Gina Cross is a native of Jasper, Alabama. She says as long as she can remember she “wanted to be a lawyer.” She graduated from Walker High School and went on to receive her bachelors degree from Birmingham Southern College. After college, she attended the University of Alabama School of Law where she graduated and passed the bar in 1992. Gina has been a local fixture of the Jasper legal community for years. She and Bob Bryan go back to 1985 when they met at the state Key Club convention where they were both on the state board of directors. Years later they worked together at the same Jasper law firm.

Not one to seek publicity, Cross describes herself as “a behind the scenes, pretty private sort of person.” “Bob Bryan and I were on the Key Club state board in high school. We became friends and stayed in touch, and at times even worked together. When my first daughter was born, I decided to become a full -time mom, which resulted in a 16 year leave of absence from law practice.

After her husband died late in 2012, Cross decided it was time to return to her law practice, which she did early the following year.

“It was about that time that we began to feel the full effect of the changes to the federal Black Lung laws that took place in 2009,” she says.” Our Black Lung practice started taking off, with me as the Black Lung specialist.”

Asked to name a case that stands out, Cross says they all are special to her. “What I enjoy most is the opportunity to form relationships with our clients. These cases can take several years, which gives us the opportunity to get to know our client personally. It’s so wonderful when we are able to get a favorable judgment on behalf of our clients. They are always so appreciative, especially knowing their spouses will be taken care of.”

Now with her youngest son off to college, Cross has more time to give back to the community she loves. And she lives life each day with this philosophy.

“A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you are.”