Michael J. Turton

Amanda Leech is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Amanda practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Amanda Leech 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 Amanda Leech is held by other lawyers.

Craig Cleland defends employers in litigation—including in class actions—and counsels them on compliance and risk management. He is also Co-Chair of the Firm’s Class Action Practice Group. Craig has served on several Atlanta-area nonprofit boards, including as chair. He is currently on the Advisory Committee for the Atlanta Legal Aid Society as well as on the Board of the Atlanta Bar Labor and Employment Section. Craig is also named in Best Lawyers in America, Atlanta Magazi...

Karl F. Dix, Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Karl F. practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Karl F. Dix, Jr. since 2015. 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 Karl F. Dix, Jr. is held by other lawyers.

Rob Stone is a partner in Alston & Bird’s Health Care Group, whose practice focuses on health care compliance and regulatory matters, primarily counseling national health care systems, academic medical centers, physician groups and other health care providers. His skills include assisting with the broad range of federal and state fraud and abuse issues, from compliance program development and review to internal and government investigations. He has extensive experience preparing, ne...

Maren Cave is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Maren practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Maren Cave 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 Maren Cave is held by other lawyers.

Craig Smith serves as counsel to the full spectrum of healthcare and life sciences organizations with a focus on transactional and business matters including mergers and acquisitions, private equity deals and joint ventures. Craig frequently works with hospitals and health systems, physician groups, practice management companies, accountable care organizations (ACOs), ambulatory service centers (ASCs) and other providers to navigate the complex financial and regulatory issues that arise when ...

Russell B. Dunlap is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Patent Law. Russell B. practices law in Atlanta, Georgia Best Lawyers has recognized Russell B. Dunlap since 2027. 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 B. Dunlap is held by other lawyers.

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...

Ashley Brightwell is a partner in Alston & Bird's Labor & Employment Group. Ashley has extensive experience representing management in all areas of employment law, including litigating discrimination and harassment suits, counseling employers on their obligations under various federal and state statutes (such as the Family and Medical Leave Act) and litigating class-action cases alleging violations of the wage and hour laws. Ashley's practice also has a safety and health component tha...

William K Whitner is a business litigator who handles complex civil corporate matters representing clients in state and federal courts and arbitrations around the country. His wide-ranging substantive experience includes contract disputes, business torts, franchise, antitrust and competition, and securities fraud class action related matters. He serves as Global Vice-Chair of the Litigation Department, a team of nearly 300 lawyers across the world. Consistently recognized for his legal excell...