Tobias C. Tatum Sr.

Toby Tatum serves clients in intellectual property, commercial, and construction litigation disputes, bringing extensive experience representing Fortune 500 companies and diverse industries. He distinguishes himself through a broad background that spans all levels of government service, nonprofit policy work, and complex litigation, providing clients with practical clarity and strategic insight in high-stakes matters.

Before joining Smith Gambrell and Russell LLP, Toby worked for an Atlanta-based firm supporting clients with litigation needs in intellectual property, construction, and general commercial disputes. His prior experience includes serving as Senior Counsel for the U.S. Department of Commerce (representing the agency in Census Bureau-related litigation), serving as a litigation associate for an international AmLaw 50 firm in Atlanta (supporting trial teams across various jurisdictions), and serving as Staff Attorney to a Cobb County Superior Court judge.

Toby’s client portfolio includes multiple Fortune 500 companies, utility and construction firms, financial institutions, automotive manufacturers, and a glyphosate-containing herbicide manufacturer. He has represented clients throughout all phases of litigation through early case assessment, pre-litigation strategy, drafting complex pleadings, discovery, and dispositive motions, and settlement negotiations, demonstrating a meticulous approach that mitigates risk and aligns with clients’ business objectives.

Complementing his legal expertise, Toby has significant experience in nonprofit and government sectors, having worked across all three branches of Georgia’s state government and worked or litigated across all three branches of the federal government. His roles have included policy analysis, educational outreach, and law clerk positions, reflecting a well-rounded perspective that informs his legal judgment.

Outside the office, Toby values time with his wife Isa and their three children, enjoying sports, gardening, and community involvement.

Toby's Practice

Representative Matters

• Represented Fortune 500 companies in complex commercial litigation and product liability cases.
• Provided litigation support for automotive manufacturers and financial institutions in high-stakes disputes.
• Defended a manufacturer of glyphosate-containing herbicides in insurance-related matters.
• Served as Senior Counsel for the U.S. Department of Commerce in Census Bureau litigation.
• Supported trial practice groups at an international AmLaw 50 firm with core litigation tasks.