Penn Payne

Chris Mangum is the head of the Global Services Committee, which oversees the international practice of Alston & Bird. He concentrates his practice on acquisitions, joint ventures and international business transactions, both outbound and inbound. On behalf of U.S., European and Latin American investors, Mr. Mangum handles acquisitions and joint ventures in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Russia...

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...

Jennifer Stobie Schumacher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Jennifer Stobie, who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jennifer Stobie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Ware earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia where he excelled in national Moot Court competition, a precursor to his work as a trial lawyer. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of West Georgia (formerly West Georgia College) and attended on academic and athletic scholarships. While there, he was elected to the Blue Key National Honor society and Phi Eta Sigma (the small school counterpart of Phi Beta Kappa), served as a student government leader, ...

Kendel Drew is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Kendel, who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kendel is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John S. Ducat has a global construction law practice concentrated on the representation of owners/employers, developers, and contractors in complex transactional and litigation matters concerning the development and construction of major projects. He regularly counsels clients in numerous sectors and his broad range of experience includes work on manufacturing facilities, warehouse and distribution centers, data centers, infrastructure, renewable energy projects, nuclear power plants, airport...

Sean P. Fogarty is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Sean P., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sean P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jay C. Ruby is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Jay C., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jay C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kara Kennedy is counsel on Alston & Bird’s Litigation & Trial Practice Team. Kara represents clients in state and federal courts across the country and has experience with a wide range of litigation matters, including complex commercial litigation, consumer class actions, antitrust, products liability, internal investigations and insurance coverage disputes. She focuses her practice on consumer fraud class actions, with a particular emphasis on strategies for organizing and mana...

David is in our Public Finance, Tax Incentives and Credit Markets Group. He has extensive experience in tax-exempt and taxable revenue bond financing. His practice focuses on debt financing for various types of senior living communities and affordable housing communities.