atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia: known affectionately as “the ATL” and “Hotlanta;” home of the Braves, Falcons and Hawks; and – with the eighth-largest economy in the country and a metropolitan area of roughly 5.4 million people – the cultural and economic king of the South!

Atlanta’s growth, fueled by highly-educated professionals, low costs of living and doing business, and of course the spectacular weather, shows no signs of slowing and Atlanta’s legal market is no exception.

Atlanta continues to be one of the country’s fastest growing legal markets and has emerged as one of the best lateral associate markets in the country.  Many AmLaw 100 firms are headquartered in Atlanta and a number of others have offices in Atlanta.  Atlanta is also a popular home to the headquarters of numerous Fortune 500 companies, such as Home Depot, Coca-Cola, UPS, and Delta Airlines.  In fact, only New York and Houston have more.  Just check out some of Atlanta’s notable recent accolades:

Interest piqued?  If so, here are a few suggestions to help you best savor Atlanta’s renowned southern charm whether you’re interested in making Atlanta home or just soaking it in for a weekend away.

Where to Stay

The St. Regis Atlanta stands out as the crown jewel among luxury Buckhead hotels.  Located just a few miles from downtown Atlanta, the St. Regis is an impeccably groomed “in-town” resort with a gracious, residential feel. The remarkable hotel bar and outside patio area make the St. Regis one of the best people watching spots in Buckhead.

Loews Atlanta Hotel is a trendy, vibrant and contemporary option in the heart of Atlanta.  The corner suites on the higher floors are large, quiet, and provide a nice panoramic view of the city.

If you’re looking for something unique, the Artmore Hotel in midtown Atlanta (in the middle of Atlanta’s Cultural Arts District) is an independent boutique hotel that prides itself on delivering a personalized guest experience.  The Ellis Hotel in downtown Atlanta is another boutique option for those looking for an alternative to cookie cutter chain hotels.  Historic and intimate in size, yet sleek, the Ellis is within convenient walking distance of restaurants, major corporations, must-see attractions and athletic arenas.

Where to Eat

Bacchanalia offers the city’s most memorable dining experience.  Featuring a seasonal menu of mostly-organic contemporary cuisine, the experience doesn’t come cheap, but is consistently spectacular.  Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House (in Grant Park or West Midtown) offers delicious fare, casual ambiance and a cool crowd.  Not to mention the best outdoor dining views in Atlanta. Ask a locale Atlantan where to find the best Mexican food, and you’ll undoubtedly be pointed to the Nuevo Laredo Cantina, a hole-in-the-wall joint in the industrial district off of Chattahoochee Avenue that has become the stuff of Atlanta legends.

If you love brunch – and who doesn’t! – try Park Tavern near historic Piedmont Park.  The large park-side dining area serves a simple menu of breakfast favorites like eggs and southern biscuits and is also dog-friendly.  Cafe 458 serves a gourmet brunch prepared by guest chefs from all over the city with all the proceeds going directly to support the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency, a nonprofit agency whose mission is to help homeless men and women achieve self-sufficiency.

Where to Drink

Article 14 is a favorite Midtown establishment and the perfect place to meet up with a business associate or colleague for an after work cocktail.  The Brewhouse sits in the heart of Little Five Points, one of Atlanta’s most eclectic neighborhoods, and is the ideal spot for watching games and people.  Red Brick Brewing (formerly Atlanta Brewing Company) is a local brewery that bottles Atlanta’s favorite local beers and opens its brewery doors for public tastings each Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (5pm-8pm), and Saturday (2pm-5pm).

Finally, if afternoon tea is on the agenda, check out the traditional afternoon tea at the The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead featuring seasonally-inspired tea sandwiches, pastries, and warm scones along with tea in the English tradition.

What to Do

Atlanta is certainly not lacking in entertainment options.  For sports enthusiasts, the Braves, Hawks and Falcons all put the “Hot” in “Hotlanta.”  The Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest aquarium with a ridiculously varied collection of creatures in 6.3 million gallons of water.  Piedmont Park, located in Midtown is Atlanta’s most iconic green space and offers basketball, tennis and bocce courts, a dog park, green market, an aquatic center, playgrounds and a fishing lake.  Centennial Olympic Park, a legacy of the 1996 Summer Olympics, is the centerpiece of the city’s tourist district.  The Tabernacle, an intimate church-turned-concert venue and the outdoor Delta Classic Chastain Park Amphitheater are both unforgettable settings to catch a night of music.

Where to Live

Relocating to a new city is an exciting, but nerve-wrecking time.  But good news! Whether you’re searching for great schools, accessible transportation or a happening restaurant or entertainment scene, Atlanta is brimming with dynamic communities that have plenty to offer. A few of my favorites include: College Park, Collier Hills, Decatur, Duluth, East Atlanta, East Point, Inman Park, Lawrenceville, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Peachtree City and Smyrna.

Please contact Brian Weyhrich at brian.weyhrich@specialcounsel.com if you have any questions about the Atlanta legal market.