Christopher M. "Chris" Arena

Sandra Z. Zayac is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Economic Development Law and Public Finance Law. Sandra Z., 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 Sandra Z. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Louis Barbieri III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Venture Capital Law. Louis, 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 Louis is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Amanda Hyland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Trademark Law. Amanda, who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Amanda is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

With deep knowledge of issues facing the life sciences industry, John Cox counsels clients regarding their worldwide intellectual property rights and represents their patent interests when litigation arises, particularly regarding pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology matters. John takes his role in protecting these important assets of life science innovators very seriously while approaching each matter with enthusiasm. Through his ability to communicate effectively and succinctly, John...

Elissa B. Haynes is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Elissa B., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elissa B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dan Weede regularly represents real estate lenders, investors and developers in commercial lending, acquisitions and dispositions, and development transactions, including mixed-use and joint venture projects. Dan is primarily a “hospitality lawyer” and focuses on representing hotel owners, developers, lenders and managers in all aspects of hotel ownership, management, development and financing. He has written or spoken extensively on a variety of legal and hotel-related topics inc...

Ryan Burke is an associate in the firm’s Commercial Litigation, Insurance, and Healthcare practices. His practice includes contract and tort litigation, and he advises clients on matters of insurance coverage and bad faith, contractual rights and remedies, and litigation procedure. His practice also encompasses healthcare law, including payment disputes between providers and payors. Mr. Burke has represented clients in federal and state courts around the country and before the American ...

Brent L. Wilson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Brent L., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2012. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brent L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lucas A. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Lucas A., 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 Lucas A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

More than ever, companies face a constant evolution of health and welfare regulations for their employee benefit plans. Amy Heppner’s Fortune 500 clients rely on her experience and sound guidance on remaining compliant. Counsel in the Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Group, Amy provides practical guidance to clients on how to comply with the myriad federal and state laws that impact employer-sponsored health and welfare benefit plans.