToo Movement and the Law of Sexual Harassment” (Alabama State Bar Labor and Employment Law Section – 2018). “Disability Dilemmas” (Mobile SHRM – 2018). “Current State of Employment Law under the New Administration” (Mobile SHRM – 2017). “White Collar Overtime Exemption” (United Way Agency Roundtable, Women’s Business Center, Mobile Chamber of Commerce Executive Roundtable – 2016). “The Unemployment Benefits Process” (Mobile SHRM – 2016). “Where or When Is Affordable Care?” (Mobile Chamber of Commerce – February 2014). “An Interactive Look at the Interactive Process” (Mobile SHRM – April 2014). “Time to Reform Your Healthcare Policies: What You Need to Be Doing Now” (Estate Planning Council of Mobile – 2013). “Discipline and Termination Panel Discussion” (Alabama Self-Insured Association Annual Seminar – 2012). “Introducing GINA” (ASIA Summer 2011 Newsletter). “Employee Discipline and Termination Advice in the Social Media Age” (Mobile Chamber of Commerce – 2011).

Attorney Celia J Collins – Mobile, AL

Celia J Collins

Partner

cjc@johnstoneadams.com

Direct: (251) 441-9241

Fax: (251) 432-2800

P.O. Box 1988

Mobile, AL 36633

REQUEST INFORMATION

Attorney Assistant

Brenda Stapleton

Phone : (251) 441-9297

bgs@johnstoneadams.com

Paralegal

Candy Knickerbocker

Phone : (251) 441-9256

cgk@johnstoneadams.com

Related Practices:

Employment, Labor, and Workers’ Compensation
Insurance Defense

Education:

1980, Alabama State Bar
1981, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth and Eleventh Circuits

Ms. Celia J. Collins

Celia Collins is sought after by company CEOs, owners, and general counsel for comprehensive labor and employment services from advisory, policy design, and training to litigation. Known for going above and beyond for every client – unionized or not – she has a broad range of industry experience, including healthcare, shipbuilding, fast food/service, prisons, manufacturing, and others.

On the ground in South Alabama, Celia represents clients on their most challenging issues, such as Affordable Care Act compliance, terminating employees in a protected class, discrimination and harassment claims, union attacks, and return-to-work issues. Such matters often don’t surface during business hours; Celia is known for being available around the clock.

Other important areas where Celia’s assistance proves invaluable include the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), FLSA/wage and hour, internal investigations, EEOC, OSHA and NLRB administrative matters, executive severance issues, and non-compete agreements. Celia is also known for her civil rights work related to Fair Housing Discrimination Claims.

Celia has extensive experience litigating in all areas of employment law, including Title VII, ADEA, ADA, FMLA, NLRA, state law contract and tort claims, FLSA, ERISA, workers’ compensation, and unemployment.

Celia is a Past Chair of the Alabama State Bar Labor and Employment Section. She is recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers in Employment Law, Labor Law, and Workers’ Compensation Law. Best Lawyers has recognized Celia as the 2018 Mobile Labor Law – Management “Lawyer of the Year” and has been previously recognized by Best Lawyers as Mobile “Lawyer of the Year” in Management Employment Law and Employment Litigation Defense.

Publications

Chapter Author, “Employment Law 2015, Top Lawyers on Trends and Key Strategies for the Upcoming Year” (Thompson Reuters / Aspatore 2015).

Alabama Contributor, “Defending Workplace Injury Cases” (Thompson Reuters 2013).

“What CEOs Need to Know Before Firing an Employee: Legal Do’s and Don’ts” (CD-Rom ExecSense Webinars 2010).

Supers Lawyers Announcement

Celia J. Collins and Elizabeth Darby Rehm have both been named as 2022 Mid-South Super Lawyers in the category of Employment and Labor Law. Each year, no more than 5% of lawyers in the Mid-South are selected for this honor. In Mobile, only three Super Lawyers who practice employment on behalf of employers were named in the Employment and Labor Law category for 2022, and Johnstone Adams is pleased to have two of them. Celia J. Collins was also named as a 2022 Mid-South Top 50 Women practicing law. Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. This selection process includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations.

Lawyer of the Year Celia J. Collins 2024

Lawyer of the Year Celia J. Collins 2020

Lawyer of the Year Celia J. Collins 2018

Lawyer of the Year Celia J. Collins 2017

Honors + Awards

Fellow of the American Bar Foundation

Designated by Super Lawyers in the Areas of Employment and Labor and Workers’ Compensation

2014, Designated by Best Lawyers As Mobile Lawyer of the Year in Workers’ Compensation – Employers

2016, Mobile Bar Association Women Lawyers Trailblazer Award

2017, Designated by Best Lawyers As Mobile Lawyer of the Year in Employment Law – Management

2018, Designated by Best Lawyers As Mobile Lawyer of the Year in Labor Law – Management

Experience
Representation of healthcare client and its managers in defending termination/harassment case filed by 20-year employee. Individual managers were dismissed early in the action. Employer dismissed on summary judgment.

Representation of manufacturing client in sexual harassment case arising in a production line setting. The plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the case.

Representation of hospital in race discrimination claim filed by a 20-year employee terminated for performance. The plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the case.

Representation of hospital in cases alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act by employees suffering on-the-job injury and companion workers’ compensation action. She was unable to return to her prior position and was terminated when not placed in a different position within the leave of absence period. A motion for summary judgment was granted in favor of the employer. The plaintiff appealed the case to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, where summary judgment was affirmed. Companion workers’ compensation action settled favorably.

Representation of financial institution in defending Equal Pay Act claim by female manager paid a lower salary than the supervisor she succeeded. Summary judgment granted for defendant.

Representation of national hotel chain in connection with race discrimination claim by a terminated security guard. Judgment for an employer after trial on the merits.

Representation of hospital in pregnancy discrimination case by nurse terminated when physical restrictions placed on her due to pregnancy prevented her from performing a job. The case was voluntarily dismissed in return for a promise of neutral reference.

Representation of employer in defending simultaneous claims for workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, and discrimination. Workers’ compensation claim favorably settled. The unemployment compensation claim was resolved in favor of the employer. EEOC charge dismissed.

Representation of employer in case alleging race discrimination, breach of contract, tort of outrage, and slander by terminated LPN against home healthcare agency. Summary judgment rendered in favor of the employer.

Representation of group health plan in action alleging age and sex discrimination by employee denied promotion. Summary judgment granted for the employer.

Representation of retail client in a sexual harassment case. A motion for summary judgment was granted in favor of the employer.

Representation of retail client in case alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act by an employee claiming employer failed to accommodate his requests for certain lunch breaks necessary in connection with his alleged condition of diabetes. The case was settled for $500.00 while the motion for summary judgment was pending.

Assistance was provided to a number of employers in reviewing and revising employment policies to conform with recent changes in State and Federal law.

Assistance was provided to a number of employers in planning and conducting training on sexual harassment, FMLA, and other matters.

Service as Arbitrator on the American Arbitration Association Panel of Employment Law Arbitrators.

Other Employment Matters

Retained to assist the largest private employer in Mobile County in connection with a total overhaul of its personnel policies and procedures.
Retained by a national management training company to conduct all-day workshops in areas of internal investigation and administering the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Retained by various commercial training companies to provide training to personnel specialists in all areas of employment law.
Representation of employer in a proactive strategy of obtaining court approval of mass lump sum settlements with approximately 150 employees suffering hearing loss in order to avoid the expense of anticipated separate litigation.
Representation of manufacturing client in workers’ compensation action in which plaintiff claimed permanent total disability arising from neck surgery allegedly resulting from repetitive action on a production line. Award for an employer after a bench trial. The plaintiff appealed the award to the Court of Civil Appeals, which affirmed the award for an employer. The plaintiff further petitioned the Alabama Supreme Court for certiorari. Certiorari was denied.

Non-Employment Matters

Assistance was provided in defense of alleged Fair Housing violations made by the Department of Justice against a local company owning several apartment complexes. The case reached a favorable settlement prior to the suit being filed.
Service as local counsel in anti-trust action against top Fortune 500 companies. The case reached a favorable settlement shortly before the trial was scheduled.
Representation of ship owner in action arising under admiralty laws involving attempted sexual assault of client’s employee by third party on-board ship. The case reached a favorable settlement.
Representation of major medical supplier in breast implant litigation.
Representation of major retailer in diet drug litigation pending in Mobile, Alabama.
Professional and Community Involvement
Member, Board of Trustees of the United Way of South Alabama
Member, Employment Law Section, American Bar Association and Alabama Bar Association
Member, Workers’ Compensation Section, Alabama Bar Association
Served on the Alabama State Bar Board of Bar Examiners As an Examiner in the Area of Federal Pleading and Practice
Served As Elected Member of the Alabama State Bar Board of Bar Commissioners
Secretary, National Conference of Women’s Bar Associations
Seminars + Presentations
“The #MeToo Movement and the Law of Sexual Harassment” (Alabama State Bar Labor and Employment Law Section – 2018).
“Disability Dilemmas” (Mobile SHRM – 2018).
“Current State of Employment Law under the New Administration” (Mobile SHRM – 2017).
“White Collar Overtime Exemption” (United Way Agency Roundtable, Women’s Business Center, Mobile Chamber of Commerce Executive Roundtable – 2016).
“The Unemployment Benefits Process” (Mobile SHRM – 2016).
“Where or When Is Affordable Care?” (Mobile Chamber of Commerce – February 2014).
“An Interactive Look at the Interactive Process” (Mobile SHRM – April 2014).
“Time to Reform Your Healthcare Policies: What You Need to Be Doing Now” (Estate Planning Council of Mobile – 2013).
“Discipline and Termination Panel Discussion” (Alabama Self-Insured Association Annual Seminar – 2012).
“Introducing GINA” (ASIA Summer 2011 Newsletter).
“Employee Discipline and Termination Advice in the Social Media Age” (Mobile Chamber of Commerce – 2011).

FROM OUR CLIENTS

Slide Title

My husband and I were referred to Johnstone Adams in the spring of last year. We are working very closely with Jessica Welch and Greg Watts on an ongoing and unwanted family estate matter. Ms. Welch and Mr. Watts have been so professional and knowledgeable. In addition, considering the nature of the suit, Jessica has provided my husband and me with peace of mind we didn’t think was possible during this extremely stressful time of our lives. She is an amazing trial attorney. They have gone above and beyond. To sum it up, I have nothing but the utmost respect and appreciation for them. I would strongly recommend either of them to my dearest friends and family members. I’m so thankful that we stumbled upon them. I’m actually going to miss Jessica Welch when this is all over.”

I am currently using this law firm and they are informative, keep me up to date with my case, and return your calls/emails immediately. I am very satisfied. My wife and I approached Johnstone Adams to help us make a better-informed decision regarding her immigration. They have been a truly invaluable asset. They brought their knowledge, experience, confidence, and calm demeanor to the process, which put our minds at ease. The worry and anxiety that we were facing melted away, and we have been, literally, hand-held during this daunting process. We can’t thank or recommend Johnstone Adams enough and look forward to continuing to use their services in the future.

Johnstone Adams was a great help when it came to drawing up our family’s will and advanced directives prior to the birth of our first son. These are certainly things that no one wants to think about, but the process was easy. They were professional and knowledgeable, answering all of our questions along the way with compassion and sensitivity. Johnstone Adams responded quickly to any questions and was easy to get in touch with! We would highly recommend them for any legal work!! Jessica’s advice and assistance with our family’s interests in a probate matter was exceptional from beginning to end– always thoughtful, responsive and efficient, and focused and timely.

It was a genuine pleasure for the doubtless incorrigibly demanding old lawyer that I am to have a professional of her outstanding caliber assisting me on this matter—both generally and in my role as executor in particular—in a jurisdiction unfamiliar to me and on a matter completely outside of my own experience and expertise. I might also point out that she was really excellent in interfacing, always in a timely and solution-oriented manner, with other parties involved in our matter to help keep our initiatives on track—including attorneys dealing with the disposition of residential real estate and financial assets. Jessica and her excellent assistant, Shelly Perrone, also offered and provided pragmatic and efficient solutions to logistical and execution issues made it significantly more challenging than usual given the COVID-19 crisis and my own location far from Mobile– in Paris, France.

I highly recommend attorney Rick La Trace. Aside from being professional, polite, and yet firm, Rick is a combination of knowledge, detail, and responsiveness. (In my opinion, there are very few professionals who have ALL three qualities. Rick is one of the very few.) What makes him stand apart from the rest, is that he takes the time to listen to his client’s concerns (no matter how “trivial”). He educates client’s on how the law works, shares his opinions, including the pros and cons of each. We would definitely use Rick’s services again, and highly recommend him for anyone who wants a lawyer that they can trust to thoroughly handle their case from start to finish, even down to the small details. You can tell from working with Rick that he’s not just about getting paid for his services, but that he enjoys working through problems and finding creative solutions for his clients. Also, I highly recommend the Johnstone Adams, LLC systems and processes. Shelly and Cathy were on top of things. I give Rick and Johnstone Adams more than five stars.

Slide Title

WHY CHOOSE OUR FIRM

Dedicated Quality & Commitment

Only a few special law firms in the U.S. have provided exceptional representation to businesses for more than a century. Johnstone Adams, LLC is one of these rare, distinguished firms. Since 1897, the firm has successfully advanced from a local firm serving South Alabama into a dynamic regional powerhouse equipped to fulfill most legal needs of its diverse client base.

Legacy Of Excellence

Each attorney takes great pride in continuing the firm’s legacy of excellence. By consistently providing sophisticated, aggressive, and innovative legal solutions to every client in each service area, Johnstone Adams attorneys personally ensure that their firm’s long, storied past is only the beginning.

Exemplary Client Service & Efficiency

With a focus on exemplary client service and efficiency, Johnstone Adams attorneys guide clients through legal matters from the first conversation about strategy to successful completion in the following critical service areas: Health Care, Employment, Labor & Workers’ Compensation, Insurance Defense Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Corporate Transactions, Real Estate Litigation & Transactions, Construction, Oil & Gas, Tax, Trusts & Estate Planning, Banking & Finance, Immigration, and Forest Use.

ABOUT US

LATEST FROM THE BLOG

Johnstone Adams LLC Ranked by Best Law Firms® in 2025

By David Owens • January 17, 2025

Mobile, AL. United States, January16,2025 ··Johnstone Adams LLC has been recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms*, a testament to its unwavering commitment to legal excellence. Ranked by Best Law Firms regionally in 8 practice areas, Johnstone Adams LLC has distinguished itself in the legal industry, earning this prestigious accolade. Firms included in the 2025 Best Law Finns& list are recognized for professional excellence with impressive ratings from clients and peers. To be considered for this milestone achievement, at least one lawyer in the law firm must be recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Americaf). "At Best lawyers, we are proud to recognize law firms that show an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction, • said Philip Creer, Chief Executive Officer of Best lawyers. "In the legal arena. Credibility is earned through consistent quality, which has propelled these firms to the forefront of the legal industry. • Achieving a ranking in Best Law Firms signifies high-quality legal practice and a depth of legal proficiency. Recognized firms, categorized into three tiers, receive acclaim on both national and metropolitan levels, reflecting the extent of their practice and geographic reach. Receiving a tier designation represents an elite status, reflecting the integrity and reputation earned by law firms. The 2025 edition of Best Law Firms* includes rankings in 75 national practice areas and127 metropolitan-based practice areas. The highest-rated firm in each national practice area attains the prestigious "Law Firm of the Year" honor. The transparent collaborative research process employs qualitative and quantitative data from peer and client reviews, supported by proprietary algorithmic technology, to produce a tiered system of industry-led rankings of the top 4% of the industry. Johnstone Adams LLC received the following rankings in the 2025 Best Law Firms®: • Regional Tier 1 o Mobile • Employment Law - Management • Labor Law - Management • Litigation - Labor and Employment • Workers• Compensation Law - Employers • Regional Tier 2 o Mobile • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law • Health Care Law • Litigation - Construction • Tax Law ### About Johnstone Adams LLC Johnstone Adams LLC is committed to providing its clients with the full range of services necessary to meet their legal needs. Our lawyers develop and maintain the knowledge and experience to provide top notch legal representation consistent with the needs of our clients, both as to time and expense. Johnstone Adams, LLC specializes in the following practice areas: • Banking, Finance & Creditors• Rights • Business and Corporate including Business Dispute and Shareholder Rights Litigation • Construction Litigation • Employment, Labor and Workers• Compensation Law • ERISA, Tax, Trusts & Estates • Health Care including Mental Health • Immigration including Employment, 1-9 Compliance and Family • Insurance Litigation: (1) Defense: Construction & Completed Operations; Major Claims & Professional Liability; (2) Coverage and Regulatory: Agency, Commercial, Fidelity, Personal lines & Title • Real Estate including Conveyancing, Environmental & Zoning • Real Estate Litigation, including Conveyancing, Lien Priorities & Titles For more than a century Johnstone Adams LLC has strived to improve upon how we deliver legal services to our clients in this ever-changing economic climate.

Johnstone Adams LLC Lawyers Recognized as Best lawyers® Award Recipients

By David Owens • January 17, 2025

Johnstone Adams LLC Lawyers Recognized as Best lawyers® Award Recipients Mobile, AL. United States, January 16, 2025 •• Johnstone Adams LLC is pleased to announce that 7 lawyers have been included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America• Since it was first published in1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Johnstone Adams LLC would like to congratulate the following lawyers named to 2025 The Best Lawyers in America list • Celia J. Collins • Employment Law Management. Labor Law Management. Litigation • Labor and Employment. and Workers' Compensation Law • Employers Rick A. La Trace - Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights I Insolvency and Reorganization Law • E. Russell March Ill - Elder Law • Wade B. Perry Jr. - Employment Law- Management, Health Care Law, and Litigation - Labor and Employment • Elizabeth Darby Rehm - Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management, and Litigation - Labor and Employment • Lawrence J. Seiter - Litigation - Construction and Workers• Compensation Law - Employers • E. Watson Smith - Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law and Tax Law ### About Johnstone Adams LLC Johnstone Adams LLC is committed to providing its clients with the full range of services necessary to meet their legal needs. Our lawyers develop and maintain the knowledge and experience to provide top notch legal representation consistent with the needs of our clients, both as to time and expense. Johnstone Adams, LLC specializes in the following practice areas: • Banking, Finance & Creditors• Rights • Business and Corporate including Business Dispute and Shareholder Rights Litigation • Construction Litigation • Employment Labor and Workers• Compensation Law • ERISA, Tax, Trusts & Estates • Health Care including Mental Health Immigration including Employment, 1-9 Compliance and Family • Insurance Litigation: Defense: Construction & Completed Operations; Major Claims & Professional Liability; Coverage and Regulatory: Agency, Commercial, Fidelity, Personal lines & Title Real Estate including Conveyancing, Environmental & Zoning Real Estate Litigation, including Conveyancing, Lien Priorities & Titles For more than a century Johnstone Adams LLC has strived to improve upon how we deliver legal services to our clients in this ever-changing economic climate.