Attorney Intel is pleased to announce The Top 25 Attorneys of Georgia for 2024. The legal profession has always been one of distinction for the state of Georgia. President Woodrow Wilson was a Georgia attorney. For a smaller geographical state, Georgia has over 20,000 attorneys working hard to maintain the state’s ethical standards for legal professionals. That number is expected to continue growing by at least ten percent annually. With the University of Georgia’s School of Law ranked among the top 20 in the country, attorneys in the state of Georgia are of the highest caliber.
Among this year’s awardees is John Bielema, an award-winning Partner at Bryan Cave, who has defended dozens of securities class actions and derivative suits, conducted internal investigations for special committees and audit committees, and represented individuals and companies in SEC investigations. Also being honored is Carlos Encinas, Partner at Ackerman LLP who leverages his extensive background in public finance to represent public and private entities on major capital projects and who serves as a committee chair for the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association Board of Directors. Finally, we honor Marie Joseph, who, after a prestigious 30-year career is now General Counsel for the global construction material supplier, Boral Industries, reporting to the executive suite.
With so many talented attorneys leading the charge in the state of Georgia, it was no easy task narrowing the list down to 25. All of the awardees are top performers in their field working for leading law firms and corporations. Please join us in recognizing the accomplishments of The Top 25 Attorneys of Georgia for 2024.
1. Vivek Patel
Partner, Baker McKenzie
Vivek Patel is a Partner in the Tax Practice Group at Baker McKenzie, an international law firm headquartered in Chicago with over 70 global offices. Patel joined the company in 2014 as a tax associate and quickly moved up the ranks. Patel’s legal practice focuses on the resolution of Federal income tax controversies and disputes with the IRS and other taxing authorities. He is also well-versed in both domestic and international tax planning and strategy for corporate transactions.
Previously, Patel was an attorney advisor (law clerk) at the United States Tax Court and before that an associate at Alston & Bird LLP. Earlier in his career, he worked with the Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta as an advisory committee member. Patel earned a J.D. in law from Emory University School of Law, an LLM in taxation from New York University School of Law, and an undergraduate degree in accounting & legal studies from the University of Miami.
2. Jane Warring
Partner, Zelle
Jane Warring is a Partner at Zelle LLP, an international litigation and dispute resolution law firm with offices in nine major U.S. cities and London. Zelle focuses on insurance, antitrust, and other complex litigation on both a national and global scale. Warring has 21 years of experience representing international and U.S. insurers in disputes with policyholders. She focuses on first-party property, cyber risk, and builders’ risk policies, with a specialty in complex business interruption claims, allegations of bad faith, and fraudulent claims. Warring litigates nationwide in state and federal court and has a track record of favorable resolutions.
Before joining Zelle, Warring was a senior counsel at Clyde & Co., and a senior associate at Robins, Kaplan, Miller, & Ciresi L.L.P. Earlier in her career she worked with Holland & Knight, LLP as an associate. Warring graduated from Emory University School of Law with a J.D. in law and from the University of Florida with an undergraduate degree in philosophy.
3. Dara Mann
Partner, Squire Patton Boggs
Dara Mann is a class action and product liability litigator in the Atlanta, Georgia office of the global law firm, Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP. Today, she is a Partner at Squire Patton Boggs. Squire Patton Boggs is a full-service global law firm providing insight at the point where law, business, and government meet. She has more than 25 years of experience functioning as national, strategic, or coordinating counsel for multiple Fortune 200 corporations in complex litigation involving class action, product liability/toxic torts, and environmental and commercial disputes.
Mann’s product liability experience encompasses mass tort and consumer fraud actions involving a broad array of products, including automobiles, airplanes, and industrial machinery, as well as asbestos, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer products. With a demonstrated strength in developing innovative and effective strategies in high-stakes litigation, Mann has litigated cases in federal and state courts throughout the country in numerous states. She is also an active member of the Product Liability Advisory Council (PLAC) and served on the PLAC board of directors from 2011–2016. Mann earned a J.D. from Emory University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in history and political science from Agnes Scott College.
4. Chris Rosselli
Partner, Eversheds Sutherland
Chris Rosselli began his professional career 29 years ago. Today, he is a Partner at Eversheds Sutherland, a firm focused on assisting a wide variety of businesses with complex, multi-jurisdictional business issues and transactions.
Rosselli started his career in 1995 as a teacher and coach at The Westminster Schools. From there, he went on to Alston & Bird LLP, before eventually rising to attorney in corporate transactions at Delta Air Lines, his most recent position before joining Eversheds Sutherland. Rosselli graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law with a J.D. and from Haverford College with an undergraduate degree in history and Spanish.
Chris Rosselli Insight
“It has been really fun for me to return to a corporate M&A practice after several years of in-house experience. I love being able to use everything I learned on the client side to deliver great results for my current relationships.”
5. Adwoa Awotwi
General Counsel, LocumTenens.com
Adwoa Awotwi currently serves as General Counsel and Partner of LocumTenens.com, LLC, an Atlanta-based company focused on innovative medical staffing solutions, specializing in optimizing healthcare staffing strategies with flexible, hybrid, and temporary placement of physicians, advanced practice providers, and psychologists through both onsite and telehealth services. Awotwi serves as the Chair of LocumTenen’s Inclusion Advisory Council, which promotes the company’s DE&I efforts.
Before joining LocumTenens.com, she served as assistant general counsel of Jackson Healthcare, the parent company of LocumTenens.com. Before working with the Jackson family of companies, Awotwi was a senior associate with the law firm of Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP (now Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, LLP), in its Atlanta office, where her practice focused on securities regulation, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, investment management and general corporate advice. Awotwi received her undergraduate degree from Yale University and her J.D. from Duke University School of Law.
Adwoa Awotwi Insight
“Working at LT has exposed me to a variety of legal issues and has forced me to expand the way I view legal problems that arise in the course of operating a business. For me, it’s not just about the black-and-white legal principles at play, it’s also about making sure my internal clients feel comfortable that I understand the business issues they face daily and that my legal guidance takes into account those nuances of the business. I truly love my job. I am appreciative of the innovative people with whom I work and the opportunity to continue to grow my legal chops, even after twenty years of practice.”
6. Robin McGrath
Partner, Quinn Emanuel
Robin McGrath is a partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan with over 28 years of experience litigating patent, trademark, and trade secret disputes. Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is a business litigation firm with over 1000 lawyers—the largest in the world devoted solely to business litigation and arbitration. McGrath has been lead counsel in numerous jury and bench trials and has appeared before the Federal Circuit Court on several occasions.
Previously, McGrath was a partner at Duane Morris LLP and before that a partner at Paul Hastings. Earlier in her career she worked with Alston & Bird LLP as a partner. McGrath is a 1995 graduate of the University of Florida, Levin College of Law, where she was managing editor of the Law Review. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Texas at Austin in 1989.
Robin McGrath Insight
"Litigating intellectual property disputes for the past 28 years has allowed me to practice with and learn from some of the sharpest legal minds there are. I can think of no other profession that rivals the legal profession in allowing critical thinking to be combined with creativity and even a bit of drama on an almost daily basis. There are few things more professionally satisfying to me than piecing together years of hard work to present a compelling and ultimately successful story at trial."
7. Carlos Encinas
Partner, Akerman
Carlos Encinas is a Partner at Akerman LLP, a firm with more than 700 lawyers and business professionals who collaborate with global enterprises and entrepreneurs to navigate change, seize opportunities, and help drive innovation and growth. Encinas represents public sector and private sector clients on the financing and other aspects of major capital projects in a variety of counsel roles. Having previously served as an assistant city attorney and as an attorney-advisor fellow with a federal agency, Encinas has unique and in-depth experience in the areas of public finance, finance, infrastructure public-private partnerships, and economic development. He is a member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers and serves as Chair of the Government Relations and Strategic Planning Committee of the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association’s Board of Directors.
Before joining Akerman, Encinas was a senior associate at Alston & Bird and counsel at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough. Earlier in his career, he worked with the City of Chicago as an assistant corporation counsel. Encinas graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law with a J.D. and an LL.M. in commercial real estate, and he served as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Computer and Information Law. He graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with an undergraduate degree in political science.
8. Suneet Sidhu
Partner, Dentons
Suneet Sidhu is a Partner at Dentons, one of the largest global law firms with a presence in over 80 countries. Sidhu joined the company in 2015. He advises many of the world’s leading financial institutions, investors, and developers in connection with commercial real estate transactions. He also has extensive experience drafting financing agreements, credit agreements, and related security documents. Sidhu is regarded by both clients and counterparties as a creative problem solver and an effective dealmaker.
Earlier in his career, he worked with McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP as an associate in real estate and finance. Sidhu earned a J.D. in law from Emory University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in political science, Spanish, and international relations from the University of Florida.
9. John Bielema
Partner, Bryan Cave
John R. “Jake” Bielema is a Partner at Bryan Cave, an international corporate law firm with dozens of practice areas. He has been practicing securities litigation for over 30 years and has subsequently developed a national reputation as an expert in that area. He currently co-chairs the firmwide Securities Litigation Practice Group. Bielema has defended dozens of securities class actions and derivative suits, conducted internal investigations for special committees and audit committees, represented individuals and companies in SEC investigations, and defended a wide variety of shareholder disputes. His practice is national and includes most major jurisdictions in the United States.
Bielema is on the approved securities litigation panels for major directors and officers liability insurance carriers and has been the recipient of several annual recognitions for excellence in the area of securities and corporate litigation. He is the former chair of the Litigation Section of the Atlanta Bar Association and is a co-founder of that Sections Securities and Corporate Litigation subsection. He is also a former chair of the Atlanta Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, as well as a co-chair of the ABA’s Securities Litigation Committee. Bielema graduated from the University of Michigan Law School with a J.D. and from Hope College with an undergraduate degree.
10. Alvin Johnson
Partner, Holland & Knight
Alvin Johnson is a Partner at Holland & Knight, a firm whose mission is to provide seamless, efficient client-centric services over a wide range of industries. Johnson began his career in 2004 and is currently a corporate and private equity attorney. He is well-versed in M&A law and has structured and negotiated corporate transactions across many industries.
Before joining Holland & Knight, Johnson was an associate at DLA Piper, and before that an owner and operator at Liberty Tax Service. Earlier in his career, he worked with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals as a sales representative. Johnson graduated from Emory University School of Law with a J.D. and from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University with a Master in Business Administration in marketing.
11. Kristy Caron
Partner, Fox Rothschild
Kristy Caron began her professional career seven years ago, and today she is a Partner at Fox Rothschild, a firm with over 1,000 attorneys. Caron has a diverse practice but focuses on advising individuals and businesses on corporate and tax strategy law. She is particularly well-versed in tax credits and charitable land donations.
Caron started her career in 2017 as a general counsel at TPM, Inc. her most recent position before joining Fox Rothschild. Caron graduated from the University of Denver-Sturm College of Law with an LLM in tax law and from Vermont Law and Graduate School with a J.D. She received her undergraduate degree in political science and government from the University of Connecticut.
12. Frank Layson
Partner, McDermott Will & Emery
Frank Layson is a Partner at McDermott Will & Emery which he founded in 2020. McDermott Will & Emery now has over 20 locations globally, with over 1,400 lawyers working across practices, industries, and geographies. to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. Layson is an M&A attorney who has represented numerous high-profile clients, like Coca-Cola and the Home Depot in their respective acquisitions and takeovers.
Previously, Layson was a partner at DLA Piper and before that a partner at Jones Day. Earlier in his career, he worked with McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP as a partner. Layson earned a J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law and an undergraduate degree in political science from Emory University.
13. Mary Alexander Myers
Partner, Jones Day
Mary Alexander Myers is a Partner at Jones Day, a firm with over 2,400 lawyers in 40 offices working in multiple business and finance disciplines and jurisdictions. Myers has 12 years of experience and focuses her practice on technology transactions, cybersecurity and privacy, and intellectual property protection.
She also serves as vice chair of the technology division on the Executive Committee of the State Bar of Georgia Privacy and Technology Section. She frequently speaks on technology and privacy-related issues. Myers graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School with a J.D. and from Emory University with an undergraduate degree.
14. Jonathan Lippert
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Porsche Financial Services
Jonathan C. Lippert is the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Porsche Financial Services, Inc. (“PFS”), the dedicated provider of leasing and finance products for Porsche in the United States. Porsche Financial Services, Inc. provides custom financial solutions and products to Porsche customers and dealers in the U.S. and Canada. Lippert established the PFS Legal Department in 2021 and is responsible for legal and regulatory matters in the U.S.
Before his current role, he served as assistant general counsel for Porsche Cars North America, which he joined in 2014. Before joining Porsche, Lippert worked as an associate at Ballard Spahr in Washington, DC, and Greenberg Traurig in Atlanta. Lippert earned his J.D. from Emory University School of Law and his B.A. in political science from Boston College.
Jonathan Lippert Insight
“I am incredibly fortunate to work with such a great team at the intersection of complex legal opportunities and passion for the Porsche brand.”
15. Alex Shin
Partner, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough
Alex Shin began his professional career 13 years ago. Today, he is a Partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, a full-service Am Law 100 firm of more than 1,000 attorneys, policy advisors, and professionals with offices across the United States. Shin practices in the areas of commercial real estate, lending, and real estate capital markets. He also represents emerging and growth-stage companies in connection with general corporate matters, including entity formation and corporate governance, debt and equity financing matters, equity compensation, employment matters, and mergers and acquisitions, often serving as his client’s outside general counsel.
Shin also represents Korean companies in connection with general corporate matters in a similar capacity as a general outside counsel. He graduated from Emory University School of Law/Goizueta Business School with a J.D. and an M.B.A., and from the University of Virginia with an undergraduate degree in economics and foreign affairs.
16. William Underwood
Partner, Jones Walker
William Underwood is a Partner at Jones Walker LLP. He joined the company in 2016 as an associate. Underwood is a member of the construction litigation team and has represented and advised an array of clients in both the United States and abroad on construction issues like contract drafting and risk mitigation.
Previously, Underwood was an associate at Carlock, Copeland & Stair, LLP. Earlier in his career, he worked with Tisinger Vance, P.C. as an associate. Underwood earned a J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in European history and classics from Washington and Lee University.
17. Joshua Viau
Partner, Fisher Phillips
Joshua Viau is a Partner at Fisher Phillips, an Atlanta-headquartered firm with 37 offices, specializing in representing employers in labor and employment matters. Fisher Phillips’ attorneys practice before state and federal courts and administrative agencies in virtually every state. Viau has 24 years of experience and focuses his practice on advising employers on human relations and labor relations issues. He is experienced with both state and federal employment regulations and he represents both national and local clients.
Earlier in his career, he worked with Elarbee, Thompson, Sapp & Wilson, LLP as a partner. Viau graduated from Emory University School of Law with a J.D. in law and from Michigan State University with an undergraduate degree in human resource management.
18. Marie Joseph
General Counsel, Boral Industries
Marie Joseph began her professional career 30 years ago. Today, she is the General Counsel of Boral Industries, the largest vertically integrated construction materials company in Australia with an extensive global footprint. As General Counsel, Joseph reports to the executives of Boral Industries and the Boral North America executive committee. In addition to advising on legal issues that arise on a day-to-day basis, she also handles corporate transactions, monitors litigation, and provides merger and acquisition support.
Joseph graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an undergraduate degree in business administration and law.
19. Bryan Stillwagon
General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Unifi
Bryan Stillwagon is the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Unifi, the largest aviation ground handling services company in North America. He joined the company in 2020 as Vice President and Associate General Counsel. Stillwagon leads the company’s legal team and provides strategic counsel for the company's employees and its expansive operations. He is well-versed in complex litigation and corporate transactions.
Previously, Stillwagon was a partner at Thompson Hine LLP and before that a partner at Sherman & Howard. Earlier in his career, he worked with Paul Hastings as an attorney. Stillwagon earned a J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law and an undergraduate degree in international affairs, and Spanish from The University of Georgia.
20. Doug Balyeat
General Counsel, Vice President, and Secretary, Pratt Industries
Doug Balyeat is the General Counsel, Vice President, and Secretary of Pratt Industries, a Georgi-headquarter manufacturer of sustainable corrugated packaging and display solutions with facilities across 25 states and Mexico. Balyeat has 33 years of experience and, in his current position, he advises Pratt Industries on several corporate legal matters. As a former practicing CPA, Balyeat provides an additional layer of financial knowledge in his role as counsel.
Before joining Pratt Industries, Balyeat was a founding partner at Balyeat + Associates, LLC. Prior to that, he was an attorney at Paul Hastings. Earlier in his career, Balyeat worked with EY as an auditor. He graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law with a J.D. in law.
21. Joseph Carragher
General Counsel, Primerica
Joseph Carragher began his professional career 35 years ago. Today, he is General Counsel for Primerica, a prominent financial services company in North America, with a workforce of over 2,000 corporate employees. Primeria’s focus is on serving the needs of middle-income families, offering products such as term life insurance, mutual funds, annuities, mortgages, and senior health solutions. In his current position, Carragher handles all legal matters relating to the New York Life Insurance subsidiary of Primerica and assists with contract matters and investment advisory.
Carragher started his career in 1989 as a legislative aide at the New York State Senate. From there, he went on to King & Carragher. Carragher graduated from Emory University School of Law with a J.D. and from the University at Albany, SUNY with an undergraduate degree in political science and Russian language.
22. Jay Shah
General Counsel, Securities, Corporate Finance & Global Cybersecurity, Honeywell
Jay Shah is General Counsel, Securities, Corporate Finance & Global Cybersecurity of Honeywell. He joined the company in 2021. Honeywell is renowned for its innovative technologies that tackle complex challenges associated with global macrotrends like safety, security, and energy. Shah is known professionally for his pragmatic approach to handling legal matters in fast-paced environments. He is experienced in advising executive-level management and for structuring and negotiating high-worth corporate transactions.
Previously, Shah was Vice President & Associate General Counsel at Wolters Kluwer and a senior associate at Alston & Bird, LLP. Earlier in his career, he worked with Haskell Slaughter Young & Rediker, LLC as an associate. Shah earned a J.D. and MBA in corporate law and corporate finance from The University of Alabama School of Law and an undergraduate degree in economics and finance from Washington University in St. Louis.
23. Leslie Slavich
General Counsel, Spanx
Leslie Slavich is the General Counsel of Spanx, an innovative shapewear, clothing, and activewear company launched in 2000. Slavich has 21 years of experience. In her current position, she is responsible for leading the legal, compliance, governance, and risk management functions for Spanx and serves as the legal advisor to the executive leaders handling any issues that may come up for the company.
Earlier in her career she worked with Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP as an associate. Slavich graduated from Georgetown University Law Center with a J.D. and from Florida State University with an undergraduate degree in biochemistry.
24. Shasha Zou
General Counsel, VERO Biotech
Shasha Zou began her professional career 11 years ago. Today, she is General Counsel for VERO Biotech. Vero Biotech is an up-and-coming biotechnology company with a focus on designing, developing, and commercializing next-generation inhaled nitric oxide delivery systems. Their primary goal is to address the unmet medical needs of patients with cardiopulmonary conditions. At Vero Biotech, Zou advises the executive leadership team and handles an array of corporate legal matters.
Zou started her career in 2013 as an associate at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, before eventually rising to senior associate at King & Spalding, her most recent position before joining VERO Biotech. Zou graduated from Duke University School of Law with a J.D. and from Northwestern University with an undergraduate degree in political science and international studies.
25. Rob Ream
Attorney, Liberty Mutual Insurance
Rob Ream is a staff attorney at Liberty Mutual Insurance, a global property and casualty insurance company offering a range of insurance services and products. Ream has been in the legal profession since 1990. He joined the Liberty Mutual team in 1995 and has over 28 years of experience advising the company. Ream earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from Vanderbilt University.
Rob Ream Insight
"Serve better. That is the goal, the mission, and the plan for life."
