Elizabeth Blakely, Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP Photo

Elizabeth B. Blakely

Of Counsel
Elizabeth Blakely, Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP Photo
Elizabeth B. Blakely

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth B. Blakely joined the firm as an associate in 1980 and was made a principal in 1986. Elizabeth represents all forms of business entities, including limited liability companies, S corporations, C corporations and partnerships, from startup to exit strategy. She has particular expertise in acquisitions and sales of businesses, including mergers and leveraged buyouts, and the organization, operation, governance, financing and dissolution of business entities.

Elizabeth has the necessary tax expertise to advise on choice of entity, structuring business transactions and 1031 exchanges, in addition to almost 40 years’ experience in drafting and negotiation of the relevant agreements and documentation for mergers & acquisitions, establishing and funding new business entities, commercial transactions, equipment and real estate leases and real estate sales and acquisitions.

Elizabeth also specializes in deferred compensation planning for highly compensated employees such as performance share plans and restricted stock arrangements and profits interests in partnerships and LLCs.

Elizabeth also uses her tax expertise and drafting skills in the areas of estate planning and probate and trust administration.

Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America®, Corporate Law, Los Angeles (2025, 2026)

Credentials

Education

University of Southern California

Occidental College

Admissions

  • California

Languages

Organizational Involvement

Professional

National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Los Angeles Chapter (10 Terms on the Board of Directors), Legal Counsel 5 years; Secretary 3 years; Program Chair 1 year

National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC), Legal Counsel

Provisors, Member of LAI, Executive Committee

Los Angeles Estate Planning Council, Member

Los Angeles Regional Technology Alliance, Mentor, Global California Mentor Program

USC Family Business Institute, Advisor

Community

Windsor Square - Hancock Park Historical Society, Trustee

The Ebell of Los Angeles, Member

Advocates of the Library Foundation of the Los Angeles Library, Member

Thought Leadership

Lecturer, Subchapter S Corporations, California State University at Los Angeles Annual Institute of Taxation for Certified Public Accountants

Choice of Business Entity for National Business Institute

Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships for Lorman Education Services

Mergers and Acquisitions: Strategies for the Closely Held Entity for Lorman Education Services

SGR News & Perspectives

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