Phyllis B. Sumner

Michael Kohler is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Michael, 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 Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Todd A. Brooks is a Swift Currie partner who focuses his practice on workers’ compensation matters. His clients include national manufacturers, “mom-and-pop” businesses and school systems, as well as city and county governments. In addition to handling client matters, he provides advice to organizations on how they can minimize exposure, mitigate legal risk and better position their businesses to reduce liability. Todd has handled more than 20 jury trials and over 250 bench ...

Mark Goodman defends mid- to large-sized self-insured employers, insurance companies and governmental entities throughout the state of Georgia in workers' compensation claims. He also handles claims brought against nursing homes. A 35-year veteran of the practice, Mark has handled hundreds of mediations and hearings throughout his career. He currently serves on the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation Chairman’s Advisory Committee, providing input on legislation, rules and...

Marcella C. Ducca is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Marcella C., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Marcella C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Garner represents financial institutions, investors and borrowers in a wide range of financing transactions, including syndicated, club and bilateral credit facilities. Lizzie has sharpened her skills as a finance attorney in law firms and while serving as internal legal counsel for a large regional bank. In-house practice has allowed Lizzie to develop a unique insider’s perspective. Having been a law firm client herself, she better understands the needs and priorities of ...

Chris Marquardt is a counselor and trial lawyer who prides himself on helping his clients solve complex problems. He has a diverse trial practice that focuses substantively on commercial litigation and a wide array of labor & employment matters. He also serves as outside General Counsel to educational institutions. Mr. Marquardt has litigated complex disputes for publicly-traded companies, privately-held corporations, small businesses, non-profits, and individuals. He has considerable exp...

William M. Joseph is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. William M., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Melissa Segel represents insurance carriers and businesses in commercial litigation and insurance coverage matters, with an emphasis on defending against bad faith and fraudulent claims. She works with insurance adjusters, special investigative units (SIU) and insureds in both first- and third-party property and bodily injury loss claims in Georgia, including those related to arson, automobile accidents and theft coverage in homeowner and auto insurance policies. Melissa previously worked in ...

Gerald L. Pouncey, Jr. is the Chairman of Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP. A Senior Partner in the firm, he also heads the Environmental and Infrastructure Practices. His primary focus is the acquisition, disposition and/or the redevelopment of properties with significant environmental impact (including state and federal superfund sites), mergers, investments and financing related to such properties and the development and implementation of green energy technologies and strategies. He lectu...