James A. "Jim" Witherspoon

Zack Higbee is a patent attorney known for building exceptional patent portfolios and helping clients navigate competitor IP. With particular experience with fintech/insurtech, electromechanical systems, and biomedical devices, Zack partners with clients to offer tailored solutions and valuable guidance to protect client IP and drive growth with a focus on long-term value and freedom to operate. Zack is a registered patent attorney practicing all aspects of U.S. and international patent prose...

An experienced intellectual property attorney, Kate Cole represents clients in connection with the acquisition, licensing, and enforcement of intellectual property across a range of industries and technologies. Kate provides strategic leadership and counsel on complex intellectual property matters for domestic and international clients, including start-ups, private equity groups, and large private and public companies. Her broad IP experience positions her to serve as a valued business partne...

Margaret Santen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Margaret, 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 Margaret is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark Kelly is a member of the Corporate Transactions & Securities Group in the firm’s Charlotte office. He concentrates his practice in the areas of public offerings, private financings, mergers and acquisitions and general corporate matters. Mr. Kelly leads the firm’s private equity practice and has worked with private equity firms and their portfolio companies since the late 1980s in equity and debt financings, leveraged buyouts and exit transactions, including mergers with ...

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...

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...

Lois Wagman Colbert is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Lois Wagman, who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lois Wagman is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kobi K. Brinson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Banking and Finance. Kobi K., who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kobi K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ingrid McClintock is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Ingrid, 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 Ingrid is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...