Phyllis B. Sumner

Read's practice focuses upon representing employers in connection with lawsuits, charges, claims, arbitrations, grievances, and appeals filed by employees. He also proactively counsels and advises employers regarding various aspects of employment law (including non-competition and trade secret matters); assists employers in designing and implementing personnel policies and procedures, employee handbooks, employment agreements (including non-competition agreements), and employment dispute reso...

Charles Ruffin, shareholder in the Firm's Atlanta and Macon offices, has amassed over 30 years a wide array of litigation experience. He currently concentrates his practice in eminent domain and condemnation law, representing landowners and business operators of all sizes in eminent domain, condemnation and inverse condemnation matters. Mr. Ruffin's clients include a wide variety of national and international businesses from large multinational corporations to small individually owned busines...

Uly Samuel Gunn brings both law firm and in-house experience to bear for his clients in trademark and copyright practice. Sam is counsel in the Trademark & Copyright Group. He focuses his practice on trademark and copyright enforcement, litigation, prosecution, and counseling. Most recently, Sam worked for a large private company in the diverse areas of consumer retail tableware, professional food service, apparel fiber, machine learning and data analytics, packaging and cellulose, agricu...

Walter E. Jones is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Walter E., 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 Walter E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Woody Vaughan is a partner in Holland & Knight's Atlanta office, where his practice focuses on public finance transactions, economic development projects and multifamily housing finance. Mr. Vaughan leads the firm's Georgia Public Finance Initiative and has substantial experience in tax-exempt finance for state and local governments; multifamily housing facilities; stadiums; and governmental and nonprofit healthcare, educational and other facilities. He routinely serves as bond counsel an...

As an experienced litigator, Michelle counsels corporate and individual clients regarding risk management and pre-suit strategy, in addition to providing representation at all phases of litigation in state and federal court, from commencement through appeal. Michelle represents clients in consumer and commercial arbitration proceedings. Michelle’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation, primarily in the areas of product and premises liability, insurance claims and coverage matters...

Key players in the financial services industry, including banks, mortgage companies, and wealth management and investment advisory firms, rely on Chris to guide them through business combination and securities transactions, as well as ownership transition and succession planning transactions. His knowledge is also sought on corporate governance matters and new business formation and registration. Chris Frieden, former co-chair of Alston & Bird’s Financial Services & Products Gro...

Amanda N. Brouillette is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Amanda N., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Amanda N. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brent L. Wilson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Brent L., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2012. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brent L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John Hickman is head of the firm’s Health Benefits Practice, where he leads several attorneys devoted exclusively to health care reform issues under the Affordable Care Act, HIPAA privacy, health savings accounts (HSAs) and consumer-directed health care, flexible benefit plans and related health benefit issues. Mr. Hickman has worked closely with health plans, financial institutions and employers, as well as the IRS, Treasury and DOL, in addressing health benefit issues. Mr. Hickman has...