Michael A. Sullivan

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...

Damian M. Hovancik is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law and Tax Law. Damian M., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Damian M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Erin R. Hines is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation and Controversy - Tax and Tax Law. Erin R., 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 Erin R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lesly is an experienced public finance attorney, focusing on municipal bonds, real estate and project finance, structured finance, and economic development incentives.

Lavern was named FordHarrison's first Talent and Recruiting Partner in 2018. In this new role, Lavern is responsible for recruiting and developing lawyers firm-wide. She will oversee the hiring and on-boarding of new lawyers, manage utilization and workflow, and design and implement talent development initiatives to support the career growth of our lawyers. Lavern concentrates her practice on defending employers in discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, whistle-blower, retaliation, employ...

Brian C. Ross, a South Carolina native, graduated from University of South Carolina Upstate with a degree in History and then went on to attend John Marshall Law School in Atlanta. While in law school, Brian was on the mock trial team and clerked for multiple private trial attorneys before interning at the Fulton County District Attorney’s office where he prosecuted felony crimes under the Third Year Practice Act. Brian stood out amongst his peers, often times volunteering for projects ...

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...

Susan Hearne Richardson concentrates her practice in the area of environmental law, including regulatory and compliance counseling, due diligence for real estate and corporate transactions, permitting, enforcement and hazardous site remediation. Ms. Richardson has significant experience in advising clients with regard to the wastewater permitting and enforcement issues, particularly as applicable to municipal governments.

Gary R. Sheehan Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law, Litigation - Environmental and Water Law. Gary R., 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 Gary R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.