Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP Partner Justice Leah Ward Sears Named Interim President of Emory University

ATLANTA (May 28, 2025) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP proudly announces that the Emory University Board of Trustees has appointed partner Leah Ward Sears to serve as interim president of Emory University, effective September 1, 2025.

Justice Sears’ appointment represents a momentous milestone in an already historic career. A trailblazer in the legal profession, Justice Sears was the first woman to ever serve on the Superior Court of Fulton County before being appointed and then elected as the youngest jurist ever on the Supreme Court of Georgia. She later made history as the first African American female chief justice of any state Supreme Court in the United States. Justice Sears was also shortlisted twice by President Obama for appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“We are immensely proud of Justice Sears and the extraordinary recognition of her leadership and service that this appointment represents,” said Stephen M. Forte, managing partner and chairman of Smith, Gambrell & Russell’s executive committee. “Her selection to lead one of the nation’s top academic institutions reflects her intellect, vision, and commitment to public service. We wholeheartedly support her as she embarks on this important chapter and look forward to welcoming her back after her term. Justice Sears’ appointment as Interim President of Emory University furthers the close bond that our firm has enjoyed with Emory over the years. We remain proud that the Emory Law School bears the name Gambrell Hall in honor of our founding partner, E. Smythe Gambrell.”

Justice Sears will continue to serve as a partner and executive committee member at the firm through the summer and assume her interim role at Emory University on September 1. She plans to return to SGR to continue practicing law upon completion of the term.

“I am deeply honored by the trust placed in me by Emory University and excited to serve during this transition,” said Justice Sears. “At the same time, I remain deeply committed to Smith Gambrell and look forward to returning to my colleagues and clients after this interim term. The firm has a long-standing commitment to leadership and advancing meaningful contributions to the broader community, and I value the support.”

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About Smith Gambrell Russell
Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP is a full-service, international law firm that advises regional, national and global businesses on a wide range of legal matters. The Firm’s nearly 350 attorneys provide legal counsel in more than 50 specialized practice areas, including corporate transactions, litigation, intellectual property, aviation, banking, art law, real estate, insurance/reinsurance, construction, employment law, international, and employee benefits and executive compensation. Founded in 1893, Smith Gambrell has 14 domestic and international offices, including Atlanta; Austin; Charlotte; Chicago; Jacksonville; London; Los Angeles; Miami; Milan; Munich; New York; Southampton; Tampa; and Washington, D.C.

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