Jason Carter has returned to Bondurant Mixson & Elmore after his unsuccessful run for governor—but now as a partner.

Bondurant promoted Carter and two other associates, Alison Prout and Christopher Giovinazzo, to equity partners on Jan. 1. The three commercial litigators are the 33-lawyer litigation boutique's first new partners in five years.

“All are experienced, proven, extremely competent, bright, hardworking people,” said Bondurant partner Michael Terry. “We are happy to welcome them to the partnership.”