Elizabeth B. Blakely is a Partner in the Corporate Practice of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP.
Elizabeth 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.
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
Windsor Square – Hancock Park Historical Society, Trustee
The Ebell of Los Angeles, Member
Provisors, Member of LAI, Executive Committee
Advocates of the Library Foundation of the Los Angeles Library, Member
Los Angeles Estate Planning Council, Member
Los Angeles Regional Technology Alliance, Mentor, Global California Mentor Program
USC Family Business Institute, Advisor
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
