Melody H. Demasi

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...

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...

Jessica (Jess) Sabbath focuses her practice on domestic and cross-border high-stakes litigation and arbitration, with an emphasis on construction disputes arising from large energy and infrastructure projects. Prior to joining McDermott, Jess was senior counsel at a Fortune 500 energy company, where she provided strategic business and legal advice on matters arising from multimillion-dollar contracts. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience as both in-house and outside counsel for energ...

Mark Goodman defends mid- to large-sized self-insured employers, insurance companies and governmental entities throughout the state of Georgia in workers' compensation claims. He also handles claims brought against nursing homes. A 35-year veteran of the practice, Mark has handled hundreds of mediations and hearings throughout his career. He currently serves on the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation Chairman’s Advisory Committee, providing input on legislation, rules and...

Dan Douglass is an attorney in the Atlanta office of Stites where he practices in the areas of construction law, business litigation and alternative dispute resolution. He has been a member of the Georgia Bar for more than 35 years and is admitted to practice in all Georgia courts and numerous federal courts. He is a member of construction and ADR sections of the American, Georgia and Atlanta Bar Associations, and a past president of the Atlanta Bar Construction Law Section. He has been an ac...

Margaret W. Scott concentrates her practice on estate planning, fiduciary and tax litigation, estate settlement, trust administration, charitable planning, charitable solicitation law and exempt organizations. Margaret is a fellow of the American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel. She is the past chair of the Nonprofit Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia and is the Secretary of of the Fiduciary Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia. She is the President of the Atlanta Estate Plannin...

Janine Brown is an M&A and corporate partner who serves as partner-in-charge of the firm’s Atlanta office. She works with companies in a variety of sectors, including technology, media, telecommunications, renewable energy and manufacturing, and has been involved in a wide variety of domestic and international transactions, including capital raising transactions, corporate governance matters, mergers and acquisitions, information technology transactions, joint ventures/strategic all...

Edwin Treese is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Edwin practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Edwin Treese 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 Edwin Treese is held by other lawyers.

Brian Harvel has the experience to assist with planning and executing complex international transactions. His clients see him as a trusted advisor and leader in efficiently managing a team of lawyers around the globe to establish a tax-efficient structure that fits seamlessly with their business needs. Brian is a partner in the Federal & International Tax Group whose practice focuses on complex tax structuring and planning for a wide range of domestic and international business entities. ...

Michael W. Rafter is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Advertising Law and Trademark Law. Michael W. practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Michael W. Rafter since 2007. 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 Michael W. Rafter is held by other lawyers.