Photo of Alan M. Maxwell

Alan M. Maxwell

Partner

Al Maxwell leads the firm's nationally-recognized Foodborne Illness Practice Group and is recognized as a leading attorney in the foodborne illness defense area. Al is routinely retained to assist clients in foodborne outbreaks, including defending personal injury claims, analyzing coverage positions, counseling on regulatory compliance and assisting with risk-sharing analysis. Al was appointed as the Special Master in the Jensen Farms and Peanut Corporation of America outbreaks and responsible for valuing all cases submitted to the bankruptcy proceedings in both cases, a further testament to his reputation among his peers.

Al also has extensive experience as lead trial attorney in complex cases. He has litigated cases in every state in the continental U.S. involving a variety of matters. His clients represent a broad range of industries, and entrust him with high-exposure cases involving product liability, construction, transportation and premises liability, among others.

Al is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has consistently been recognized by authoritative legal publications such as Super Lawyers Magazine and The Best Lawyers in America©.

Education

Furman University, B.A., cum laude, 1989

Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law, J.D., 1992
Phi Delta Phi

Bar & Court Admissions

  • State Bar of Georgia
  • Supreme Court of Georgia
  • U.S. District Court, Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit

Representative Experience

Smoothie franchisor in a Hepatitis A outbreak (125 claimants).

Ground beef supplied allegedly linked to severe E.coli case.

Retail franchise allegedly associated with a Salmonella outbreak. 

Cantaloupe grower Listeria outbreak (80+ claimants). National coordinating counsel.

Cookie dough manufacturer E. coli O157:H7 national outbreak (70+ claimants). National coordinating counsel.

Midwest beef processor E. coli national outbreak. (80 confirmed cases). National coordinating counsel.

Hot dog chili manufacturer Botulism outbreak resulting in dozens of claims. National coordinating counsel.

Peanut butter manufacturer in national Salmonella outbreak with hundreds of claimants. Coordinating counsel.

California-based spinach processor associated with an E. coli O157:H7 spinach outbreak. National coordinating counsel.

California lettuce producer involved in the 2006 Taco Bell E. coli O157:H7 outbreak. National coordinating counsel.

Producer of peanut butter Salmonella outbreak associated with peanut products.  Excess monitoring counsel.

Wisconsin-based meat processor accused of causing multi-state E. coli 0157:H7 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.

Awards & Recognitions

Best Lawyers®,  Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendants (2021-2024)

Super Lawyers Magazine, Georgia Super Lawyers List, Personal Injury: Products (2008-2013)

Super Lawyers Magazine, Georgia Rising Stars List, Personal Injury: Products (2005-2006)

Missouri Lawyers Weekly, Trial victory named among “Defense Verdicts of 2006” 

Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow

Professional & Community Activities

American Bar Association

Atlanta Bar Association

Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel

Macon Bar Association