Brian N. Smiley

Charles Ruffin, shareholder in the Firm's Atlanta and Macon offices, has amassed over 30 years a wide array of litigation experience. He currently concentrates his practice in eminent domain and condemnation law, representing landowners and business operators of all sizes in eminent domain, condemnation and inverse condemnation matters. Mr. Ruffin's clients include a wide variety of national and international businesses from large multinational corporations to small individually owned busines...

Key players in the financial services industry, including banks, mortgage companies, and wealth management and investment advisory firms, rely on Chris to guide them through business combination and securities transactions, as well as ownership transition and succession planning transactions. His knowledge is also sought on corporate governance matters and new business formation and registration. Chris Frieden, former co-chair of Alston & Bird’s Financial Services & Products Gro...

Martin Heller is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Martin, who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Martin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jake Kaplan develops tax minimization strategies for families and tax-exempt organizations. Individuals come to Jake for estate and tax planning, while organizations seek Jake’s counsel on tax, governance, regulatory, and New Markets Tax Credit issues. Jake is a partner with Alston & Bird’s Federal & International Tax Group and co-leads the firm’s Tax Credit Transactions Team. He focuses his practice in the areas of estate planning, exempt organizations, and New Mark...

Jeffrey A. Allred is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Jeffrey A., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark S. VanderBroek is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Franchise Law and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Mark S., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mark S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David P. Thatcher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. David P., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Todd Welty is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation and Controversy - Tax and Tax Law. Todd, 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 Todd is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Hayley R. Ambler is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Hayley R., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Hayley R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

For over thirty years, Johnna Goodmark has represented clients in the acquisition, sale, and leasing of commercial real estate. As a former Deputy City Attorney for the City of Atlanta, Johnna brings a unique combination of government and private practice experience to her real estate practice that helps clients achieve their goals. With an eye for detail and a creative problem solving approach, Johnna has closed some of the most complex, sophisticated, and high profile real estate deals in t...