'A Family Affair': Prince Glover Hayes Celebrates Opening Of New Downtown Law Office

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama on Wednesday celebrated the official opening of the new downtown law office for Prince Glover Hayes (PGH) on University Boulevard.

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Dena Prince, the leader of the family firm and the wife of the late Alabama courtroom legend Bob Prince, said the new location represents the next chapter for the firm after moving from its longtime office on Rice Mine Road overlooking the Black Warrior River.

ALSO READ: 'Who's Gonna Fill Those Shoes?' | Remembering Tuscaloosa Courtroom Titan Bob Prince

Founded by Bob Prince in 1979, the firm evolved from criminal defense in its early years to specializing in cases involving personal injuries, environmental contamination, insurance fraud and other civil litigation matters.

PGH proudly states the firm has recovered $1.1 billion for its clients over the years.

"We loved our building and our building was in a wonderful location," Dena said. "However, it was isolated at times where it was. I'm excited that we are downtown. I think it's a great new chapter for our firm and look forward to having a lot of success here."

Dena referred to the move and renovation project as a "family affair," as she is now joined by her daughter, attorney Grace Prince. Dena's son and Grace's older brother, Will, also works as his sister's legal assistant.

Managing Partner Matt Glover told Patch he wasn't a big fan of neckties but on Wednesday he sported a gold and blue stripped tie once worn by Bob Prince — a small detail but one that underscores the bonds forged over the years within the firm.

Glover and others also praised the PGH staff, saying that every full-time staffer apart from Grace and the firm's receptionist have been employed by the firm for over a decade.

“Bob Prince built a family firm," Glover said. "It will always be Bob Prince’s firm. And we are continuing his firm and honoring his legacy.”

The newly renovated office is located at 2311 University Boulevard in the former Pizitz department store building owned by Phillip Weaver — a longtime friend and Dena Prince's neighbor — with Price McGiffert serving as the contractor for the extensive renovations.

Dena said moving into the new office was a full circle moment for her as she shared memories of making the trip from Greensboro as a little girl to shop at the department store in downtown Tuscaloosa with her mother, before going to eat at the lunch counter at Woolworth's.

The jewel of the new downtown office, however, is the state-of-the-art conference room named after the firm's founder, which welcomes visitors with a painting of a smiling Bob Prince in the prime of his legendary career.

The conference room also features locally sourced artwork and technology designed to provide a private meeting space if needed.

"'Family firm' has been a transformative term for me," Grace Prince said. "Originally, I did not like the term and Matt [Glover] always used it. But the term had negative undertones to me. Now I love 'family firm' because I understand what it means. Every single person in this building is my family. More importantly, we fight for our clients like they are our family. No matter the cost —literally. That’s what Dad did and that’s what he prepared us to do."

Click here to learn more about Prince Glover Hayes and its team of attorneys.

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