About us

Stonebridge Law is a boutique estate planning, tax and asset protection firm dedicated to helping families protect what they have built and pass it on with intention. Located in Birmingham Alabama, we serve individuals and families with clear guidance, practical strategies, and a trusted long-term relationship with their attorney.

Our Mission

At Stonebridge Law, our mission is to help families protect what they have built, steward it wisely, and pass it on with clarity and peace of mind. We provide estate planning, tax, and asset protection counsel that is both highly technical and deeply personal, so your planning reflects your values—not just your balance sheet.

Serving You Since 2018

Stonebridge law was formed by Ben Stewart and Nick Shimoda in 2018 as Shimoda Stewart, LLP. The name of the firm was changed to Stonebridge Law, LLP in 2024.

Our Approach

Our approach begins with listening. We take time to understand your family dynamics, assets, business interests, and values before recommending any strategy or drafting a single document. We then design customized estate, tax, and asset protection plans that are both legally robust and practical to administer in the real world.

Our Core Values

Our Core Values

  • We give honest, unvarnished advice, even when it is difficult to hear, and we are committed to doing what is right over what is easy.​

  • We translate complex legal and tax concepts into plain language so you can make confident, informed decisions about your estate, business, and legacy.​

  • We believe your wealth is a trust, not just a possession, and we design plans that encourage wise management, generosity, and long-term impact.​

  • We work alongside Stonebridge Advisors and your other professional advisors to ensure your legal, tax, and investment strategies are aligned and mutually reinforcing.​

  • Many of our clients come to us during seasons of transition, loss, or uncertainty. We respond with patience, empathy, and practical guidance.​

  • For clients who desire it, we offer planning informed by biblical principles and our Certified Kingdom Advisor affiliation through Stonebridge Advisors, integrating faith, wisdom, and technical excellence.​

Meet your teamOur people are our greatest asset

Ben Stewart

R. F. (Ben) Stewart, JD, LLM (Tax), CEBS, AIF®, CKA®

Managing Attorney

205-994-2300

ben@stonebridgelaw.com

Ben is the founder and managing partner of Stonebridge Law, LLP. He began practicing law in 1985 after receiving a Masters of Law in Taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. In 1994, he was awarded the Certified...

Read more
Dana Gache

Dana R. Gache, JD, MPH

Attorney

(205) 623-4198

dana@stonebridgelaw.com

Dana R. Gache´ practices in the areas of general corporate and business matters, corporate and entity formations, corporate law, and health care regulatory compliance. Dana's health care advisory experience includes representing...
Read more
Ginger Knight

Ginger H. Knight, JD

Attorney

(205) 623-4202

ginger@stonebridgelaw.com

Ginger graduated magna cum laude from Samford University with a degree in Finance, and attended Cumberland School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctorate in 1992. Ginger completed a legal clerkship with the Harbert Corporation while...
Read more
Nick Shimoda

Nick Y. Shimoda, JD, LLM (Tax)

Of Counsel

Nick began practicing law in 1993. He is a founding partner of Shimoda Stewart, LLP. ( now Stonebridge Law) Recently, Nick took a position with The PCA Foundation...

Read more
Ferris Ritchey

Ferris S. Ritchey III, JD 

Attorney

Ferris Ritchey has over 40 years of experience in a wide range of legal matters with an emphasis on Domestic Relations, Mediation, Collaborative, Probate and Estate Planning. EducationJ.D. - Samford University's Cumberland School of...
Read more

stonebridgeWhat sets stonebridge law apart

Values-Driven, Client-Focused Planning

Your goals and priorities shape every recommendation we make.

Learn more

Time-Tested Principles

We emphasize clarity, risk reduction, strategic foresight, and intentional communication.

Learn more

Conversations Before Documents

We take time to understand your goals and family dynamics before drafting anything.

Learn more

Integrated Legal, Tax, and Financial Insight

Through Stonebridge Connect™, your attorney, financial advisor and CPA work as a unified planning team.

Learn more

Contact UsLet's begin
the conversation

Whether you are creating your first estate plan, updating an existing one, preparing for long-term care needs, or navigating the estate of a loved one, we are here to guide you with clarity and confidence.

Stonebridge Law
Plan • Protect • Purpose

Thank you!
Oops!