Contact
Education
- J.D., University of Georgia, cum laude, 2004
- B.B.A., University of West Georgia, summa cum laude, 2001
Relevant Experience
Regularly advises banks and their boards of directors on their strategic plans, including organic and acquisition growth plans, sale transactions, strategic mergers and capital raises, as well as on complex regulatory issues
Representing financial institutions in matters including:
- Open and failed bank acquisitions and sales
- Public and private capital raises
- Branch transactions
- Formations of de novo banks
- Representations of directors and officers
- Corporate restructurings
- Bank holding company formations
Publications
Mr. Hightower frequently publishes articles of interest to the banking industry. He has published articles related to mergers and acquisitions, de novo bank formations, regulatory matters, and corporate governance.
Presentations
Mr. Hightower is a regular speaker regarding legal and strategic issues facing the banking industry. He has presented for state and national trade associations, at nationwide banking conferences, and at legal and accounting continuing education programs. Mr. Hightower has also been involved with a number of merger and acquisition simulation sessions to give bankers an understanding of the M&A process.
FKH Represents First Financial Northwest Bank in Sale
FKH Recognized As Top Legal Advisor in Bank M&A
Fenimore Kay Harrison Advises UB Bancorp in Merger
Fenimore Kay Harrison Recognized as Leading M&A Advisor for Q1 2022
Fenimore Kay Harrison adds Veteran Banking Lawyer Lyn Clinton in Atlanta
Fenimore Kay Harrison Advises Pinnacle Financial Corporation in Acquisition of Liberty First Bank
Fenimore Kay Harrison Advises University National Bank in Merger
Fenimore Kay Harrison Advises First Paragould in Acquisition
Fenimore Kay Harrison Client Legacy Bank of Florida Completes Merger
Fenimore Kay Harrison Counsels Colony Bankcorp, Inc. in Acquisition of SouthCrest Financial Group, Inc.
Georgia DBF Updates its Rules
Georgia Practice Recognized by Chambers USA
Fenimore Kay Harrison Counsels FNS Bancshares, Inc. in Merger with BancorpSouth Bank
Opening Up Bank Strategy Again
SBA Releases Additional Guidance on Paycheck Protection Program; Federal Regulators Publish More Information on PPPLF and Real Estate Appraisals
Instant Reaction: SBA Provides Clarity on Paycheck Protection Program
Community Banking Provisions in the CARES Act
Credit and the Coronavirus
Community Banking Amid COVID-19 Concerns
TOP TEN TIPS FOR BRANCH BIDDERS
Professional Affiliations
- Georgia Bankers Association, General Counsel
- Guest Faculty, Georgia Banking School
- Other State and National Bank Trade Associations
Civic and Community Involvement
- Council of Ministry, Faith Lutheran Church, Sharpsburg, Georgia
Bar Admissions
- Georgia
Awards
- The Best Lawyers in America© 2019
- Chambers USA
- Lexology's Client Choice Award
- JD Supra Readers' Choice Awards 2018
- Chambers USA 2017