In the News
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. The full article is attached to this email as a PDF.
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.
Heidi Sorvino was quoted in an Associated Press article discussing the judge’s oversight of the GM restructuring. She was also seen on Fox Business News commenting on likelihood of GM being profitable in 2010. To view the clip, click here.
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.
Jay Schwartz was quoted and David Santi, David Burge and Phillip Hoover, Laura Andrew, Julie Sebastian, Kathryn Bongiovanni, Emily Cacioppo and Jessica Clay were recognized in the May 13 Daily Report “Deal Watch” section for their handling of Atlanta Equity’s recent acquisition of Richmond Cold Storage Company, Inc.
Mark Neville was quoted in a CFO.com article entitled “Import Duties: Bend Me, Shape Me, Any Way You Want Me .”
Don Mitchell was quoted in a Travel Weekly article discussing the repercussions of a swine flu epidemic and how the travel industry is preparing.
SGR was featured in the March 10th Daily Report “Deal Watch” column in an article entitled “Smith Gambrell attorneys advising on Bennigan’s franchise dispute.”
Drew Slone and Andy Patterson’s $314.5M bond deal was highlighted in a May 5 Bond Buyer article.
Bobby Schwartz was quoted in two recent news stories on the banking industry: a CNBC.com story which covers why big U.S. banks might be headed for extinction and an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article discussing the growing issues security banks face in these difficult economic times.
Heidi Sorvino was recently quoted in a number of articles regarding corporate bankruptcies. Heidi’s comments were included in ReportBusiness.com, an AP article that appeared in The Washington Post, and in ChicagoBusiness.com.
Mike Haber was quoted in a May 6 Associated Press article which discusses Chrysler’s bankruptcy proceedings and the debt holders’ refusal to go along with the government-brokered deal.
Don Mitchell was quoted recently in The Sunday Paper in an article discussing the swine flu and its effects on the world population. Don spoke on how difficult it would be for an airline passenger to prove that they contracted an illness from an infected passenger while traveling on an plane.
Andy Thompson was mentioned in an April 30th Forsyth News article that provided an update on steps being taken in regards to the city of Cumming construction site that is in apparent violation of state and federal Clean Water laws. SGR’s client, the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, first alerted Georgia EPD to the construction site.
Andy Thompson was recently mentioned in an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article which discusses a city of Cumming construction site that is in apparent violation of state and federal Clean Water laws. SGR’s client, the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, first alerted Georgia EPD to the construction site.
Mac Young and Jonathan Gallant were recognized in the April 24 Daily Report Deal Watch section for their handling of the sale of $100 million in tax-exempt bonds to finance a new on-campus housing facility at Georgia Gwinnett College. The sale was on behalf of Place Enterprises Development, an affiliate of Place Properties. Mac Young also helped Place Properties arrange a $154.6 million financing deal for the construction of off-campus housing projects across the U.S.
Mike Haber was quoted last week in a Bloomberg News Service article which discusses the billions of dollars auto suppliers could possibly lose in a GM or Chrysler bankruptcy.
Mark Pottorff and Sharon Duvall were recognized in the April 10-16 Atlanta Business Chronicle Dealmakers section for their participation in handling a $1.71 billion dollar transaction between TimberStar and Hancock Timber Resource Group.
Steve O’Day was recently quoted in a Daily Report article which discusses the growing trend of climate change-related claims and how mediation may be a preferred method of resolution.
On April 7, Michael Kraus was mentioned in a Global Atlanta article covering the Southeast U.S. auto suppliers conference taking place in Hanover, Germany this week. Michael will present a case study on auto plant construction.
Joe Bainton was quoted earlier this week in a Bloomberg News Service article which covers the emerging trend of companies to add more midsized firms to their list of outside counsel, resulting in cost savings and a higher level of service.
Heidi Sorvino was quoted earlier this week in an article from Reuters regarding corporate bankruptcies. She commented that calling in restructuring advisers or filing for bankruptcy earlier could help companies preserve their cash, stores and employees in the long run.
Heidi Sorvino was quoted this week in two articles regarding company bankruptcies. Heidi discussed the Obama administration’s recent plan for the restructuring of both GM and Chrysler in a March 30 CNNMoney.com article entitled “Obama to Detroit: Restructure or else.” On March 31, Heidi was quoted again in a Wall Street Journal article entitled “General Growth Avoids Chapter 11” in which she commented on the company’s insurmountable debt and its potentially long bankruptcy process.
The March 19th issue of the Daily Report’s Deal Watch highlighted Ben Brooks’ and Jim Monacell’s work on two pending sales of municipal bonds by Georgia government entities.
Heidi Sorvino was recently featured in the Spotlight section of Bankruptcy Professional. In the article, Heidi discusses her experience and provides her opinions on client solicitation, real estate asset-based filings and the importance of professional networking.
The March issue of Atlanta Woman magazine features an article entitled “If Not Now, When?” highlighting a recent roundtable discussion on the growing sustainability movement with Steve O’Day as the panel moderator.
SGR was featured in the March 10th Daily Report “Deal Watch” column in an article entitled “Smith Gambrell attorneys advising on Bennigan’s franchise dispute.” SGR represents Bennigan’s Franchise Co. in a dispute with its former franchisees caused by a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The franchisees allege that SGR’s client reneged on its promise to market the Bennigan’s brand. John Spillman, Jason Bell and John Autry were mentioned in the article.
Heidi Sorvino was quoted in a March 9th Reuters article which covers the effect of the financial crisis on the higher end of the real estate and leisure industries, specifically leading to destination clubs having to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
On Reuters.com on March 10th, Heidi Sorvino and Tim Lewis of CRG Partners Group joined Carrie Lee and Reuters bankruptcy correspondent Emily Chasen to discuss what would be necessary for GM to emerge from restructuring with viability. To view the video click here.
SGR’s involvement with the Belgian American Chamber of Commerce was highlighted in the March 3rd issue of Global Atlanta. Anton Mertens organized a lunch meeting at the firm for businessmen and women interested in re-starting an Atlanta chapter.
Kristen Lewis was quoted in an article in the February issue of Atlanta Woman magazine on issues relating to estate settlement and a service that helps families to successfully complete the process.
Bobby Schwartz was quoted in a CNBC.com story on Friday covering the challenges the Obama administration is facing with the US bank bailout.
In Sunday’s Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Bobby Schwartz was quoted in a story on the state of Georgia’s new bank market and the difficulties banks are having raising startup capital and receiving approval from federal regulators.
Bobby Schwartz was quoted in a CNBC.com story which covers the bank stress test to be administered by the Treasury to provide a clear estimate of a bank’s capital needs.
Bobby Schwartz was quoted on February 10th in an AP article which details reaction to the Obama administration bank bailout plan.
Heidi Sorvino was quoted on February 10th in a Reuters article which covers the growing trend of companies making cuts internally to increase cash flow.
Heidi Sorvino was quoted on February 4th in a Bloomberg News story covering the funding of an $8 billion “debtor in possession” loan, the biggest bankruptcy loan in history.
SGR’s involvement in the deal for client Nihon Kohden Corporation to acquire Neurotronics Inc. was highlighted, as well as the attorneys who worked on it, in the February 3rd posting on the Daily Report Deal Watch.
The lead story in January 15th’s Daily Report, also posted on Law.com, details the dismissal of fraud claims against Mirant Corp. John Despriet, quoted in the story, defended Mirant’s chief accounting officer in the litigation.
Banking and Finance attorney Bobby Schwartz was quoted in Atlanta Journal-Constitution in a story which discusses the attraction of Georgia’s failed banks to out-of-state institutions, who see the financial crisis as an inexpensive way to enter the state’s lucrative market.
Bankruptcy attorney Michael Haber was quoted in Reuters on Saturday, December 20th, on GM and Chrysler restructuring and how it compares to a bankruptcy reorganization.
SGR and Don Mitchell were featured in The DealWatch column on Thursday, December 4th. Daily Report detailed SGR’s, and Don Mitchell’s, involvement in a deal to lease two new aircraft to the airline Mexicana on behalf of our client, a subsidiary of CIT Group Inc.
Labor and Employment attorney Laura Andrew was quoted in the Florida Times-Union, on the impact of the federal government’s proposed legislation limiting pay for banking executives.
Environmental attorney Andy Thompson was featured in the Spring 2008 issue of RiverCHAT in an article entitled “Andy Thompson - Supporting UCR’s Legal Program for a Dozen Years.” The article profiles Andy’s continued involvement with the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (UCR).
Environmental attorney Steve O’Day was interviewed by Business to Business magazine on May 16, 2008 to talk about his upcoming arguments before the Georgia Supreme Court, which took place this past Monday, relating to the high-profile case on the Cumberland Harbour development.
Intellectual Property attorneys Rodgers Lunsford and Kerri Hochgesang were featured in the Daily Report on May 16, 2008 in an article entitled “Tip Led to Suit.” Rodgers and Kerri are representing the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy in an IP suit.
Customs & International Trade attorney Damon Pike was featured in GlobalAtlanta on May 13, 2008 in an artile entitled “Atlanta Lawyer Named to NAFTA Panel.” Damon was selected to serve on the roster of available panelists for binational NAFTA disputes - of which there are only 50 attorneys in the entire United States.
SGR was featured in Intellectual Property Today’s “Top Trademark Firms” list. The firms are ranked on the list by the number of trademark registrations issued. SGR was within the top 50 out of 328 listed firms.
Corporate attorney David Harris was quoted in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in a news article entitled “A Better Bird’s-Eye View of High” on April 30, 2008. Mr. Harris was instrumental in aiding the High Museum to install green vegetation on top of their roof.
Real Estate attorney David Burge was featured in the Daily Report on April 30, 2008 in the In the Trenches column. David was chosen as a delegate to the Republican National Convention from the 5th Congressional District.
Environmental attorney Jessica Reece authored “The Green Guide to Pregnancy and Parenting” which appeared in Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine’s April 2008 edition. Jessica discussed the pros and cons of going green during pregnancy as well as how to maintain a greener lifestyle.
Estate Planning & Wealth Protection attorney Kristen Lewis was featured in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in a news article entitled “Is Your Pet in the Will?” on April 6, 2008. Kristen commented on the importance of setting up a trust for your pet.
Environmental attorney Steve O’Day authored “Does State Water Plan Hold Water?” which appeared in the Atlanta Business Chronicle on March 28 2008. Steve commented on the statewide water plan recently passed by the Georgia legislature.
Aviation Law attorney Don Mitchell was profiled in the Daily Report on March 26, 2008 in the article entitled “Career Path From In-House to Firms Becomes Round-Trip.” Don’s career path from his days in Delta Airlines’ legal department to his current position as partner at SGR was highlighted.
Attorneys Jay Schwartz, Michelle Edwards, Tom Rhodes, Phillip Hoover, Tom Hong, Julie Sebastian and Emily Avant were featured in the Daily Report on March 6, 2008 in the Deal Watch column. Their support of client Gerdau Ameristeel Corp. in its acquisition of Century Steel Inc. was featured.
Product Liability attorney Tim Bumann was featured in the Daily Report on March 4, 2008 in the In the Trenches column. Tim Bumann has recently become Judge Pro Tem for the Municipal Court of Monticello.
Aviation Law attorneys Howard Turner and Don Mitchell were featured in the Daily Report on February 27, 2008 in a news article entitled “Experts Say Airline Merger Means More In-House Work.” Both Howard and Don were quoted through out the article about what would happen if two large airlines were to merge.
Litigation attorney Billy Hearnburg was featured in the Daily Report on February 25, 2008 in a news article entitled “Marketing…Me.” Billy discussed his road to partnership at SGR that began as middle-school English and Latin teacher.
Environmental attorney Steve O’Day was quoted in the article “Georgia’s Disappearing Giants” in The Sunday Paper on February 3, 2008. The article discussed Steve’s involvement in the Cumberland Harbour case as well as the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale.
Attorneys David Burge, Hal Gill, Tom Spillman and Phillip Hoover were featured in the Daily Report on February 14, 2008 in the Deal Watch column. Their support of client Schwan Food Co. in a sale-and-leaseback transaction was featured.
Environmental attorney Steve O’Day was quoted in the article “Georgia’s Disappearing Giants” in The Sunday Paper on February 3, 2008. The article discussed Steve’s involvement in the Cumberland Harbour case as well as the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale.
Product Liability attorney Tim Bumann was featured in The Monticello News on January 31, 2008 in the article “City Court Judges Are Sworn.” Tim Bumann has recently become Judge Pro Tem for the Municipal Court of Monticello.
A special section of the Daily Report entitled “Employers Legal Guide to Issues of the Modern Workplace” featured Employer Services attorneys Lisa Ballentine and Matt Clarke on January 24, 2008. The article had a transcript from an Employment Law Roundtable which included executives and in-house counsel from AirTran Airways, Waffle House and Havertys Furniture Companies.
Immigration attorney Anton Mertens was featured in Business to Business magazine’s January 2008 issue. Anton’s article “Documenting New Hires” discussed the legal requirements for documenting the work eligibility of new hires.
Environmental attorneys Steve O’Day, Andy Thompson and Jessica Reece were featured in the Daily Report on January 22, 2008, in the Verdicts & Settlements column. The team received a favorable jury verdict in a mold contamination case in Florida.
Lisa Ballentine provided commentary to Business & Legal Reports for the January 2008 issue of their human resources newsletter, “What to Do About Personnel Problems.” Lisa provided insight about giving healthy employees rewards in the article entitled “Unhealthy Off the Job = Less Productive On the Job.”
The Daily Report featured SGR’s new partners on January 16, 2008, in the In the Trenches column. Billy Hearnburg, Chris Holland, Nick Ivezaj and Laura Wartner became a partner on January 1, 2008.
Environmental attorney Steve O’Day was quoted in the Daily Report on January 15, 2008, in an article entitled “Opponents Pan Water Management Plan.” Steve commented on the state water management plan being discussed in the Georgia Legislature.
On January 10, 2008, the Daily Report reported on attorneys John Spillman, Emily Avant, Tom Spillman and Phillip Hoover who led a transaction for Principal Senior Living Group. The team was lead counsel in the sale of eight assisted-living properties valued at $113 million.
On November 29, 2007, the Daily Report reported on Real Estate attorneys Mac Young and Jon Gallant who closed on a $113 million, seven-property acquisition and development financing for Place Properties.
Securities Litigation attorney John Despriet was quoted in CFO Magazine on November 7, 2007, in an article entitled “Enforcement on Backdating Cools Off.” John commented on recent developments in the national options backdating scandal.
Employer Services attorney Matt Clarke was quoted in the Daily Report on October 31, 2007, in an article entitled “GCs to Employees: Think Before You Send.” Matt commented on the importance of in-house counsel to do e-mail etiquette training.
On October 16, 2007, the Atlanta Business Chronicle reported on Michael Vick’s loan default with Wachovia. Litigation attorney Tom Barton is representing Wachovia in this case and was featured in the article entitled “Vick Part of Wachovia Loan Default Suit.”
Banking attorney Bobby Schwartz was featured in the Daily Report on October 11, 2007, in the Deal Watch column. He represented Touchstone Bancshares Inc. on a planned IPO.
Litigation attorney Ed Konieczny was featured in a Georgia Bulletin synopsis of the Red Mass on October 4, 2007. Ed was recognized for his leadership role in the St. Thomas More Society and in organizing the Red Mass.
International Law attorney Florian Stamm provided extensive comments to GlobalAtlanta on September 24, 2007 on proposed changes in registration requirements for travelers to the U.S. in an article entitled “Swiss Ambassador Says New U.S. Process for Travelers Could Hurt Business, Tourism.”
Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP was featured in GlobalAtlanta on September 24, 2007 in an article entitled “All Swiss-American Chamber Chapters.” SGR hosted an event for Ulrich Hann, consul general of Switzerland in Atlanta. International Law attorney Florian Stamm helped organize the event.
Intellectual Property attorney Larry Colton’s advice was quoted in the column “Featuring Your URLs” on the SmartSamantha website on September 6, 2007. Mr. Colton provided guidance on how to register a domain name. He stressed the importance registering multiple domain names that are similar to the registrar’s business website address. To view the full article, click here.
On August 23, 2007, the Georgia Bulletin reported on the annual Red Mass. SGR attorney Ed Konieczny oversaw all planning aspects of the event and was quoted within the article.
Securities attorney Terry Schwartz was featured in the Daily Report on August 2, 2007, in the Deal Watch column. She gave advice to Ebix Inc. on the sale of 400,000 shares of common stock.
On June 19, 2007, IP Law360 reported on the recent hiring of IP attorneys Larry Colton and Nigam Acharya in the article entitled “Hunton & Williams, Smith Gambrell Grow IP Practices.”