Ellen W. Smith

Deborah Cazan is an experienced construction attorney and dedicated business counselor. One hundred percent of her practice over the past 16 years has focused on representing clients in litigation, arbitration and mediation of construction, development and real estate related disputes, including claims for delay, acceleration, interference, defective construction, defective design, scope changes and other issues. She has prosecuted and defended high-profile and high-dollar claims all over the...

Kristin Martin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Kristin, 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 Kristin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Maren Cave is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Maren, 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 Maren is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Rosemarie Thurston is a partner with the Financial Services & Products Group and leads Alston & Bird’s REITs & Real Estate Funds Team. Rosemarie also serves on the firm’s Management Committee. Rosemarie represents real estate companies, underwriters, real estate funds, and investment management firms in public securities offerings, private placements, mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, joint ventures, and ongoing securities law compliance. Rosemarie...

Clients rely on Clay Massey for complex litigation matters, particularly in the areas of land use and toxic torts. He has been trial counsel in numerous matters across various states and has tried several cases to verdict. Trusted by his peers, Clay is recognized in the legal community for his distinguished service, and is a chair of the American Bar Association’s Mass Tort/Toxic Tort Subcommittee. Clay is a trial attorney in Alston & Bird’s Environment, Land Use & Natural...

Edward A. Marshall is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Edward A., 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 Edward A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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 ...

Allison M. Ryan is the co-leader of Alston & Bird’s Real Estate Finance & Investment Group, composed of more than 50 attorneys who guide complex transactions nationwide. She represents institutions, investors and developers in equity and development transactions across the U.S. Allison is a dealmaker committed to multiyear and multideal relationships with her clients. She invests in fully understanding her clients’ businesses and goals. She leads all types of real estate t...

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

Phil Savrin is a founding member of Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP, where he serves on its Executive Committee and leads the firm’s Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith National Practice Section. His areas of expertise include commercial insurance coverage issues, litigation of extra-contractual claims, and defense of professional liability claims. In addition, he represents local governments and officials in defending civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Mr. Savrin began his le...