The Origins and Growth of Alston & Bird
Alston & Bird has a storied history and impressive growth trajectory. Let's dive into some key facts about its origins and expansion.
Founding: Alston & Bird was created on December 1, 1982, through the merger of Alston, Miller & Gaines and Jones, Bird and Howell.
Headquarters: The firm is headquartered in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia, in One Atlantic Center, a prominent skyscraper in the city.
Size: With over 800 lawyers, Alston & Bird ranks among the largest law firms in the United States.
Offices: The firm operates 13 offices across the United States, Europe, the UK, and Asia, including locations in Atlanta, New York City, Washington, D.C., Brussels, Charlotte, Raleigh, Dallas, Fort Worth, London, Los Angeles, Beijing, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley.
Client Base and Core Practices
Alston & Bird serves a diverse range of clients and specializes in various legal practices. Here are some insights into their client base and core areas of expertise.
Client Base: The firm advises both domestic and international clients, including major companies like Amazon.com, The Coca-Cola Company, Microsoft, Bank of America, Starbucks, Toyota, Dell, UPS, and Nokia.
Core Practices: Alston & Bird's core practices include intellectual property (IP), complex litigation, corporate, and tax law. They also focus on energy and sustainability, health care, financial services, and public policy.
Rankings: Since 2000, Fortune has consistently ranked Alston & Bird in the 100 Best Companies to Work For list.
Expansion and Notable Offices
Alston & Bird has expanded significantly over the years, establishing a presence in key locations worldwide.
Washington, D.C. Office: The firm established an office in Washington, D.C., to better serve clients involved in federal regulatory matters.
Charlotte and Raleigh Offices: Mergers with Bell Seltzer Park & Gibson led to the establishment of offices in Charlotte and Raleigh.
New York Office: The firm expanded to New York through a merger with Walter, Conston, Alexander & Green.
Dallas Office: The acquisition of Crews, Shepherd & McCarty LLP facilitated the opening of the Dallas office.
Silicon Valley Office: In August 2008, Alston & Bird opened a Silicon Valley office with attorneys from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld.
Los Angeles Office: The firm acquired Weston Benshoof Rochefort Rubalcava and MacCuish LLP in 2008, launching its Los Angeles and Ventura County offices.
San Francisco Office: In March 2017, Alston & Bird opened its San Francisco office.
London Office: The firm opened its London office in September 2019.
Notable Cases and Client Work
Alston & Bird has been involved in several high-profile cases and transactions. Here are some notable examples.
Cingular Wireless Purchase: The firm represented Cingular Wireless in its purchase of 34 wireless licenses from NextWave Media in 2003.
Regions Financial Corporation Purchase: Alston & Bird advised Regions Financial Corporation alongside Sullivan & Cromwell in its purchase of Union Planters Corporation in 2004.
IP Work: The firm's IP work spans various areas, including patent prosecution, tech, and privacy. They represent clients in telecom, cellular networks, manufacturing, food and beverage, mechanical, and biotech sectors.
Finance Clients: Alston & Bird's finance clients include major US banks and trusts. For instance, they represented Qatar Airways in its lender capacity in the restructuring of LATAM Airlines.
Compensation and Pro Bono Work
Alston & Bird is known for its competitive compensation and commitment to pro bono work.
Billable Hours: The firm targets 2,000 billable hours for bonus eligibility, though some associates feel this target is high.
Compensation: In June 2016, Alston & Bird raised attorney salaries to match market rates set by Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Firm bonuses range from $15,000 to $100,000, depending on service years and merit-based reviews.
Pro Bono Work: Alston & Bird is dedicated to pro bono work. In 2023, the firm recorded 56,682 total pro bono hours.
Political Contributions and Notable Attorneys
The firm has made significant political contributions and boasts several notable attorneys.
Political Contributions: According to OpenSecrets, Alston & Bird was one of the top law firms contributing to federal candidates during the 2012 election cycle, donating $1.26 million, 53% to Democrats. Since 1990, the firm has contributed $5.1 million to federal campaigns.
Notable Attorneys: The firm has several notable attorneys, including Keith R. Blackwell, a former justice of the Georgia Supreme Court and judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals, Jody Hunt, a former assistant attorney general for the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division, and B.J. Pak, a former United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.
Client Recognition and Industry Focus
Alston & Bird has received numerous accolades for its client service and has a strong focus on specific industries.
Client Recognition: The firm has received numerous accolades for its client service. For example, Alston & Bird was named a “Top Workplace” in Atlanta by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2025.
Industry Focus: Alston & Bird has a national industry focus on energy and sustainability, health care, financial services, and public policy. This reflects the firm's commitment to understanding the complex regulatory environments in these sectors.
Recent Transactions and Community Involvement
Alston & Bird continues to be involved in significant transactions and community initiatives.
Mergers and Acquisitions: In 2023, Alston & Bird advised on 160 M&A deals valued at over $108 billion.
Chambers USA Recognition: The firm has 73 practices recognized by Chambers USA in 2024, reflecting its excellence in various legal areas.
Recent Transactions: In 2024, Alston & Bird represented The First Bancshares in a $1.2 billion merger with Renasant Corporation. This transaction highlights the firm's expertise in complex financial transactions.
Community Involvement: Alston & Bird is actively involved in the community. For example, the firm has supported various charitable initiatives and has been recognized for its commitment to pro bono work. This community involvement reflects the firm's values and commitment to giving back.
Culture and Leadership
Alston & Bird is known for its positive culture and strong leadership.
Culture: Alston & Bird is known for its Southern charm, which is evident in its positive relationships among associates and partners. The firm encourages cross-office collaboration and offers various social opportunities, including happy hours, biannual retreats, and weekly firm dinners.
Leadership: The firm has a strong leadership team with experienced partners and attorneys. For example, Keith R. Blackwell is a senior counsel in Atlanta, and Brian D. Boone is a partner in Charlotte.
Notable Cases and Pro Bono Initiatives
Alston & Bird has been involved in several notable cases and is committed to pro bono work.
Notable Cases in 2020: In February 2020, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Deputy Director, Brian Johnson, left the agency to become a partner at Alston & Bird LLP. This move highlighted the firm's ability to attract high-profile talent from regulatory bodies.
Pro Bono Initiatives: The firm is committed to pro bono work and has a dedicated pro bono team. In 2023, the firm recorded 56,682 total pro bono hours, demonstrating its commitment to giving back to the community.
Recognition in 2025: Alston & Bird has been recognized in the 2025 editions of Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch. This recognition underscores the firm's excellence in various legal practices.
