Debra E. Schwartz

Tina Williams McKeon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice and Patent Law. Tina Williams, who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Tina Williams is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Seasoned attorney Robert “Bobby” R. Potter is a Swift Currie partner who focuses his practice on workers' compensation and government affairs. In his over 40 years as a lawyer, Bobby has handled thousands of cases for insurers and self-insurance groups. In addition, he has built long-term relationships with national insurance companies. Bobby has experience dealing with the Georgia Department of Insurance which has helped him effectively work on behalf of his clients. He has also ...

Whitney Ferrer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Whitney, 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 Whitney is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Benjamin R. Schlesinger is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Patent. Benjamin 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 Benjamin R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael J. Breslin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Artificial Intelligence Law and Technology Law. Michael J., 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 Michael J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Samuel E. Radin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Samuel E., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Samuel E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Brian Teras is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Brian, 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 Brian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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 ...