Alan M. “Al” Maxwell

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 29 states and served as lead counsel in more than twenty (20) jury trials.

Representative Cases/Experience

National Coordinating Counsel for California based spinach processor associated with the 2006 E. Coli 0157:H7 spinach outbreak.
National Coordinating Counsel for California lettuce producer involved in the 2006 Taco Bell E. Coli 0157: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 0157: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.

Awards & Professional Recognition

Named Georgia “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers and Atlanta magazines for 2006
Named Georgia “Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers and Atlanta magazines for 2008 in the category of Civil Litigation Defense
Trial victory named among “Defense Verdicts of 2006” by Missouri Lawyers Weekly

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, Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court, Massachusetts
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

Atlanta Bar Association
Macon Bar Association
American Bar Association

Education

B.A., cum laude, Furman University, 1989
J.D., Mercer University, 1992; Phi Delta Phi