Insight

The 2021 Best Lawyers In Georgia

Featuring the top legal talent in Georgia.

Published: March 10, 2021

The 2021 Georgia Best Lawyers publication includes Georgia's top-ranked legal talent as well as the inaugural appearance of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in print.

In this issue, we feature a cover story on Adam Malone, of Malone Law, and his contributions to Georgia's COVID-19 Judicial Task Force, which shaped how the state approached legal proceedings during the most disruptive time in modern U.S. history.

We also caught up with two other Best Lawyers in Georgia, and asked them to weigh in on Georgia's economy and the topic of declaring bankruptcy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the full issue:

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Georgia

Lawyers in Columbus, Ohio

David DeVillers

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Recognized since 2024 in

David DeVillers

David DeVillers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. David, who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David DeVillers

David K. Stein

Taft

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Banking and Finance Law

Cannabis Law

Commercial Litigation

Recognized since 2024 in

David K. Stein

David K. Stein is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Cannabis Law and Commercial Litigation. David K., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David K. Stein

Gregory J. Dunn

Taft

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Municipal Law

Specific Focus

Common Carrier

Recognized since 2007 in

Gregory J. Dunn

Gregory J. Dunn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Municipal Law. Gregory J., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gregory J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gregory J. Dunn

Philip R. Westerman

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Real Estate Law

Recognized since 2025 in

Philip R. Westerman

Philip R. Westerman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Philip R., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Philip R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Philip R. Westerman

Jeffrey R. Wahl

JRW Esquire LTD

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Corporate Law

Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Recognized since 2023 in

Jeffrey R. Wahl

Jeffrey R. Wahl is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Jeffrey R., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

 
Jeffrey R. Wahl
  Website    Email    Address    Phone Number

Stephen E. Chappelear

Eastman & Smith LTD

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation

Litigation - Construction

Litigation - Intellectual Property

Specific Focus

Business Disputes

Recognized since 1995 in

Stephen E. Chappelear

Steve focuses his practice in the areas of business and complex litigation, construction law, patent and trademark litigation, employment litigation, probate litigation, dispute resolution and appeals. He has 43 years of experience in more than 60 trials (both jury and non-jury). Among his accomplishments, Steve was listed in the 2004-21 editions of "Ohio Super Lawyers" by Law & Politics magazine; in 2009 and 2017, Steve earned the distinction of being listed one of the Top 100 Super Lawy...

 
Stephen E. Chappelear
  Website    Email    Address    Phone Number

Jon J. Saia

Saia, Marrocco & Jensen, Inc.

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

DUI / DWI Defense

Recognized since 2012 in

Jon J. Saia

Jon J. Saia has over 34 years of experience in defending criminal cases. The focus of his practice is OVI Defense. Beyond representing individuals charged with OVI, Mr. Saia provides consultation services and expert testimony with respect to the administration of field sobriety and and is often consulted by colleagues with regard to issues surrounding breath, blood and urine alcohol testing. Mr. Saia is has completed training in both the administration and instruction of DUI Detection and Sta...

 
Jon J. Saia
  Website    Email    Address

Todd Long

Eastman & Smith LTD

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Recognized since 2026 in

Todd Long

Part of the White Collar Crime and Investigations Practice Group, Mr. Long has represented businesses, business professionals, public officials, medical professionals and educators in matters involving fraud, embezzlement, tax controversies, public corruption, regulatory enforcement matters and business litigation. He manages matters in both federal and state courts as well as before government regulatory entities. His experience includes dealing with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Fed...

Todd Long

Daniel W. Srsic

Littler

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Employment Law - Management

Labor Law - Management

Recognized since 2012 in

Daniel W. Srsic

Daniel W. Srsic is highly-knowledgeable in benefits litigation and has appeared in more than 90 court cases involving employee benefit disputes, such as benefit claims, fiduciary duties and disputes regarding collectively bargained benefits. Daniel's benefits practice also extends to pre-dispute representation of plan sponsors and fiduciaries. He brings a litigation perspective to the evaluation of potential changes to collectively bargained retiree health benefits, which has proved to be a v...

Daniel W. Srsic

Matthew R. Wilson

Meyer Wilson Werning

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs

Recognized since 2021 in

Matthew R. Wilson

Matthew R. Wilson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs. Matthew R., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Matthew R. Wilson

Georgia’s Tort Reform Overhaul

by Bryan Driscoll

A New Front in the National Battle Over Civil Justice

Medical Malpractice Reform Trends in Texas, Utah, Georgia and SC

by Bryan Driscoll

A fresh wave of medical malpractice reform is reshaping the law.

IN PARTNERSHIP

Georgia Car Accident: How to File a Car Accident Case

by Robert Hammers

In a car accident in Georgia? Read this guide for key steps from actions at the scene to settlement talks and lawsuit filing. Stay informed and prepared.

Figure with clipboard assesses the scene of an accident

IN PARTNERSHIP

Georgia's Protector

by Justin Smulison

As one of the nation’s leading brain injury authorities, Adam Malone’s legal accomplishments continue to benefit Georgia’s public and its legal community.

Lawyer sitting in a chair with a book posing for photo

"Lawyer of the Year"

Ed Snow

Commercial Finance Law

Atlanta, GA

2024

Georgia Proposes Law Requiring Parental Consent for Minors on Social Media

by Gregory Sirico

With data collection on the rise, Georgia lawmakers are currently petitioning for Senate Bill 351, which would require a user's age before social media use.

Teenager with hood on using phone as notifications pop up

IN PARTNERSHIP

Staying Power

by Justin Smulison

Laurie Webb Daniel is a veteran appellate advocate for high-stakes litigation practicing in Atlanta, Georgia, at a firm she co-founded, Webb Daniel Friedlander.

IN PARTNERSHIP

Leadership and Commitment

by Justin Smulison

Malone Law leader and 2016 Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs “Lawyer of the Year” Adam Malone discusses how his success transcends the courtroom and helps strengthen public and legal communities.

Suited man standing with arm resting on table

"Lawyer of the Year"

Heather C. Haughian

Privacy and Data Security Law

Atlanta, GA

2023

The Corporate Push for Renewable Utilities in Georgia

by Gregory Sirico

Best Lawyers highlights the rising popularity of renewable utilities amongst a growing number of major corporations, all with operations based in Georgia.

Blue solar panels lined up in front of blue backdrop

Georgia Laws Taking Effect in 2022

by Gregory Sirico

Three new pieces of Georgia legislation aim to improve medical bill transparency, lower the sales tax on vehicles and enact further safeguards to protect children in foster care.

Georgia "Lawyer of the Year" 2022

by Best Lawyers

We highlight seven 2022 "Lawyer of the Year" recipients throughout Georgia.

Georgia's Injury and Malpractice Leaders

by Justin Smulison

In 2021, Adam Malone recovered more than $38 million in settlements for catastrophically injured clients, while continuing his leadership roles outside the courtroom to enhance the profession for injury lawyers.

Adam Malone, Georgia Injury and Malpractice Leader

Georgia's Best Lawyers 2022

by Best Lawyers

Our 2022 Georgia's Best Lawyers publication features top-ranked legal talent in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Greater Atlanta, Macon and Savannah.

America’s Favorite Pastime: The Talk of the Town and the Courtroom

by MaKenli Ladd

Major League Baseball's disapproval of new voting legislation in Georgia is facing harsh criticism after they opted to move out of the state.

Close up of multiple Major League Baseballs

All Together With Pride: The Best Lawyers Team Volunteers During Pride Month

by Megan Edmonds

Offering time, muscle power, donations and more, the Best Lawyers team supports local advocacy groups’ events.

The 2021 Best Lawyers In Georgia

Lawyers in Columbus, Ohio

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