Michael J. Ernst

John A. Decker is a partner in Holland & Knight's Atlanta office and serves as co-chair of the firm’s Real Estate Finance Team. He focuses his practice on the areas of real estate finance and development with a specific emphasis on commercial real estate. Mr. Decker represents a wide range of clients in diverse matters such as corporate and asset based lending, healthcare finance, real estate investment trusts (REITs), acquisitions and dispositions of owned and leased assets, genera...

Laura Hester is foremost a business lawyer with a practice centered on complex commercial real estate and corporate transactions. She builds long-standing relationships with clients by being attentive, learning about the complexities of their businesses, and providing concierge-level service on each deal, from the beginning of a project to the end. Laura’s clients look to her to help them solve intricate problems and to partner with them to achieve their short- and long-term goals. Repr...

Fortune 100 companies trust Matthew Kent to prosecute and defend global price-fixing cartels and other complex disputes. The counsel he provides allows his clients to minimize risk while achieving their business objectives. Matthew focuses on bet-the-company antitrust litigation and counseling, with experience in the competition issues at the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry. He has litigated cases in federal courts throughout the country.

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...

Clients dealing with distressed real estate loans and the disposition of commercial real estate turn to Eric Berardi for strategic counsel and guidance. Eric represents financial institutions, debt funds, and loan servicers in the acquisition, modification, and resolution of distressed commercial real estate loans, including the pursuit of foreclosure, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, and receivership remedies. Eric also represents a variety of companies on the disposition of hotel, office, retai...

Russell Love is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Nonprofit / Charities Law and Trusts and Estates. Russell practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Russell Love 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 Russell Love is held by other lawyers.

Alexander B. Foster is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Health Care Law. Alexander B. practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Alexander B. Foster since 2026. 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 Alexander B. Foster is held by other lawyers.

Steve McNiff's background in electrical engineering, as well as his proven, cost-effective problem-solving skills make him the right counsel to aid clients in the fast-paced world of IP. His practice includes all areas of intellectual property litigation and counseling, with a particular emphasis on patent litigation and enforcement. Steve has represented clients in patent infringement lawsuits in the International Trade Commission and federal district courts across the United States, includi...

Robert D. Klingler is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Banking and Finance Law. Robert D. practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Robert D. Klingler since 2019. 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 Robert D. Klingler is held by other lawyers.

George Abney offers his clients confident guidance through civil and criminal tax controversy matters. He honed his skills as a federal prosecutor for the Department of Justice, where he was recognized by former Attorney General John Ashcroft as a Tax Division Outstanding Attorney. George is a partner on the firm’s Tax Controversy Team, whose practice focuses on civil and criminal tax controversy matters. George has significant trial and appellate experience gained from years as a feder...