Roy L. "Skip" Smart III

Peter Barwick is a partner with Alston & Bird's Finance Group and focuses his practice on structured finance matters, including the representation of major financial institutions in their roles as master servicer, certificate administrator, paying agent, trustee, custodian and issuer in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securitization transactions. Peter received his J.D. from Duke University School of Law, where he was a Williams Scholar. He received an M.A.R. in ethics, cum laude, from Y...

Patrick Yingling is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Patrick, who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Patrick is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Clients can rely on Emily to use her experience in federal district and appellate court to advocate for their interests in criminal and civil proceedings. Emily is well regarded for her work as amici curiae for high-profile individuals and as counsel for corporations and individuals in government investigations and litigation. Emily McGowan is well regarded for her work as counsel for organizations and individuals in a variety of complex enforcement and litigation matters. She defends individ...

Richard L. Farley serves as deputy counsel to the firm. Richard helps businesses and their owners across industries avoid and solve the problems, disputes and controversies that can impact their bottom lines. He counsels clients on managing risk in the structuring of contracts and transactions to avoid disputes. When disputes arise, he works closely with his clients to develop appropriate strategies for litigation or voluntary resolution in light of their business goals and potential risks. R...

Mary Katherine Stukes is head of the firm’s Environmental practice. She advises clients on environmental issues involved in all types of business transactions, as well as regulatory compliance issues and environmental litigation. Ranked in Chambers Partners USA since 2017, clients describe her as a “zealous but practical advocate.” Mary Katherine helps manufacturers, real estate developers, lenders, local governments, and other clients find creative solutions in real estate,...

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

Bradley Kline is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Bradley, who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bradley is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stacie Knight is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Stacie, who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stacie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jitty Malik is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Patent and Patent Law. Jitty, who practices law in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jitty is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Wayne McKinzie is co-head of the firm’s Financial Services group, leveraging his years of experience to provide sophisticated, business-oriented counsel to client transactions. Wayne McKinzie is co-head of the firm's 100+ attorney Financial Services practice group. In his more than 25 years at the firm he has developed a broad base of experience representing financial institutions, investment firms, insurance companies and other institutional investors and corporate clients on complex f...