January 29, 2026 – Law360 featured Smith, Gambrell & Russell’s strategic expansion into Houston with the addition of Partner Mitch Ackal, who joined the firm to launch and lead the new office. “It was just an opportunity that I thought was a dream come true,” Ackal said. “The firm is led by a truly remarkable executive team that’s focused on meeting clients’ evolving and strategic needs, especially in a hot market like Houston.” To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).

February 6, 2026 – The Jacksonville Daily Record reported on litigation involving the former Regency Square Mall, where Impact Church of Jacksonville has filed complaints related to the mall’s April 2025 change of ownership. Smith, Gambrell & Russell represents Blackwater Regency LLC in the matter. In response to the complaints, SGR Partner Alan Wachs noted, “We are disappointed that Impact Church has chosen to file these two meritless lawsuits. Impact’s lawsuits are both premised upon false and misleading allegations and ignore Impact’s own repeated failures to honor its commitments.” To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).

February 5, 2026 – PlanSponsor recently featured Lisa Carrasco discussing new federal initiatives aimed at increasing pharmacy benefit manager transparency and accountability, including enhanced disclosure requirements and the elimination of spread pricing. “It’s not enough to just get it and sit on it,” Carrasco noted. “As fiduciaries, they need a process to review that information — to see if it’s complete, to see if it’s reasonable, and to understand what type of compensation they’ve actually been paying.” To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).

January 29, 2026 – Texas Lawyer recently featured Smith, Gambrell & Russell’s strategic expansion into Houston with the addition of veteran energy industry specialist Mitch Ackal, who joined the firm as a partner to launch and lead the new office. Ackal said the firm’s “depth across key industries, its entrepreneurial mindset, and its commitment to thoughtful growth made this a compelling opportunity,” adding that he looks forward to “helping build the firm’s Houston presence” and is “extremely excited” to have the opportunity to open and recruit for a new office. To read the full article, click here (subscription may be… Read more

January 27, 2026 – Law360 recently featured Elizabeth Janczak in its coverage of a Seventh Circuit appeal examining whether a law firm could recover legal fees based on an alleged oral agreement in bankruptcy proceedings. Arguing on behalf of the Official Committee of Equity Security Holders, Janczak emphasized that the firm failed to meet its evidentiary burden, stating, “This is really about burdens and standards. Ballard did not meet its burden as the nonmoving party to offer sufficient evidence to survive summary judgment.” To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).

January 28, 2026 – Partner Todd Heffner authored an article in Daily Report entitled “Taking ‘Ownership’—The Single Most Important Skill Associates Must Learn.” The article argues that “taking ownership” is the most critical skill associates must deliberately develop, meaning proactively solving problems, anticipating needs, and acting like an owner rather than waiting for instructions. Todd emphasizes that reliability and initiative—not just legal skill—are what earn trust, responsibility, and ultimately career advancement. To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).

February 2, 2026 – Partner Matthew O’Hara and Associate Carly Allen co-authored an article in Law360 entitled, “NYC Bar Opinion Warns Attys On Use Of AI Recording Tools,” examining the ethical risks lawyers face when using AI tools to record, transcribe, or summarize client conversations. The article analyzes a recent New York City Bar ethics opinion that cautions attorneys on issues including informed client consent, confidentiality and privilege, competence, and the added risks posed by two-party consent states and biometric privacy laws. As AI tools become more prevalent in legal practice, the opinion underscores the importance of transparency, oversight, and ethical… Read more

January 20, 2026 – Law360 Employment Authority recently featured Yash Dave on the Fifth Circuit’s en banc review of Texas’ challenge to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and its potential path to the U.S. Supreme Court. Dave noted that an adverse ruling could immediately limit EEOC enforcement against the state and “would also likely create a circuit split,” making Supreme Court review “almost certain.” To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).

January 23, 2026 – Law360 recently featured Patrick Swain following his arrival at Smith, Gambrell & Russell’s London office, where he now leads the firm’s commercial litigation practice and continues to strengthen SGR’s growing U.K. disputes capabilities. To read the full article, click here (subscription may be required).

January 9, 2026 – Law.com recently featured Atlanta Office Managing Partner Thomas Hong on his path to firm leadership and his approach to guiding Smith, Gambrell & Russell’s Atlanta office, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and firm-first decision-making. “Get to know your colleagues and understand how the business works. You don’t have to share the same interests, but mutual respect is essential. The people who tend to thrive are those who take the time to build relationships and to understand how decisions, financial and otherwise, shape a firm’s trajectory,” Hong said. To read the full article, click here (subscription may… Read more