{photo1-left} ATLANTA (July 27, 2012) — On July 25, Lisa Branch of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP was appointed to the Georgia Court of Appeals by Governor Nathan Deal. Her appointment will take effect on September 1, 2012, when she replaces Judge Charles B. Mikell, who will retire on August 31.

“Lisa’s elevation to Georgia’s second highest court continues a long tradition of SGR lawyers who have filled important positions in the state and federal judiciary,” said Stephen M. Forte, the firm’s managing partner. “We are thrilled for Lisa’s accomplishment and extend our heartfelt congratulations to her. “

Ms. Branch has spent the majority of her legal career with SGR, with the exception between 2004 and 2008, when she served as a senior official in the George W. Bush Administration, first at the Department of Homeland Security and then at the Office of Management and Budget in the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. Additionally, Ms. Branch served as a judicial clerk to Judge J. Owen Forrester of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia from 1994 to 1996.