In the News
Scott Cahalan was quoted in an article in The Augusta Chronicle on May 10 discussing contract conflicts in the $900 million dispute over the addition of two nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtl.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle featured Laura Andrew in its May 10 article, “Obamacare forces ‘pay or play’ decisions.”
Employee Benefit News published an article authored by Kate Bongiovanni entitled, “Contraceptive coverage mandate clarified.”
Law 360 reported the filing of a complaint by client, Jack Braha, in the New York Supreme Court against Steven Ancona and certain limited liability companies alleging fraudulent conveyance of two properties. This new action arises out of another pending lawsuit between the parties concerning ownership of a building in the Flatiron District and the parties’ respective obligations under a 35-year triple-net-lease. In that case, our client prevailed on liability and the Court is scheduling a trial on damages. Edward White and Michael Regan are handling the case.
Greg Kirsch was quoted in a Daily Report article entitled, “The lateral affair: It’s more than a casual romance.”
Gregory J. Kirsch, a partner in SGR’s Atlanta office and Head of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice, is a contributing author to a new book being published by the American Bar Association (ABA), on the subject of bioinformatics law. Bioinformatics is the application of computer and information technology to the study and analysis of genetics and other biological structures and processes. The new book, entitled “Bioinformatics Law: Legal Issues for Computational Biology in the Post-Genome Era," covers various legal issues relating to this technology, including intellectual property, licensing, privacy, collaborations, technical standards, and data ownership. Mr. Kirsch is the co-author of Chapter Five on software patent law.
Paul Sowell was quoted in the Wall Street Journal article entitled “Is the Next Generation Prepared to Fly High?”
Ed Wasmuth’s “Georgia Appellate Developments” blog launch was mentioned in the “Talk of the Town” section of Attorney at Law Magazine.
Hong Wills spoke at the International Women’s Day Celebration at Georgia’s State Capitol on March 8. The event, organized by the Georgia Commission on Women, was featured on Channel 2’s People 2 People.
Kate Bongiovanni authored an Employee Benefits News article, published March 1, on new health care regulations that increase rewards for wellness programs.
Law360 and Thomson Reuters News & Insight featured Smith, Gambrell & Russell for its representation of Development Specialists Inc., which is seeking funds from the bankrupt law firm, Coudert Brothers, as the administrator of its estate. John McCarthy represents DSI in this potentially precedent-setting case.
Greg Kirsch was mentioned in the Daily Report on March 6th for his new role as the head of SGR’s Intellectual Property Practice.
Steve O’Day was quoted in a March 8th Atlanta Business Chronicle article discussing a new water regulation bill.
The March/April 2013 issue of Simply Buckhead magazine featured Hong Wills in an article entitled “Exploring Buckhead’s Neighborhoods: How Buckhead was and will be built”.
Steve O’Day was a featured panel moderator on the topic of Georgia’s solar future at the 2013 Greenprints Conference. To view a short video of Steve describing the event, click here.
Steve Forte was quoted in the Daily Report article entitled “Smith Gambrell: 2012 was year of investment,” which was published on March 11th.
Victor Metsch authored an article entitled, “The First Department’s Jan. 29 ‘spoliation trifecta’,” which was published on March 11th by Thomson Reuters News & Insight.
Smith, Gambrell & Russell launched the “Georgia Appellate Developments” blog, which is managed by Ed Wasmuth. To view the press release, click here.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle featured David Burge in its “People in the News” section on February 4th for his recent election as National Representative to the Atlanta Area Boy Scout Council.
Steve O’Day authored an article entitled “Municipal Water Supply and ‘Smart Water Grid Services’” published on February 7th for the Georgia Municipal Association.
Andy Fawbush was featured in the Fall 2012 UF Law Magazine’s Annual Report issue for receiving the inaugural S. Austin Peele Distinguished Service Award.
Don Mitchell authored an article entitled, “Catching the Spirit: Airline Ancillary Fees Under Attack” which was published in the January/February 2013 issue of Jetrader magazine.
On January 28th, Victor Metsch and Donald Rosenthal served as "Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States" panel members in a final round of the National Moot Court Competition.
Edward White and Michael Regan successfully argued for client, 3 West 16th Street, LLC, against a synagogue, staying eviction by claiming to own a third of the 16th Street property, which is being developed into luxury rentals. The hearing in the New York State Supreme Court was covered in The Real Deal, The Villager, The New York Observer, and The New York Jewish Week. White and Regan also prevailed in the Supreme Court Appellate Division, which was covered in The Real Deal and The New York Observer.
SGR’s addition of eight new IP litigators from Murphy & King was featured in the Daily Report and Bloomberg’s Business of Law column. SGR’s full press release on the addition was also featured on IPFrontline.com.
David Burge was quoted in a Ledger-Enquirer story on the potential foreclosure of The Ralston building in downtown Columbus.
Suzannah Sundby co-authored an article featured on the American Conference Institute’s Blog, Business Information In A Global Context.
Tracey Daniels was quoted in the New York Times Real Estate Q&A section, in which she answered a question on the “Mansion Tax” in New York City.
Aasia Mustakeem was mentioned in the “Talk of the Town” Section of Attorney at Law Magazine for being honored with the Conscientious Service Award from the Global Diversity Summit in Commercial Real Estate, Inc.
Victor Metsch authored an article entitled “Has Ashland Management Trumped Kenford Company with Respect to Claims for ‘New Venture’ Lost Profits?” for Thomson Reuters News & Insight.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle quoted Steve O’Day in an article regarding the possible development of a new solar power plant in Milledgeville.
Georgia Trend Magazine named nine Smith, Gambrell & Russell attorneys on their Legal Elite list for 2012: Ron Barab, Steve O’Day, Andy Thompson, Marcie Ernst, Parker Sanders, Greg Kirsch, Jim Monacell, David Burge and Brett Lockwood.
Bloomberg.com covered the Smith, Gambrell & Russell and Hartman & Craven combination.
Victor Metsch served as a Judge last month in the semi-final round of the National Moot Court competition.
The New York Law Journal featured {Victor Metsch}(http://www.sgrlaw.com/attorneys/profiles/metsch/)+ and Michael Regan in its “Realty Law Digest” last week in regards to a recent decision in condominium law. The story also mentions an article co-authored by Metsch and Regan.
Michael Regan authored an article in the Fall 2012 edition of the New York Real Property Law Journal discussing two recent appellate decisions on commercial lease renewals.
Suzannah Sundby co-authored an article featured on IPWatchdog.com entitled “No One is Patenting Your Genes: The Ripple Effect if Isolated DNA Claims Are Made Patent Ineligible.”
The Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record featured Dana Bradford in its article on the annual Hulsey/Gambrell Moot Court Competition that took place last week. Two law students from the University of Georgia defeated two University of Florida law students to win the annual courtroom contest.
Colin Delaney was quoted in a Law360 article regarding a case in which the Firm represents RCTV, a Venezuelan TV channel, against DirecTV in the Supreme Court of New York.
Steve O’Day served as the moderator for the “Smart Water Solutions for Atlanta” panel discussion. Steve was also mentioned in the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper newsletter for his contributions.
Aasia Mustakeem received the Conscientious Service Award from the Global Diversity Summit in Commercial Real Estate, Inc. for her dedication and commitment to the organization and the furtherance of the commercial real estate industry. The award was presented at the 2012 GDSummit in Commercial Real Estate held in Atlanta, October 10-11.
New Partner Greg Kirsch was featured in Law 360, the Daily Report and a Bloomberg.com article regarding his recent move to SGR.
Michelle Edwards and Joyce Klemmer authored sections about The Atlanta Bar Association’s volunteer and pro bono efforts in the October 2012 issue of The Atlanta Lawyer.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution featured Scott Harty for his work with the Sixty Feet organization, a charity that focuses on the freeing of Ugandan children from wrongful imprisonment.
Kate Bongiovanni authored the Employee Benefit News article entitled, “CMS Updates Enforcement Rules” regarding recent clarification of certain safe harbor guidelines.
Smith, Gambrell & Russell has been named an Industry Partner of the Year finalist by the Georgia Restaurant Association for their annual GRACE Awards. Perry McGuire is a founding board member of the GRA and currently serves on the Board of Directors and as Co-Chair of the Legislative/Governmental Affairs Committee.
The Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record recognized Smith Gambrell & Russell for its involvement in reviving the upcoming Florida/Georgia moot court competition scheduled for October 26.
Jonathan Minnen was featured in an Atlanta Jewish Times entrepreneur profile entitled “Jonathan Minnen, Pioneer of the Atlanta-Israel Connection.”
Don Mitchell was quoted in a HuffPost Travel article regarding the legal implications of how airlines advertise prices and fees.
As a contributing editor for the Laws and Regulations section of Employee Benefit News, Kate Bongiovanni recently authored an article entitled “Guidance Clarifies FSA Changes, IRS Contemplates Modifications to Use-It-or-Lose-It rule.”
Don Mitchell authored an article called “A Case of Olympic Proportions, Court’s Conclusion Leaves Room for Confusion,” which was published in the September/October issue of Jetrader magazine.
Smith, Gambrell & Russell was mentioned in the Daily Report article on the the swearing-in ceremony of former partner, Lisa Branch, as Georgia Court of Appeals Judge.
Kate Bongiovanni co-authored the Employee Benefit Adviser article, “Performance Under Pressure,” regarding the Summary of Benefits and Coverage requirement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Her portion of the article, “Government SBC Guidance Answers Industry Questions, Concerns” highlights frequently asked questions published jointly by the The Departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services.
Smith Gambrell & Russell client McGill Aviation was mentioned in Florida’s Fernandina Beach News Leader announcing McGill’s success in a longstanding lawsuit with the city of Fernandina Beach. SGR attorney Jim Middleton has represented McGill for the last 8 years.
Smith Gambrell & Russell’s participation in the Rainwater Harvesting Summit, a meeting to promote the harvesting of rainwater by residential and commercial property owners, was mentioned in a Saporta Report article.
The Daily Report mentioned Smith Gambrell & Russell in an article entitled, “Judge says GSU and Regents to get legal fees from publishers,” covering a case that Matt Warenzak was involved in.
Julie Miller was quoted in the Jacksonville Business Journal following her participation in a roundtable of young professionals from NAIOP of Northeast Florida’s Developing Leaders group.
Steve O’Day and Andy Thompson co-authored an article entitled “The Sophisticated User Defense: It’s Not Just for Drug Companies Anymore,” which was published in the Summer 2012 Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Committee Newsletter.
Novartis Corporation listed Smith, Gambrell & Russell in a media release regarding the company’s exclusive selection of its Panel of Preferred Firms. SGR is a Preferred Firm for Novartis False Advertising and Commercial Litigation matters.
Jim Middleton’s induction into the Litigation Counsel of America was mentioned in the News and Notes section of The Florida Bar website.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution mentioned Jonathan Minnen’s election to The American-Israel Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Region Board as Secretary for 2012-2013.
Andy Thompson recently co-authored an article with Tony Auffant, general counsel of SGR’s client Metso Paper USA, Inc., entitled “The Anatomy of a Groundwater Contamination Case: 6 Years, 15 Lawsuits, and Enough Twists and Turns for a Law School Exam” in the Summer 2012 edition of the In-House Defense Quarterly magazine.
Don Mitchell’s article “Is it Worthy?: Defining ‘airworthy’ plus ICAO vs. the Volcano” was published in the July/August 2012 issue of Jetrader magazine.
As a contributing editor for the Laws and Regulations section of Employee Benefit News, Kate Bongiovanni authored an article on July 1, 2012 entitled “Guidance issued on fees for research.”
Steve O’Day was quoted in the June 27, 2012 issue of the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper RiverFlash newsletter regarding the Smart Water Grid initiative. In addition, Steve was interviewed on Southeast Green’s “Speaking of Green” blog talk radio show on July 11, 2012.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle recognized Drew Slone as part of the 2012 graduating class of Leadership Dekalb.
Andy Thompson was mentioned on June 13, 2012 in a recent issue of the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper RiverFlash newsletter regarding his recent representation of the nonprofit in the Georgia Court of Appeals.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle quoted Steve O’Day in an article on June 8, 2012 about his involvement in the Smart Water Grid program.
On June 5, 2012, Citybizlist Atlanta mentioned Michelle Edwards concerning her role as a 2012-2013 Atlanta Bar Association Section Chair.
Ed Wasmuth was quoted in a Daily Report article on June 5, 2012 entitled “Court vacates $17.5M airport verdict.”
The Jacksonville Business Journal recognized Andy Fawbush on May 31, 2012 as the recipient of the inaugural S. Austin Peele Distinguished Trustee Award in recognition of his service and dedication as a University of Florida Levin College of Law Trustee.
On May 18, 2012, the Daily Report interviewed Class Action, the band mostly made up of SGR lawyers, before LawJam 2012.
On March 23, 2012, Brian Hall was mentioned in three Daily Deal articles about his representation of AgSouth Farm Credit.
The Jacksonville Business Journal featured Dana Bradford on April 13, 2012 in its “Listmakers” feature, which highlights top executives from the area’s largest law firms. In addition, Dana was quoted in a Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record article about SGR’s sponsorship of the annual Florida-Georgia Moot Court Competition.
Anton Mertens was interviewed on the Atlanta Business RadioX “Corporate Conversations” talk radio show.
Steve O’Day co-authored an Oil & Gas Monitor article on March 19, 2012 entitled, “Top Environmental Concerns in Fracking.”
The Winter 2012 Furman Magazine included a feature on Steve O’Day.
Sandra Mallory was featured in a Daily Report article on March 15, 2012 about how law firm administrators keep law firms running smoothly.
“Poisonous Estate Planning,” an article by Dorothy Santos, was referred to in London’s New Law Journal on March 9, 2012.
Steve O’Day gave a summary of the Greenprints 2012 Keynote Panel in a Southeast Green video. In addition, Steve was mentioned on April 18, 2012 in the “In the Trenches” column of the Daily Report for his involvement on the executive advisory council of the Midtown Alliance’s new Greenprint Midtown initiative.
Laura Andrew and Kate Bongiovanni co-authored an article on Febraury 21, 2012 entitled “Group Health Plan Sponsors Should Prepare for Possible HIPAA Audits,” which was published in both the Bloomberg Law Reports Heath Law and Labor & Employment newsletters.
Don Mitchell authored an article entitled, “Financier Liability Protection Further Eroded in Florida,” which was published in the March/April 2012 issue of Jetrader magazine.
As a contributing editor for the Laws and Regulations section of Employee Benefit News, Kate Bongiovanni recently authored three articles.
The Georgia Bar Journal published an article in February 2012 by Andy Thompson regarding the sophisticated user defense in the toxic tort context.
David Fox was mentioned in a Law360 article on February 21, 2012 about his representation of Arch Specialty Insurance Co. in a case against Axiom Insurance Managers Agency LLC.
Denn Webb was mentioned in a Loganville-Grayson Patch article on Februaury 8, 2012 about his participation in a meeting concerning rezoning on Georgia’s Highway 20.
Colin Delaney and John Lee were mentioned in a Law360 article on February 2, 2012 regarding their $13.6M victory in a dispute involving a large, multi-use, commercial real estate development.
Steve O’Day was quoted in an Electric Power Daily newsletter, an Electric Utility Week article, an Atlanta Business Chronicle article on February 23, 2012, and on the Savannahnow.com website on January 29 about solar energy changes in Georgia. In addition, Steve was quoted in a Law360 article entitled “EPA Braces For Shake-Up As High Court, Congress Take Aim.”
The Atlanta Business Chronicle recognized Alison Drane for her selection in the NAIOP Future Leaders class of 2012.
In January 2012, Yash Dave was featured in a Florida Coastal School of Law brochure.
Smith, Gambrell & Russell appeared in the Atlanta Business Chronicle edition of “The History of Law and Accounting” on Januray 13, 2012.
Steve O’Day was quoted on January 1, 2012 in a Law360 article regarding the development and implementation of environmental regulations in 2012.
On November 1, 2011, 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.
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, 2011 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.
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. In late August, Steve co-wrote an Atlanta Journal Constitution article, which proposes steps that Atlantans should take to increase water supply through conservation.
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.
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.
