J. Franklin "Frank" Burns

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.

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

Sean Fennelly’s clients know they can rely on him when it comes to getting deals done. As an experienced transactional attorney, his focus is on acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and creating joint ventures, in both the real estate and corporate fields. His driven, client-centered approach enables those he represents to close deals creating lasting value. Sean has represented clients in more than one hundred acquisitions, joint ventures, and divestitures over the last decade, many of...

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Garner represents financial institutions, investors and borrowers in a wide range of financing transactions, including syndicated, club and bilateral credit facilities. Lizzie has sharpened her skills as a finance attorney in law firms and while serving as internal legal counsel for a large regional bank. In-house practice has allowed Lizzie to develop a unique insider’s perspective. Having been a law firm client herself, she better understands the needs and priorities of ...

Douglas R. Kertscher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Douglas R., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Douglas R. 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 ...

Lochlin Samples is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Lochlin, 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 Lochlin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David is a business and intellectual property attorney with expertise in all areas of litigation, dispute resolution, and trial. David represents his clients in state, federal, and appellate courts throughout the country, achieving successful outcomes by identifying pragmatic and creative solutions to complex issues while minimizing business disruptions and expense. David has handled a myriad of business disputes, including issues relating to contracts, copyrights, employment agreements, non-...

J. Grant Wilmer, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. J. Grant, who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which J. Grant is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.