About the Practice
Smith, Gambrell & Russell advises clients across the hospitality sector, including hotel owners, operators, investors, developers, restaurant groups, on the legal and business issues that shape the industry. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates transactional, operational, regulatory, labor and employment, litigation, privacy, and intellectual property counsel to help clients execute strategy, manage risk, and drive growth.
Hospitality businesses operate in a fast-moving environment where real estate, workforce management, technology, consumer engagement, and legal compliance intersect. SGR delivers coordinated legal solutions designed to support clients at every stage of the business lifecycle, from acquisition and development through operations, expansion, restructuring, and dispute resolution.
Transactions and Growth Strategy
We counsel clients on the structuring and execution of hospitality transactions, including acquisitions and dispositions, development arrangements and strategic partnerships. Our attorneys regularly advise on commercial agreements central to hospitality operations, including management agreements, franchise arrangements, licensing structures, technology services agreements, distribution channels, and outsourcing relationships.
Hotels, Lodging and Hospitality Operations
SGR works with hospitality stakeholders to develop practical legal frameworks for day-to-day operations and long-term business objectives. Our experience spans hotel operations, service arrangements, guest-facing programs, vendor relationships, and operational compliance initiatives.
Real Estate and Development
Hospitality assets present unique development and operational challenges. Our attorneys represent clients in connection with site acquisition, construction and redevelopment projects, financing transactions, leasing, repositioning initiatives, and hospitality-focused investment structures. We also advise on redevelopment and rebranding efforts involving existing hotel and mixed-use assets.
Franchising, Branding and Commercial Relationships
Brand value remains central to success in the hospitality industry. SGR advises clients on franchise systems, licensing arrangements, renewals, transfers, and strategic brand relationships. We structure agreements that preserve operational flexibility while supporting long-term commercial objectives.
Digital Platforms, Technology and Data
As hospitality businesses increasingly rely on digital ecosystems, SGR advises clients on technology transactions, online distribution, platform relationships, cybersecurity preparedness, data governance, and privacy obligations. Our team helps clients implement practical compliance solutions while supporting innovation and customer engagement.
Intellectual Property and Customer Programs
We assist hospitality businesses in protecting and expanding their brands through, trademark portfolio management and intellectual property enforcement.
Workforce and Employment Solutions
Hospitality employers face evolving workforce and operational demands. SGR’s labor and employment attorneys provide strategic guidance on employee relations, wage and hour compliance, workplace policies, collective bargaining, investigations, workforce restructuring, executive transitions, and employment disputes.
Litigation, Investigations and Risk Management
When disputes arise, SGR represents hospitality clients in commercial litigation, employment claims, construction disputes, class actions, regulatory proceedings, arbitrations, mediations, and internal investigations. Our approach emphasizes practical outcomes aligned with business priorities.
Benefits and Regulatory Compliance
We advise hospitality clients on employee benefits and compliance frameworks that support sustainable growth. Our attorneys assist with compensation and benefits design, internal controls, training initiatives, and responses to government inquiries and enforcement actions.
With decades of experience advising hospitality industry participants, SGR combines deep sector knowledge with practical business judgment to help clients navigate complex legal challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
