Stephen D. Councill

Richard Hays is the Managing Partner of Alston & Bird. Since 2008, he has led the strategic direction of the firm and played a key role in its growth and performance. Mr. Hays also chairs the firm’s Administrative Committee. The firm has offices in New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte, Silicon Valley, Research Triangle and Brussels. Prior to his election as the Managing Partner, Mr. Hays served as the firm’s Financial Partner and also headed the ...

Alwyn R. Fredericks is a trial attorney with Cash, Krugler & Fredericks LLC in Atlanta, Georgia . His practice focuses on representing individuals and families harmed by negligence, with an emphasis on medical malpractice , personal injury litigation and product liability litigation on behalf of plaintiffs. Through his work, he helps clients pursue accountability from hospitals, manufacturers and other parties when preventable injuries cause lasting consequences. Mr. Fredericks is known f...

Hugh Peterson III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Hugh, 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 Hugh is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Natasha L. Wilson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Natasha L., 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 Natasha L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Alyson J. Markovich is a Partner in the firm’s Commercial Real Estate Development & Finance and Hospitality Practices. Alyson focuses her practice on the representation of clients engaged in the acquisition, development, disposition and financing of commercial real estate, specializing in the hospitality and lodging industry. Alyson’s practice also includes representing lending institutions in SBA guaranteed loans and small business lending including 7(a) and 504 loans as well...

Brad C. Parrott is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law. Brad 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 Brad C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Halsey Knapp is a trial lawyer who regularly advises clients on crisis management and best practices with particular emphasis on business arrangements, real estate transactions, graceful employment departures, legal ethics, and more antagonistic, high stakes, business divorces and business litigation. As a seasoned negotiator, Halsey frequently handles relationship issues with lawyers, clients, suppliers, competitors, owners, operators and the occasional government prosecutor or regulator. Al...

Mr. Watson is chair of the Bankruptcy Group. His practice focuses on representing secured lenders in pre-bankruptcy workouts and Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases. In addition, Mr. Watson represents several national franchisors in bankruptcy cases of franchisees and is a frequent lecturer on a variety of bankruptcy related topics. He is licensed to practice in Georgia and New York and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Bankruptcy Law Institute. Mr. Watson is listed in Chamber...

Susan Hearne Richardson concentrates her practice in the area of environmental law, including regulatory and compliance counseling, due diligence for real estate and corporate transactions, permitting, enforcement and hazardous site remediation. Ms. Richardson has significant experience in advising clients with regard to the wastewater permitting and enforcement issues, particularly as applicable to municipal governments.

Mr. Leonard focuses on assisting private investors, high net worth individuals, hedge funds, business owners, and small to middle-market companies in navigating complicated corporate and financial issues, including raising and investing capital, restructurings, distressed debt/insolvency and corporate control disputes. He brings over 25 years of big firm experience working on mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, investment fund organization and regulatory compliance, corporate and ...