Marcia M. Ernst

Cari Dawson is a creative problem solver, legal strategist and committed advocate. She chairs the Class Action Practice Team and has an established track record of successfully defending Fortune 500 companies as lead counsel in high-profile litigation nationwide. Cari has defended hundreds of class actions across an array of industries and regularly assists clients in commercial litigation, strategic counseling and crisis management. In 2015, Cari was named one of the country’s “M...

Caroline Johnson Tanner is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Caroline Johnson practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Caroline Johnson Tanner 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 Caroline Johnson Tanner is held by other lawyers.

Barbara Kihumba is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employment Law - Management. Barbara practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Barbara Kihumba since 2025. 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 Barbara Kihumba is held by other lawyers.

Scott P. Amy is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent and Patent Law. Scott P. practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Scott P. Amy since 2024. 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 Scott P. Amy is held by other lawyers.

Justin Howard is co-leader of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group. He represents public and private companies across a variety of industries in complex mergers and acquisitions, including leveraged acquisitions and dispositions of portfolio investments by private equity funds. He also represents issuers and underwriters in public and private offerings of debt, equity and convertible securities and advises public companies regarding a variety of corporate governance matters. Mr. ...

Chad V. Theriot is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group and a member of the firm’s board of directors. He focuses on major public and commercial construction and infrastructure projects. Chad advises domestic and international clients across a broad spectrum of construction, contracting, and procurement activities. He represents owners, commercial and government contractors, major subcontractors, and original equipment manufacturers in construction litigation and construction clai...

Thomas B. Ward is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Construction Law, Litigation - Construction and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. Thomas B. practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Thomas B. Ward 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 Thomas B. Ward is held by other la...

Honors and Awards Best Lawyers in America: 2003 - 2026 Atlanta Magazine: Named one of the Top 50 Women Georgia Super Lawyers 2010 - 2014 Atlanta Magazine: Georgia Super Lawyers 2006 - 2026 Named a Fellow of the College of Workers' Compensation Lawyers - 2020 - 2026 AV rated Seminars and Publications ATLANTA MEDICINE - JOURNAL OF THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF ATLANTA 2016 VOL. 87, No. 5 ”Keys to Success in Treating Injured Workers: The Patient’s View” ___________________________...

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...

Rick Warren handles all aspects of labor and employment law, including traditional labor law, employment litigation, wage and hour matters and workplace safety. He litigates cases before federal and state courts and administrative agencies throughout the country. He defends both individual and class action cases and has substantial jury trial experience. Rick also handles numerous mediations and arbitrations. He devotes a significant part of his practice to preventive law and advising clients...