Richard M. Nolen

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...

David R. Yates is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law. David R., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Wesley Burton McDaniel III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. Wesley Burton, 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 Wesley Burton is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Erika C. Birg is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Arbitration, Commercial Litigation and Trade Secrets Law. Erika C., 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 Erika C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Andrew J. Velcoff focuses his practice on entertainment, intellectual property and media law. His practice includes a wide range of institutional and individual entertainment and media clients, including broadcast and cable networks, film and television production companies, marketing companies, on screen talent, writers, and other clients involved in the development, production, acquisition, financing, marketing and distribution of content for motion pictures, television, video, the Internet...

Wayne Melnick is a Partner and Vice-Chair of the firm’s Government Law practice section. He also is a member of the firm’s Tort and Catastrophic Loss practice section where he is Vice-Chair of FMG’s Transportation practice team. Mr. Melnick is an accomplished trial attorney and has tried over 50 jury trials to verdict in cases throughout the country. For every year since 2013, Mr. Melnick has been named a "Georgia Super Lawyer" in the areas of civil law defense and prior to ...

Jared Welsh counsels entertainment and digital media companies, brand owners, and creative individuals on a broad range of entertainment and intellectual property matters. He focuses his practice on complex entertainment, media, technology, and intellectual property transactions, with an emphasis on digital media distribution and the licensing of music, videos, and other entertainment content. Jared also has deep experience in the protection, maintenance, exploitation, and enforcement of copy...

David Sarif is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law, Family Law Arbitration and Family Law Mediation. David, 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 David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John Spangler is a former co-chair of the firm’s Construction & Government Contracts Group and has over 25 years of experience handling construction disputes and negotiating and drafting design and construction contracts. John’s practice focuses on representing owners, contractors and design professionals in construction disputes, including jury trials, arbitrations and mediations. John has defended and prosecuted all types of construction-related claims, including delay, inte...

Theodore H. Davis Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Trademark Law. Theodore H., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Theodore H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.