Michael R. Smith

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 ...

Vaibhav P. Kadaba is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent, Patent Law and Trade Secrets Law. Vaibhav P., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Vaibhav P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dean W. Russell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Dean W., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 1997. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Dean W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Edward M. Cherof is a principal in the Atlanta, Georgia, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He is also the co-leader of the firm’s Workplace Training group. Since joining the firm in 1986, Ed has represented employers in all aspects of labor and employment law and litigation. He has extensive experience providing employers with strategic advice relating to union organizing and in proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board. He also regularly assists clients in addressing the full sc...

Jake Kaplan develops tax minimization strategies for families and tax-exempt organizations. Individuals come to Jake for estate and tax planning, while organizations seek Jake’s counsel on tax, governance, regulatory, and New Markets Tax Credit issues. Jake is a partner with Alston & Bird’s Federal & International Tax Group and co-leads the firm’s Tax Credit Transactions Team. He focuses his practice in the areas of estate planning, exempt organizations, and New Mark...

Charles E. Rogers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Charles E., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charles E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Allison M. Ryan is the co-leader of Alston & Bird’s Real Estate Finance & Investment Group, composed of more than 50 attorneys who guide complex transactions nationwide. She represents institutions, investors and developers in equity and development transactions across the U.S. Allison is a dealmaker committed to multiyear and multideal relationships with her clients. She invests in fully understanding her clients’ businesses and goals. She leads all types of real estate t...

J.P. Fougerousse is a real estate lawyer devoted to helping his clients get the most out of their property. In addition to helping clients buy, sell, and develop real property, J.P. is pioneering ways for owners to extract and monetize the ecological values of their property. His creative and business-oriented approach ensures that his client’s objectives are fully realized. In his work representing the full spectrum of real estate investors, developers and users, J.P. regularly advises...

Ben Mathis is the Managing Partner of Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP. He also leads the Firm's Labor & Employment National Practice Section. His practice also includes commercial litigation and directors and officers defense. He has practiced throughout the country and has been lead counsel in cases in 45 states. Mr. Mathis has been selected one of the "Premier Top 100 Trial Attorneys in the State of Georgia" by the American Academy of Trial Attorneys. He ‎has been named the "Atlanta ...

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” ___________________________...