Celina Cotton

Relentless. Skilled. Prepared. Tenacious. All of these words describe Robert’s work as a trial lawyer. He understands that painstaking preparation, careful analysis, and attention to detail win big cases. In an era when very few cases are decided in a courtroom, Robert takes pride in trying cases to a jury whenever and wherever defendants are unwilling to accept full responsibility for their wrongdoing. Robert’s skill and tenacity have been widely noted. He is board-certified as a...

Since 1978, John Mercer has concentrated his law practice in the areas of project and corporate finance and other complex transactions, with particular emphasis on the electric power industry. John has extensive experience and expertise in project finance, corporate finance and securities offerings, joint ventures and joint ownership arrangements, mergers and acquisitions, and independent power projects. In June 2009, John left his position as the long-time, firm-wide head of the Project Deve...

Bill DuPré focuses his practice on returning money to its rightful owners. His pragmatic approach draws on over 30 years of experience in negotiating and, if necessary, litigating to get past opposing parties' unrealistic expectations and instead maximize the net recovery for his business clients. In addition to handling commercial loan workouts, bankruptcies and related litigation for one of the largest commercial banks in the world, Mr. DuPré has successfully represented corpo...

Douglas G. Ammerman is Partner in the Atlanta office of Hall Booth Smith. Before joining HBS, he was Of Counsel and Partner at two prominent New York City medical malpractice defense and health care law firms. He proactively advises clients regarding risk management and compliance issues. He handles all aspects of litigation from inception through trial. Douglas served as a law clerk in the civil division of the Superior Court of New Jersey in Newark, New Jersey. He also gained valuable legal...

John Hickman is head of the firm’s Health Benefits Practice, where he leads several attorneys devoted exclusively to health care reform issues under the Affordable Care Act, HIPAA privacy, health savings accounts (HSAs) and consumer-directed health care, flexible benefit plans and related health benefit issues. Mr. Hickman has worked closely with health plans, financial institutions and employers, as well as the IRS, Treasury and DOL, in addressing health benefit issues. Mr. Hickman has...

James A. Washburn is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. James A. practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized James A. Washburn since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which James A. Washburn is held by other lawyers.

Rachel Fink is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Banking and Finance Law. Rachel practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Rachel Fink since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Rachel Fink is held by other lawyers.

Wes Achey is a member of Alston & Bird’s Intellectual Property Litigation Team. Wes’s practice includes all areas of intellectual property litigation and counseling, with a particular emphasis on patent litigation and enforcement. He has represented clients in patent infringement lawsuits in federal district courts across the United States, including cases involving telecommunications, computer software and various mechanical devices. He is a member of the Georgia Bar and is a...

Doug represents entrepreneurs, emerging growth companies, owner-managed businesses, real estate developers and lenders on business and commercial real estate matters. He assists clients in acquiring, developing, closing loans and leasing all types of real property, from raw land to shopping centers, office buildings, apartment complexes, storage facilities, assisted living and continuing care retirement communities, and hotels. Doug is outside general counsel to a number of businesses and reg...

Reiko Feaver is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Technology Law. Reiko practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Reiko Feaver since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Reiko Feaver is held by other lawyers.