Jonathan S. Hightower

Mike Lord is a partner with the firm and is Chair of the Construction and Design Law practice group. He has over 30 years' experience in construction, professional liability, commercial and real estate litigation. Mr. Lord’s construction law practice includes representation of architects, engineers, surveyors and other design professionals, general and sub-contractors, owners and developers in all manner of construction disputes. He has significant experience both in the contracting and...

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

Alyson J. Markovich is a Partner in the firm’s Commercial Real Estate Development & Finance and Hospitality Practices. Alyson focuses her practice on the representation of clients engaged in the acquisition, development, disposition and financing of commercial real estate, specializing in the hospitality and lodging industry. Alyson’s practice also includes representing lending institutions in SBA guaranteed loans and small business lending including 7(a) and 504 loans as well...

Jeff Cunningham serves as outside general counsel to growth-phase businesses. He enjoys helping entrepreneurs design ambitious deals and buy, build, and sell profitable companies. He often represents companies that do not have internal legal departments. His clients include closely held businesses, emerging businesses, and established companies in a range of industries, including manufacturing and distribution, business and professional services, construction, and technology. Jeff advises cli...

When companies are facing difficult insurance issues, Tejas Patel provides practical representation and advice. His diverse experience includes handling complex insurance coverage litigation, class action defense, product development, and regulatory counseling. Tejas concentrates his practice on complex litigation matters, with a particular focus on insurance and class action litigation. He has worked extensively with complex actuarial and economic analysis that have been at issue in these ca...

Jeffrey A. “Jake” Schwartz is a Partner in the Atlanta, Georgia, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He joined the firm in 2006 after moving from New Orleans, Louisiana, where he practiced labor and employment law for more than seventeen years. Within the field of labor and employment law, Mr. Schwartz was recognized in 2008 – 2013 in “Best Lawyers in America,” and as “Super Lawyer” for Louisiana in 2009 – 2013. Mr. Schwartz has extensive experience in...

Mr. Deakins began his professional career with Fulbright & Jaworski in Houston and since that time has specialized in labor relations and employment law. He joined the predecessor firm to Ogletree Deakins and became a named partner in that firm. Mr. Deakins was Managing Shareholder of Ogletree Deakins from 1985-2000.Mr. Deakins has extensive experience in all aspects of labor relations law and has handled some of the largest and most highly publicized union elections in the United States ...

Pierrette McCalla is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Pierrette, 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 Pierrette is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jerry has served as bond counsel and underwriter’s counsel in numerous financings in 25 states and in the District of Columbia.

Jeff Belkin is a partner in the firm's Atlanta and Washington, D.C. offices, and is the co-leader of the Construction & Government Contracts Group. Jeff represents contractors in False Claims Act and internal investigations, claims litigation and procurement protests, and advises on complex compliance issues. Jeff is a former Department of Justice (DOJ) trial attorney who is now principal claims and investigations counsel to some of the most successful and sophisticated contractors and ve...