Emory University’s Board of Trustees elected John L. Latham, a partner with the law firm Alston & Bird, as a new member, Emory announced in a press release.

According to the release, Latham, an Emory Law alumnus, is an experienced trial lawyer who has been recognized as one of the nation’s top securities defense attorneys.

Latham is a member of Alston & Bird’s securities litigation and corporate transactions & securities groups.

Previously, he has served as special assistant attorney general for the state’s Teachers and Employees Retirement Fund and Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services and chairman of the Georgia Corporate Code Revision Subcommittee on Officer and Director Liability and Indemnification. He has also been the chair or co-chair of Alston & Bird’s Diversity Committee since 2001.

Additionally, the release said, Latham has been featured in prominent legal guides, including “The Best Lawyers in America” and “Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.”