Alan "Al" M. Maxwell
Partner
Heads the firm's foodborne illness practice group. In that capacity, represents clients throughout the country in a broad range of matters, including defense of personal injury claims, insurance issues and regulatory compliance. Also, focuses on other personal injury, large property damage, premises liability and construction matters. Has handled cases in 45 states and served as lead counsel in more than twenty (20) jury trials.
Representative Cases/Experience
- National Coordinating Counsel for Mid-West beef processor in national E. coli outbreak in the Summer of 2008 with over 80 confirmed cases linked to the outbreak.
- National Coordinating Counsel for hot dog chili manufacturer in national Botulism outbreak in 2007 resulting in dozens of claims.
- Coordinating Counsel for Peanut Butter manufacturer in national Salmonella outbreak in 2008 with hundreds of claimants.
- National Coordinating Counsel for California based spinach processor associated with the 2006 E. coli O157:H7 spinach outbreak.
- National Coordinating Counsel for California lettuce producer involved in the 2006 Taco Bell E. coli O157:H7 outbreak.
- Counsel for producer of peanut butter associated with 2006-2007 Salmonella outbreak.
- Represented Wisconsin-based meat processor accused of causing multi-state E. coli outbreak that produced in excess of 500 claims.
- Defended Atlanta area water theme park alleged to be the source of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in the Southeast.
- Represented polyurethane manufacturer in suit brought by City of Houston, Texas in which polyurethane liners it designed and installed throughout municipal sewer system were allegedly defective, resulting in accelerated corrosion and damages over $50 million.
- Obtained defense verdict in premises liability negligence claim against shopping center security company in Kansas City following a shooting on property; appeared in case three weeks before trial with plaintiffs' demand at $40 million.
Professional Activities and Honors
- Named Georgia “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers and Atlanta magazines for 2005 and 2006
- Named Georgia “Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers and Atlanta magazines for 2008, 2009 and 2010 in the category of Civil Litigation Defense
- Trial victory named among “Defense Verdicts of 2006” by Missouri Lawyers Weekly
Professional Memberships and Affiliations
- Atlanta Bar Association
- Macon Bar Association
- American Bar Association
Admissions to Practice
- Municipal, State and Superior Courts of Georgia
- Supreme Court of Georgia
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia
- U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
Education
- B.A., cum laude, Furman University, 1989
- J.D., Mercer University, 1992; Phi Delta Phi