Austin Padgett

Richard Hays is the Managing Partner of Alston & Bird. Since 2008, he has led the strategic direction of the firm and played a key role in its growth and performance. Mr. Hays also chairs the firm’s Administrative Committee. The firm has offices in New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte, Silicon Valley, Research Triangle and Brussels. Prior to his election as the Managing Partner, Mr. Hays served as the firm’s Financial Partner and also headed the ...

With a background in mechanical engineering and industry experience with aerospace systems integration projects, Chris Lightner practices in Alston & Bird’s Intellectual Property – Mechanical Patents Team. Chris focuses his practice on patent solicitation and counseling, as well as on IP-driven due diligence efforts, licensing agreements, confidentiality considerations, and patent brokerage agreements. Chris prepares and prosecutes U.S. and foreign patent applications for wide...

Daniel M. Simon represents public and private companies, secured and unsecured creditors, acquirers of distressed assets, and investors in all aspects of corporate restructuring transactions. He represents a diverse range of clients spanning numerous industries in complex and contentious bankruptcy cases. Read full biography: https://www.mwe.com/people/simon-daniel-m/

Andrew D. Siegel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Andrew D., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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Erin R. Hines is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation and Controversy - Tax and Tax Law. Erin R., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Erin R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Nichole Hair is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Nichole, who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nichole is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Andrew Litvak is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Andrew, who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Erika C. Birg is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Arbitration, Commercial Litigation and Trade Secrets Law. Erika C., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Erika C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Paul Nozick concentrates his practice on mergers, acquisitions, securities matters, and other complex business transactions in a variety of industries. His practice also includes an array of general corporate matters, including corporate governance issues and advising public and private entities on their daily legal matters. His securities experience includes extensive work on public offerings, such as representation of issuers and underwriters, going-private transactions, and private placeme...