James E. "Jim" Schutz

Michael Pavento is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Michael, 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 Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

David Reed is a partner at Kilpatrick Townsend and a member of the firm’s IP department. David counsels clients on patent litigation matters across a diverse range of industries. He has tried cases to verdict in Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Texas, and the International Trade Commission (ITC) in disputes involving computer software, electronics, mechanical devices, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals (Hatch-Waxman). David also has handled over 40 IPR and PGR proceedings befo...

Doug Nail is in his 35th year of representing lenders in asset-based, cash flow and other secured finance transactions at Parker Hudson and is the architect and head of Parker Hudson’s national Healthcare Finance practice. He has spent the last 26-plus years advising lenders on sophisticated financing transactions in nearly every sector of the healthcare space and involving the legal issues specific to this highly regulated and complex business sector. During that time, Doug has led or ...

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

As an experienced litigator, Michelle counsels corporate and individual clients regarding risk management and pre-suit strategy, in addition to providing representation at all phases of litigation in state and federal court, from commencement through appeal. Michelle represents clients in consumer and commercial arbitration proceedings. Michelle’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation, primarily in the areas of product and premises liability, insurance claims and coverage matters...

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

Deeply experienced commercial and business litigator in areas including Contract and Business Disputes, Health Care, Insurance, Real Estate, Transportation, Labor, and Employment. Acts as regional and national counsel for various businesses, and defense and coverage counsel for numerous transportation, liability, casualty defense, EPLI, and D&O and E&O carriers. He has successfully litigated numerous matters of all kinds nationwide. Jeff's experience further includes representing clie...

Mindy S. Planer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Finance Law and Real Estate Law. Mindy S., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mindy S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Susan Hearne Richardson concentrates her practice in the area of environmental law, including regulatory and compliance counseling, due diligence for real estate and corporate transactions, permitting, enforcement and hazardous site remediation. Ms. Richardson has significant experience in advising clients with regard to the wastewater permitting and enforcement issues, particularly as applicable to municipal governments.