Samir C. Patel

Nneka is a Partner in our Atlanta office, and she concentrates her practice on business litigation, general liability, professional malpractice, and ethics. She joined Hall Booth Smith after five years at another firm in Atlanta, where she was the lead associate in insurance defense litigation and developed case strategy, managed discovery, conducted dispositions, drafted dispositive motions and pleadings, and presented oral arguments at motion hearings. Earlier in her career, Nneka was a leg...

Earle R. Taylor III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Public Finance Law and Securitization and Structured Finance Law. Earle R., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Earle R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joseph W. Staley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Patent Law. Joseph W., 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 Joseph W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Clay Walts concentrates his practice in employee benefits and executive compensation, which includes drafting and preparing qualified retirement plans, welfare benefit plans and executive compensation arrangements for both public and closely held companies; addressing employee benefit issues in corporate transactions; advising clients on issues relating to the investment of plan assets and exemptions from the plan asset and prohibited transaction rules; and counseling clients on issues relati...

Brian has been described by his peers as an “exceptionally talented top-tier lawyer,” who is “tenacious,” “hard-working,” and “conscientious.” Brian cares deeply for his clients, and he is devoted to helping them through some of the most difficult times imaginable — the loss of a loved one or coping with the new realities that accompany life-altering personal injuries. Brian has handled a wide range of cases including business fraud, perso...

C. Michael Johnson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. C. Michael, 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 C. Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William D. Deveney is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. William D., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William D. 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...

Trust, estate, business and tax planning attorney Jim Robinson takes a personal interest in the clients he represents, and is appreciated for his dedication to serving as a trusted adviser who cares about their businesses, family and goals for the future. Jim concentrates his practice on estate and corporate planning, working with families and closely held businesses on issues that range from the routine to the complex and involving succession, estate and gift, and sophisticated tax planning,...

Patricia Griffith concentrates her practice on employment litigation, including individual and class action discrimination and harassment cases, employment contracts, wage/hour claims, and other employment-related actions. She tries cases in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies and arbitrators. Patricia has substantial jury and class certification experience. She is adept at mediating disputes, reducing the likelihood of protracted litigation, and serves as an arbitrato...