D. Clayton "Clay" Howell

David Darden is a client-oriented attorney with two primary areas of emphasis: advocating for healthcare providers in the regulatory process and advising both healthcare and other clients during technology contract negotiations. David’s extensive historical litigation experience helps him provide his clients with a uniquely valuable perspective in these processes. On the healthcare side, David's practice centers on representing hospitals and other providers in Georgia's certificate of n...

Craig Cleland defends employers in litigation—including in class actions—and counsels them on compliance and risk management. He is also Co-Chair of the Firm’s Class Action Practice Group. Craig has served on several Atlanta-area nonprofit boards, including as chair. He is currently on the Advisory Committee for the Atlanta Legal Aid Society as well as on the Board of the Atlanta Bar Labor and Employment Section. Craig is also named in Best Lawyers in America, Atlanta Magazi...

Beth K. Toberman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Electronic Discovery and Information Management Law and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Beth K., 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 Beth K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joshua S. Ganz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Transactions / UCC Law, Information Technology Law, IT Outsourcing Law and Technology Law. Joshua S., 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 Joshua S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Susan Hearne Richardson concentrates her practice in the area of environmental law, including regulatory and compliance counseling, due diligence for real estate and corporate transactions, permitting, enforcement and hazardous site remediation. Ms. Richardson has significant experience in advising clients with regard to the wastewater permitting and enforcement issues, particularly as applicable to municipal governments.

Mr. Leonard focuses on assisting private investors, high net worth individuals, hedge funds, business owners, and small to middle-market companies in navigating complicated corporate and financial issues, including raising and investing capital, restructurings, distressed debt/insolvency and corporate control disputes. He brings over 25 years of big firm experience working on mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, investment fund organization and regulatory compliance, corporate and ...

John D. Bennett is a Partner in Freeman Mathis & Gary's Atlanta office. Mr. Bennett represents both private businesses and local governments in employment and complex litigation matters, ranging from single plaintiff cases to high-exposure class and collective actions. Mr. Bennett’s labor and employment law practice focuses on representing clients in litigation and providing day-to-day counseling regarding federal and state employment laws, including Title VII, the Americans with Di...

Sanjay Ghosh is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Sanjay, 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 Sanjay is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ashley Brightwell is a partner in Alston & Bird's Labor & Employment Group. Ashley has extensive experience representing management in all areas of employment law, including litigating discrimination and harassment suits, counseling employers on their obligations under various federal and state statutes (such as the Family and Medical Leave Act) and litigating class-action cases alleging violations of the wage and hour laws. Ashley's practice also has a safety and health component tha...

Aaron Dixon is a partner in Alston & Bird’s Corporate & Business Transactions Group and co-leader of the M&A Practice Quality Team. Aaron represents public and private companies, private equity funds, and financial advisors in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, capital raises, strategic and venture capital investments, and other complex business transactions. In addition, he advises businesses on general corporate, governance, and contract matters. Aaron re...