Alexandra (Alex) Garrison Barnett
Partner – Alston & Bird

Description of field of expertise

Alex Barnett represents employers in a wide variety of labor and employment matters. She counsels and defends employers in actions brought under state common law and federal law, including Title VII, the ADA, ADEA, FLSA, and FMLA. Her practice also includes defending employers in complex employment class actions, conducting internal investigations, and advising on employment-related issues arising in corporate transactions. Additionally, Alex routinely counsels clients in a variety of industries on employment actions, policies, and practices; employment agreements and separation agreements; and compliance with federal and state laws. She was selected to the Georgia Super Lawyers “Rising Star” list, 2015–2019.

Alex received her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where she was on the editorial board of the Journal of Law & Politics. Before law school, she earned her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, with high honors in Romance languages from Dartmouth College. Upon graduation, Alex was the recipient of the Philip D. McInnis ’36 Award, which is presented annually to the woman in the senior class who contributed most significantly to the college through her depth of integrity and character, capacity for leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to the life of the community.

 

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

I recommend that new attorneys learn the fundamentals of labor and employment law, stay abreast of changes and updates to relevant laws and regulations, and develop sub-specialties and areas of focus. Cultivating and maintaining friendships and professional relationships with law school classmates and other colleagues is also critical. Finally, as attorneys, we spend lots of time advocating for our clients, but don’t forget to advocate for yourself and what you want out of your career.