Keith Taylor

David Darden is a client-oriented attorney with two primary areas of emphasis: advocating for healthcare providers in the regulatory process and advising both healthcare and other clients during technology contract negotiations. David’s extensive historical litigation experience helps him provide his clients with a uniquely valuable perspective in these processes. On the healthcare side, David's practice centers on representing hospitals and other providers in Georgia's certificate of n...

Kathryn Baldwin Hecker is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Kathryn Baldwin practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Kathryn Baldwin Hecker since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Kathryn Baldwin Hecker is held by other lawyers.

Deborah B. Hembree is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Deborah B. practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Deborah B. Hembree since 2023. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Deborah B. Hembree is held by other lawyers.

Seslee S. Smith is a litigator and trial lawyer with more than 23 years experience who focuses her practice on the defense of companies in complex litigation. Ms. Smith is a partner in the firm’s Commercial Litigation Practice and has successfully litigated commercial disputes, products liability actions, insurance coverage disputes and healthcare related matters in federal and state courts, including jury trials, as well as before regulatory agencies, in arbitration proceedings and in ...

John C. Spinrad is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental. John C. practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized John C. Spinrad since 2008. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which John C. Spinrad is held by other lawyers.

Mark Williamson is a partner and chair of Alston & Bird's Wealth Planning and Exempt Organizations Group. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and practices in the areas of estate planning and federal taxation. Mr. Williamson practiced with the Milwaukee law firm of Foley & Lardner before joining Alston & Bird and has been an adjunct professor of law at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and Georgia State University in Atlanta. He was on the facul...

Since 1978, John Mercer has concentrated his law practice in the areas of project and corporate finance and other complex transactions, with particular emphasis on the electric power industry. John has extensive experience and expertise in project finance, corporate finance and securities offerings, joint ventures and joint ownership arrangements, mergers and acquisitions, and independent power projects. In June 2009, John left his position as the long-time, firm-wide head of the Project Deve...

A former justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia, Keith Blackwell offers clients uncommon insight as they navigate high-stakes lawsuits and appeals. When clients are confronted in litigation with issues of first impression, unfavorable precedents, esoteric law, or an appeal from an adverse judgment, they turn to Justice Blackwell for strategic guidance informed by his judicial experience. Keith Blackwell served more than eight years as a justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia and served near...

Shattuck (“Tucker”) Ely is a trial lawyer focusing on the representation of policyholders in insurance coverage disputes. Tucker is a member of the American College of Coverage Counsel, and was named the Best Lawyers™ 2020 Insurance Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Atlanta. For more than twenty years, Tucker has helped policyholders resolve disputes with their insurance carriers. Tucker has recovered more than $300 million for his clients under a variety of insurance ...

Steven A. Pepper is a partner in the Real Estate Practice (including the Multifamily Practice), the Commercial Lending Practice, and the Healthcare Real Estate Practice. He is a former member of the firm's Executive Committee and a former co-chair of the firm's Diversity Committee. He serves clients out of the Atlanta office. Best Lawyers named Mr. Pepper the "Atlanta Best Lawyers Real Estate Law Lawyer of the Year" for 2012. Mr. Pepper focuses his practice on the representation of multifamil...