Leah Ward Sears

Mark Ray offers health care clients a nuanced and business-focused approach to public or private company M&A and corporate finance transactions. His knowledge of the unique regulations, risks, and market pressures affecting health care companies results in unique insights and creates value for his clients. Mark is the former chair of Alston & Bird’s Health Care Group, which includes teams of corporate, FDA, health policy, and health care compliance lawyers. He concentrates his p...

Andy Tuck is a patent-barred commercial litigator focusing on international arbitration and federal litigation, primarily in the areas of antitrust and life insurance matters. His electrical engineering background allows him to represent clients entangled in litigation involving high technology, and he also has years of experience litigating appeals in state and federal courts. Andy also has extensive experience in insurance litigation, handling cost-of-insurance class actions for insurers an...

Kristen M. Lewis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Kristen M., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kristen M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Nancy Baughan thrives on guiding her clients through complex litigation and arbitration matters. Her tireless, in-depth approach drives client confidence, leading to excellent outcomes across the board. Nancy has a strong track record of finding creative ways to win for her clients via dispositive motions, in trial and arbitration, and on appeal. Nancy has honed her skills in representing financial institutions and public and private companies in a wide range of litigation and arbitration mat...

James A. “Jim” Goldstein is the founding partner of Goldstein & Hayes, P.C. , a nationally recognized personal injury law firm based in Atlanta, Georgia focused on representing the rights of those seriously injured. Since the mid 1980’s, Jim has been the senior, first name partner directly responsible for the multitude of million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements upon which the reputation of the firm is based. In addition to Best Lawyers , Jim is named as...

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...

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

Allegra Lawrence-Hardy is creative and results-oriented. She uses strategic analysis and innovative thinking to develop legal solutions that work for her clients. She has successfully defended Fortune 100 companies throughout the United States and abroad in numerous trials, arbitrations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Allegra is known for her skill in trying cases and working through complex settlements with tenacity and patience. Allegra also develops processes, tools and ...

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.