Alston & Bird LLP

Alston & Bird traces its roots to predecessor firms dating to 1893; the merger that created the Alston & Bird name took place in 1982. Its history records expansion from Georgia into Washington, North Carolina, New York, Texas and California through both office openings and combinations with other firms. That history helps explain the firm's combination of longstanding regional relationships and a broader international practice.

The firm emphasizes collaboration across legal disciplines and locations in its approach to client service. Its history of adding practices through mergers is part of that development, rather than a single-office story scaled up without change. Community engagement, pro bono work and innovation are also identified as distinct parts of its firm program.

For students, the published summer program provides more concrete detail than a general culture claim. Alston & Bird describes partner mentors who guide and evaluate assignments and help summers meet practice leaders. Its materials also identify formal training and opportunities to observe activities such as depositions, hearings and client meetings, with local variation between offices.