Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce, Mattson & Thompson, LLP, is a general practice law firm located in Auburn, Alabama. Established in 1959, Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce, Mattson & Thompson, LLP has grown in response to our clients’ legal needs. Our law firm handles a broad range law matters, and is committed to obtaining successful results for each client and case we undertake.
At Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce, Mattson & Thompson, LLP, our primary focus is on the needs of our clients. We take pride in providing our clients with exceptional legal services, ongoing communication, and skilled representation. Our seasoned attorneys have distinguished educational backgrounds and years of experience. As a team of legal professionals, we are committed to excellence.
Our Attorneys
James K. Haygood, Jr. received his B.S. degree from Auburn University in 1954. He then went on to receive his LL.B. in 1957 from the University of Alabama School of Law. Mr. Haygood is a member of the Lee County Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He is also a member of the Alabama State Bar and was named a Fellow of the Alabama Law Foundation in 2002.
William A. Cleveland graduated with a B.S. degree from Auburn University in 1975. In 1978, Mr. Cleveland received his J.D. from Cumberland School of Law. William A. Cleveland is a member of the Lee County Bar Association, Alabama State Bar, and State Bar of Georgia.
Roger W. Pierce received his B.S. degree from Auburn University in 1976. He then went on to receive his J.D. from Cumberland School of Law in 1979. Mr. Pierce is a member of the Lee County Bar Association (President, 1998; Vice President, 1997; Secretary, 1996) and the American Bar Association (Member, Litigation Section). He is also a member of the Alabama State Bar, the State Bar of Texas, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and is an Alabama State Bar Commisioner (2010 - 2013).
Gerald A. Mattson Jr. obtained his B.S. degree in 1986 from Auburn University. In 1998, Mr. Mattson graduated magna cum laude from Jones Law School. Gerald A. Mattson Jr. is a member of the Lee County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Alabama State Bar.
Philip A. Thompson graduated from Huntsville High School and attended Auburn University where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. Upon his graduation from Auburn in 1984 he began a 16 year career in the construction industry during which he attended Jones School of Law, receiving his J.D. in 1997. Phil is a member of the Lee County Bar Association (President 2010, Vice President 2009, Secretary / Treasurer 2008) and the Alabama State Bar. Phil is also a member of the Alabama State Court Mediators Roster and the Alabama Appellate Court Mediators Roster.
Philip O. Tyler graduated from Dothan High School and attended Samford University where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He graduated with a BS degree in Psychology from the University of Alabama in 1975 and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Alabama in 1977. Upon graduation in 1977, Philip started a 25-year career with the State of Alabama, primarily with the Department of Human Resources. In 1986, while working for the Department of Human Resources, Philip completed his Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Alabama. In 1988, Philip moved to Auburn, Alabama to become the Director of the Lee County Department of Human Resources
Van C. Gholston obtained his BS from Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, in 1970, his J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 1973 and his LL.M. in Taxation from New York University, School of Law New York City, New York in 1974. Van's thirty years of legal experience includes serving as Tax Counsel for the Arabian American Oil Company in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia for several years, serving as District Attorney for Butler, Crenshaw and Lowndes Counties in Alabama for eighteen years and being engaged in the general practice of law for the balance of his legal career.
Rene E. Richard graduated from Auburn University in 1992, with a BS in International Business, she attended Tulane School of Law and graduated cum laude in 1996. René is licensed to practice law in Louisiana and Texas, as well as Alabama. Her primary practice areas are commercial and residential real estate closings, title matters, advising business with respect to formation, ownership and governance, contract negotiations and drafting, and representation of real estate developers. René has also represented clients in the areas of probate and estate administration.