Heather Ryan

Matthew W. Krueger-Andes is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Matthew W., who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David has represented property owners across North Carolina since 2008. He focuses exclusively on eminent domain and zoning law and litigation. As a property rights attorney, David has always remained committed to working for property owners, often against the government. David primarily represents individuals and businesses in land condemnation and eminent domain trial litigation, but also in obtaining zoning permits and variances, litigating zoning appeals before local boards, and resolving...

Kirk Bradley is a partner in the Intellectual Property Litigation Group. His practice focuses on litigation and counseling in complex patent cases during discovery, trial, and appeal. His experience encompasses a wide variety of technologies, including marine electronics and sonar, financial services, medical devices, wireless telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and software programs. Mr. Bradley frequently counsels clients on how to manage or avoid patent issues affecting their business, pr...

Richard L. Farley serves as deputy counsel to the firm. Richard helps businesses and their owners across industries avoid and solve the problems, disputes and controversies that can impact their bottom lines. He counsels clients on managing risk in the structuring of contracts and transactions to avoid disputes. When disputes arise, he works closely with his clients to develop appropriate strategies for litigation or voluntary resolution in light of their business goals and potential risks. R...

Stephen Lareau is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Patent. Stephen, who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephen is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Clients can rely on Emily to use her experience in federal district and appellate court to advocate for their interests in criminal and civil proceedings. Emily is well regarded for her work as amici curiae for high-profile individuals and as counsel for corporations and individuals in government investigations and litigation. Emily McGowan is well regarded for her work as counsel for organizations and individuals in a variety of complex enforcement and litigation matters. She defends individ...

Kelly Hughes has spent her career advising and supporting employers across multiple industries and in various forums. Ms. Hughes assists executives and management at all levels in crafting employment policies and agreements that not only comply with federal, state, and local laws but also complement the unique needs of the particular client and promote its financial and business objectives. Ms. Hughes is a nationally recognized authority on workplace flexibility and guides clients in creating...

Kristin Hinson is a partner in the Financial Services & Products Group. She focuses her practice on private investment funds and funds of funds, investment adviser registration and compliance, unregistered offshore private investment funds and private equity funds. Prior to joining Alston & Bird, Ms. Hinson was a partner at Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP. She is a member of the American Bar Association and the North Carolina Bar Association, and is also a member of the New York Bar ...

Chris Douglas is active in Alston & Bird’s pre-grant and post-grant patent practice areas. Chris represents both petitioners and patent owners in post-grant proceedings and is recognized as one of the more active post-grant practitioners nationwide. Chris remains one of the few practitioners to tout confirmation of all claims in an inter partes review in a final written decision on behalf of a patent owner. In addition, he maintains a robust pre-grant patent prosecution practice. Hi...

Tommy has been the manager and supervising trial and appellate attorney for The Odom Firm since 2001. SINCE 1988, REPRESENTING PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES: Whose property has been taken, or had its value reduced by the government. Who have been injured by the wrongful conduct of others in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. LIFE: Family - three children, Tripp, Annie and Max, his wife, Martha, and their dog, Yogi. Practicing yoga, cooking, playing guitar and bass with his band Roadkil...