Laura L. Wartner

Nichole Hair is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Nichole, 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 Nichole is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Key players in the financial services industry, including banks, mortgage companies, and wealth management and investment advisory firms, rely on Chris to guide them through business combination and securities transactions, as well as ownership transition and succession planning transactions. His knowledge is also sought on corporate governance matters and new business formation and registration. Chris Frieden, former co-chair of Alston & Bird’s Financial Services & Products Gro...

With more than a decade of experience focused on the construction of energy, manufacturing and commercial projects, Mike has the experience to guide owners and contractors through complex disputes. He is known for his work on troubled power projects involving high-dollar claims in courts and arbitration inside and outside the U.S. Mike Shanlever devotes his practice to stakeholders in complex capital projects, particularly in the energy, industrial and infrastructure sectors. Across the globe...

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

S. Gregory Joy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. S. Gregory, who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which S. Gregory is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Rebecca Merrill is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. Rebecca, who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Rebecca is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John P. MacMaster is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. John P., 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 John P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

With a background in mechanical engineering and industry experience with aerospace systems integration projects, Chris Lightner practices in Alston & Bird’s Intellectual Property – Mechanical Patents Team. Chris focuses his practice on patent solicitation and counseling, as well as on IP-driven due diligence efforts, licensing agreements, confidentiality considerations, and patent brokerage agreements. Chris prepares and prosecutes U.S. and foreign patent applications for wide...

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...

M. Andrew Kauss is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. M. Andrew, who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which M. Andrew is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.