Lightfoot Promotes Meghan Cole, Jacob Salow and Matthew Winne to Partner
January 7, 2026
Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC has elevated Meghan S. Cole, Jacob Salow and Matthew J. Winne to the firm’s partnership, effective January 1.
“Meghan, Jacob and Matt have distinguished themselves through exceptional legal skill, sound judgment and a steadfast commitment to our clients,” said Wes Gilchrist, Lightfoot’s managing partner. “Each has already made a meaningful impact for our firm and clients, and we’re proud to welcome them to the partnership as they continue to grow and lead at Lightfoot.”
Cole represents clients in a wide variety of disputes, including toxic tort, product liability, commercial litigation and medical malpractice cases. She defends national chemical manufacturers, Fortune 100 technology companies, leading healthcare organizations and a global pest control company. Cole is a member of the Birmingham Bar Association Grievance Committee. Outside of her legal work, she has also volunteered for more than 15 years with the National Organization for Rare Disorders and has served on the junior board for Girls, Inc. Cole earned her law degree from William & Mary Law School.
Salow defends clients in appellate, automotive, catastrophic injury, employment law, healthcare, medical malpractice and product liability matters. He has experience in everything from drafting and arguing motions for summary judgment in wrongful death medical malpractice actions to securing favorable settlements in high-stakes cases. Salow earned his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law.
Winne represents clients facing product liability litigation and has experience handling medical malpractice, First Amendment law and commercial plaintiff matters. He defends leading companies, including a prominent national wheelchair distributor and a major American automaker. In pro bono matters, Winne has helped inmates appeal their convictions. He graduated cum laude from the University of Alabama School of Law, where he was a senior editor of the Alabama Law Review and a member of the John A. Campbell Moot Court Board.
