In the News
On November 1, Steve O’Day was a guest on “Inside the Winners’ Circle,” a radio show hosted by Joyce Bone. The show features interviews with leaders from all segments of the American landscape discussing what it is that leveraged them from ordinary to extraordinary. During the show, Steve discussed sustainability from a business and legal perspective, and how it can improve the bottom line, create jobs, and support economic growth. To listen to Steve’s episode, click here.
Smith Gambrell & Russell was mentioned in a Law360 article regarding the successful representation of Alcoa Inc. in a consolidated toxic tort suit. In addition, Andy Thompson was quoted in a BNA story regarding the same case.
Anton Mertens was featured on October 14 in an Atlanta Business Chronicle article about training for the Ford Ironman World Championship and staying healthy in his everyday life. He was also featured in a GlobalAtlanta.com story regarding his participation in Kona4aCause, a campaign which raises funds to combat cancer. To read the full article, click here.
Anton Mertens was featured in a Daily Report article on October 6, 2011 about his participation in this weekend’s Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, a race involving a 2.4-mile ocean swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile marathon.
Steve O’Day was featured in a Daily Report article on October 3, 2011 entitled “Attorney balances two sides of environmental law,” which details his career as an environmental and sustainability attorney and discusses Steve’s recent honors and legal achievements.
Scott Harty was quoted on June 17, 2011in an Atlanta Business Chronicle article about his participation in Sixty Feet, a humanitarian relief organization that helps imprisoned orphans in Uganda.
Chris Fitzpatrick coauthored a chapter entitled, “Law Department Management” in Successful Partnering Between Inside and Outside Counsel, a four-volume treatise published by Thomson Reuters.
Scott Woldow authored an International Trademark Association article on June 15, 2011about the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Data Visualization Center Dashboard. The Dashboard gives access to measures presenting trademark pendency, quality, application filings, registrations and an assessment of inventory for pending applications.
Steve O’Day authored an article published in the SaportaReport entitled, “Georgia gets more time to work on water conservation; but water wars are not over,” which discusses Georgia’s continued need for water conservation practice implementation despite a recent overturned decision benefitting metro Atlanta water needs. Jessica Reece contributed to the column as well. In late August, Steve and Jessica co-wrote an Atlanta Journal Constitution article, which proposes steps that Atlantans should take to increase water supply through conservation. To read the full article, click here.
Jim Middleton’s successful representation of McGill Aviation was featured on the front page of Florida’s Fernandina Beach News Leader on July 19, 2011 when McGill was awarded $1.2 million for attorney fees from the city.
Den Webb was quoted on July 27, 2011 in a Neighbor Newspapers article regarding the expansion of the Atlanta Country Day School.
Don Mitchell authored an article entitled, “Private flights can be taxing,” which was published in the July/August 2011 issue of Business to Business magazine.
David Minkin provided a viewpoint for an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article on July 30, 2011, which discusses various business plans for addressing the crisis in the Atlanta Public School system.
As a contributing editor for Employee Benefit News, Kate Bongiovanni recently authored an article entitled “Federal agencies continue to issue clarifying PPACA guidance; employers must stay up to date.”
Bobby Schwartz was quoted in an American Banker article about the possible expansion of JPMorgan Chase and PNC in the Atlanta retail banking market.
Don Mitchell authored an article entitled, “Have Faith,” which was published in the September/October 2011 issue of Jetrader magazine.
Smith, Gambrell, & Russell was mentioned in the Atlanta Business Chronicle “DealMakers” section regarding Gerdau Ameristeel’s $165 million acquisition of TAMCO, a California-based mini-mill. The SGR team representing Gerdau included Jay Schwartz, Julie Sebastian, David Santi, Andy Fawbush, Lisa Carrasco, Matt Clarke, Phillip Hoover and Tom Hong.
Smith, Gambrell & Russell’s environmental law and sustainability practice was mentioned in an Atlanta Business Chronicle article after SGR received the River Guardian Award for providing invaluable legal support to the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. Videos from the event can be viewed by clicking here and here.
Tom Rhodes was quoted in a German national public radio story about Google facing an FTC investigation entitled “Fight the power giants.”
Andy Thompson was quoted on June 3, 2011 in Forsyth County News and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution regarding an administrative law judge’s ruling to revoke a Forsyth County wastewater discharge permit that allows the county to release 6 million gallons per day of treated water into the Chattahoochee River. Andy also authored an opinion piece on the same subject in the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Kristen Lewis was mentioned on June 1, 2011 in a Milton Herald article which discusses the collaborative efforts of Canine Assistants and Wells Fargo to match a service dog with a young woman born with multiple disabilities.
Several Smith, Gambrell & Russell attorneys were mentioned on May 19, 2011 in a Daily Report ATLAW blog post about the Firm’s representation of Belectric Inc. in the recent sale of a 30-megawatt DC solar generation project to Constellation Energy.
Kristen Lewis was quoted on May 14, 2011 in The Wall Street Journal regarding the negative impact of power of attorney fraud on asset protection. The article discusses the recent rejection of financial maneuvers made under the cloak of a power of attorney and provides suggestions on how to avoid potential pitfalls and pushback from banks, fund companies and other asset-holders.
Bobby Schwartz was quoted on May 15, 2011 in an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article about the possibility that federally-aided banks in Georgia will begin to repay their government loans following SunTrust’s recent repayment of approximately $5 billion that was received during the economic collapse.
Mark Neville authored an article entitled, “Legal Fiction, True Savings” published in the September 2010 issue of Site Selection magazine. The article discusses the potential benefits of considering available foreign trade zones during a site selection process.
Bobby Schwartz was quoted in an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article about the recent naming of Kessel D. Stelling, Jr. as permanent president and CEO of Synovus.
Steve Forte was listed in the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2010 Who’s Who in Law & Accounting. To see the full list, click here.
Dana Bradford was mentioned in a story on Law.com regarding the representation of Philip Morris in two legal victories. The same story was also published in the Broward Daily Business Review, the Miami Daily Business Review and the Palm Beach Daily Business Review.
Bobby Schwartz was quoted in an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article about real estate developer Thomas D. Reese who, as founding investor and board chairman of the failed Southern Community Bank, was borrowing money from the bank to finance many now-deserted real estate ventures. Bobby was also quoted in another Atlanta Journal-Constitution article regarding the changed relationship between Georgia banks and developers/builders resulting from the recent real estate and banking crisis.
Laura Andrew authored an article entitled, “Health Care Reform: Generate Positive Goodwill Through Required Health Care Reform Communications,” which was published in the September/October 2010 issue of Business to Business.
Bobby Schwartz was quoted in a Bank Investment Consultant article which covers the possible effects of threatened information disclosure on financial institutions.
Florian Stamm was quoted in a GlobalAtlanta.com article regarding new job creation by Germany’s U.S. subsidiaries and its effect on the Southeast’s economic recovery.
Laura Wartner authored an article entitled, “Taking Advantage of Estate Tax Repeal without Dying,” which was published in the November/December 2010 issue of Business to Business.
Don Mitchell authored an article entitled, “A Matter of Trust,” which was published in the November/December 2010 issue of Jetrader magazine.
Steve O’Day was mentioned in a Georgia Tech School of Public Policy blog regarding a new environmental law and policy course that he is co-teaching with Kenneth Strassner, Vice President (retired), Kimberly-Clark Corp.
Don Mitchell authored an article entitled “Legal Issues Clouded by Ash” published in the July/August 2010 issue of Jetrader magazine by the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading.
Bill Barron was quoted in an AmLaw Daily article in which he discusses the representation of Spain in a lawsuit involving a Camille Pissarro masterpiece confiscated from its owner by a Nazi official in 1939.
Bobby Schwartz was quoted in an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article covering possible bank mergers throughout Georgia. The forecasted deals would mean fewer, but stronger banking options for consumers.
Michael Kraus was mentioned in a story on GlobalAtlanta.com about his collaboration with Indian businessman D.V. Venkatagiri. Venkatagiri recently started a consulting initiative focused on facilitating business between the U.S. and India.
Smith, Gambrell, & Russell was mentioned in a Law360 article regarding Gerdau Ameristeel’s $165 million acquisition of TAMCO, a California-based mini-mill. The SGR team representing Gerdau included Jay Schwartz, Julie Sebastian, David Santi, Andy Fawbush, Lisa Carrasco, Matt Clarke, Phillip Hoover and Tom Hong.
Andy Thompson was quoted in a Law360 article pertaining to a federal judge’s decision to throw out a toxic tort suit brought against SGR client Alcoa Inc. The plaintiffs lacked scientific evidence to support their claims of exposure to hazardous substances while working for Lockheed Martin Corp.
Ed Burch was quoted in an Atlanta Business Chronicle story about the implications of the possible outcomes for Georgia Supreme Court case U.S. Bank National Association v. Gordon, Trustee.
Don Mitchell authored an article entitled “Is That a Lawsuit in Your Luggage?” published in the September/October 2010 issue of Jetrader magazine by the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading.
Bobby Schwartz was recently quoted in an Atlanta Business Chronicle story covering a bill introduced in the Georgia House of Representatives which, if passed, would bring state laws regarding lending limits to a single borrower into alignment with the National Bank Act. To read the full article, click here.
Mac Young and associates Jonathan Gallant and Eugene Bryant were mentioned recently in the Daily Report’s Deal Watch. They represented Atlanta-based Place Properties in a joint venture to capitalize Place’s military housing division, Place Base Housing.
The addition of Andrew Fawbush to the Jacksonville office was featured in an article in Law360 entitled “Dewey Partner Joins Smith Gambrell In Jacksonville” and was also mentioned in the business section of The Florida Times-Union.
David Burge was featured on myFOX Atlanta in regards to the foreclosure and auction of the Country Club of the South. To view the full video, click here. He was also mentioned in an Atlanta Business Chronicle article entitled “Mansion on Peachtree sold at auction. ” The posh Mansion on Peachtree hotel, a prestige property with investors including high-powered Atlanta developer John Williams, was purchased in a foreclosure auction by one of our clients, iStar Tara LLC.
Den Webb was featured in Heneghan’s Dunwoody Blog discussing the Marist School expansion to the DeKalb Community Council. To view the videos, click here.
Michael Kraus and Tom Hong were quoted in an article on the newsmax website. The article discussed how Michael helped WEFA Group, a leading European manufacturer of extrusion tools based in Singen, acquire Hydro Aluminum Cedar Tools in Cedar Springs, Michigan.
Bobby Schwartz has been quoted in three recent Atlanta Business Chronicle articles. The December 4 article, “Chase looks to grow commercial biz” discusses JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s growth strategy of targeting Atlanta’s middle-market businesses. From the November 27, 2009 edition, “Big 3 won’t buy failed banks” covers possible scenarios for the cleanup of Georgia’s failed banks and “Commercial RE slowdown bodes ill for banks” details the historically high commercial real estate loan exposure risk for banks. Bobby was also featured in a WSB - TV news story on Georgia bank failures. To view the clip, please click here.
David Brecher was recently quoted in the business section of The Florida Times-Union article entitled, “A worn shoe’s best friend: Cobblers hang in amid recession.” The article discusses how, despite tough economic times, people are starting to use cobblers more often.
Florian Stamm was quoted in a Rome News-Tribune article entitled, “About 125 participants hear about alternative fuels at Innovation Conference.” In the article, Florian discussed the history and irony of the alternative fuel industry and what German firms can bring to the Georgian economy.
John Ethridge was recently elected as the 2009 Foundation Chair of the Wesley Woods Board at Emory University. John’s election is published on the Emory University website, here. The Foundation of Wesley Woods is the connection point between the generosity of supporters in the community, and the practical, life-changing work for which Wesley Woods is respected and renowned.
Jay Schwartz was recently featured in a Law360 article. His Q & A session covered a range of topics from his practice to advice would he give a young lawyer interested in getting into your practice area.
On November 18, 2009, Business to Business magazine brought together an expert panel of sustainability leaders from major companies in Atlanta to discuss the impact of sustainability on companies across the globe and its importance to their customers and their bottom line. Steve O’Day served as moderator of the panel of experts from GE Energy, The Home Depot, and The Coca-Cola Company. Click here to listen to an audio recording of the event.
Don Mitchell was quoted in an article in the WSJ. The article discussed how Delta Air Lines Inc. is in preliminary talks to buy a stake in financially strapped Japan Airlines Corp. and what risks that may mean for Delta.
Matt Clarke was recently quoted in a story in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, regarding the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, posing problems for corporate human resources departments.
Bobby Schwartz was quoted in a September 27, 2009 Atlanta Journal-Constitution article which discusses troubled Georgia banks drafting big names to their boards.
Global Atlanta covered SGR’s participation in the briefing and reception on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009 with Austria’s ambassador to the U.S., Christian Prosl.
Steve O’Day was quoted in an Atlanta Business Chronicle article discussing the Atlanta Sustainable Building Ordinance and what that will mean for Atlanta and businesses.
Pat Hill co-authored an article for Employment Law360 recently. The article discusses sexual harassment in the workplace; where it’s been and where it is going.
Bill Barron was recently referred to in an article in the The AmLaw Litigation Daily, regarding his Nazi Art Litigation case going to trial.
Anton Mertens was recently quoted in an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The article discussed how local companies are seeking legal advice to ensure they are compliant in their hiring practices and documentation of employees.
Bobby Schwartz was recently quoted in a story in the Atlanta Business Chronicle from the August 21, 2009 edition, regarding the FDIC’s plans to hire former employees of failed banks.
Recently, in several different publications including FOXBusiness, Innospec Inc. (Nasdaq:IOSP) announced that Robert Paller has been appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors, effective November 1, 2009.
Jim Monacell was recently quoted in an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The article discussed how Georgia’s public colleges and universities are slashing their budgets and furloughing employees while money is still flowing in from the bond market for big-ticket buildings for state schools.
Bobby Schwartz was quoted in two recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution articles: one which discussed how new federal audits are shedding some bad light onto some of the failed Georgia banks’ questionable practices and the other which covered the efforts Federal and state regulators have undertaken to put as many as one-third of Georgia’s 300 banks under intensified monitoring and recovery plans.
Tom Rhodes was quoted in a recently published Atlanta Journal Constitution article discussing the facts behind the BCS and whether it is fair and in compliance with antitrust laws.
Jonathan Minnen was mentioned in a dBusinessNews.com article announcing the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce’s selection of its
Bobby Schwartz was recently seen on WSB-TV discussing the bank failures in Georgia. He was also quoted in a CNNMoney.com article discussing why bad loans weren’t the only contributing factor in the latest batch of bank failures.
Jim Monacell was recently quoted in an article in the Dunwoody Crier. The article discusses how DeKalb County is seeking out recommendations from county commissioners and other experts on how to use $90.8 million in Recovery Zone Bonds.
Steve O’Day and Jessica Lee Reece’s article, “Are Foresters Ready for the BioFuels Industry?”, was recently published in Evergreen magazine. To read the full article, click here.
Bobby Schwartz was recently quoted in CNBC.com article which discusses the policy debate over the bank stress tests and the mechanics of the TARP program.
Roy Kozupsky’s article, “Ultimate Estate Plan Challenge: How much is enough?”, was recently published in the Coaches Corner section of Affluent Magazine. To read the full article, click here. He was also quoted in an InvestmentNews.com article that discussed how a widow’s needs are overlooked by advisors and in a USA Today article commenting on Michael Jackson’s estate.
Last week, Tom King was quoted in an SNL Financial story covering the Metro Atlanta bank failures and the likely continuation of this trend.
Pete Barlow was quoted in a Wall Street Journal article that addressed the shortage of pre-delivery financing which could force more order delays for Airbus and Boeing Co. He was also quoted in an articles from the Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press referring to Boeing and Qantas Airways.
Scott Cahalan was quoted in a recent ERN.com article about the recent change in how general contractors and subcontractors are getting paid due to the economy.
John Spillman was quoted in a May 2009 Franchise Times article regarding the turbulence occurring between the franchisees of SGR client Bennigan’s and their new owner.
Recently in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Bobby Schwartz was quoted in a story on Georgia’s small, community-based banks preparing for a wave of lawsuits stemming from the bank failures and how a board member of a small bank could be held personally liable for a bank’s demise.
In a CFO.com article, Mark Neville commented on the advantages that small and mid-size businesses could have by using the same customs duty strategies as large multinationals businesses.
Jonathan Minnen was quoted in an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article discussing how the state of the economy has put a strain on businesses, but has opened the door for attorneys to discuss alternative fee arrangements with their clients.
SGR has been ranked as a top trademark filer on the CSC® Trademark Insider® report for 2008. These annual rankings are determined by the total number of new trademark applications filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office during the 2008 calendar year. To view the entire 2008 CSC Trademark Insider rankings, click here.
Steve O’Day, Jessica Lee Reece and Josie Nackers recently published an article in the prestigious Vermont Journal of Environmental Law. Their article, “Wars Between the States in the 21st Century: Water Law in an Era of Scarcity,” appears in volume 10, issue 2. Click here to view entire article.
