It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our esteemed colleague, Joe McCullough, a Partner in Smith Gambrell & Russell’s Chicago office. Joe passed away on August 18, 2026.
“While a great professional, Joe was truly among the most kind and generous persons I have had the privilege of knowing,” said Stephen M. Forte, Managing Partner and Chairman of the Firm’s Executive Committee. “We will miss his intellect, charm, humor and cheerful smile. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Joe’s family, particularly his wife, Mona, his children Laura, Amanda, Joey, Sarah, Nina, Joshua, Mia, Christopher, Rose Kayla, and his stepchildren Jess and Jacob.”
“He was one of best and brightest lawyers to ever work in this firm, and he was a lion in the Reinsurance world,” said Terrence J. Sheahan, Managing Partner of the Chicago office. “We will miss Joe’s bottomless enthusiasm, intellect, constant smile, and fighting spirit.”
Joe joined Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (formerly Freeborn & Peters LLP) in 2010, establishing the firm’s Chambers-ranked Insurance and Reinsurance practice. He also served as Chair of Freeborn’s Executive Committee and was instrumental in the combination of Freeborn & Peters with Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP in 2023.
Joe earned his B.A., magna cum laude, from Georgetown University. He received his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law, cum laude, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and the Law Review.
Joe shaped the firm we are today and leaves behind a legacy of the highest-caliber client service, while having a lot of fun along the way. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of working with him. His obituary can be found here.
