ATLANTA (February 2, 2009) — Smith Gambrell & Russell has broadened its financial restructuring and real estate expertise with the addition of two Atlanta attorneys to the firm.

David Minkin joins the firm as Partner concentrating in the areas of financial restructuring, tax credit real estate development, commercial real estate development, corporate finance, government relations and alternative dispute resolution. Joining the firm with Mr. Minkin is associate Margaret Bryan, who focuses her practice in the areas of financial restructuring and real estate finance and development.

Mr. Minkin’s practice focuses on all aspects of financial restructuring; real estate tax credit development and financing; all phases of construction, permanent, and asset-based financing and revolving credit facilities; and the development and construction, leasing, management and acquisition of hotels, shopping centers, office buildings, apartment complexes, office/warehouse facilities, and other commercial facilities.

“David is a very well-respected attorney whom we’re very happy to have as part of our team. His experience, profile and network will be a real asset to SGR,” says Stephen M. Forte, Managing Partner.

Mr. Minkin is a 2009 Best Lawyer in Real Estate Law, a Georgia Super Lawyer for 2007 and 2008, and a 2008 member of the Georgia Legal Elite. He has served as President of the Atlanta Jewish Federation, Vice-President of the Council of Jewish Federations, Chair of the Council of Jewish Federations Committee on Unity of the Jewish People, President of the Greenfield Hebrew Academy of Atlanta, as well as on a number of national and local boards. In addition, Mr. Minkin is presently an Adjunct Professor at the School of Law at Georgia State University. He was a member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2005.

Mr. Minkin earned an A.B. degree from Cornell University and an M.B.A. and J.D. from Harvard University. He is admitted to the Georgia Bar, Massachusetts Bar, and the New York Bar.

Ms. Bryan, who has worked with Mr. Minkin for several years, has a broad range of experience in representing investors and developers in state and federal tax credit developments as well as commercial real estate developments of all kinds.

Ms. Bryan earned a B.A., magna cum laude, from Rollins College and her J.D. from Florida State University. She is admitted to the Georgia Bar. Ms. Bryan presently serves as Secretary of The NAMES Project Foundation which preserves and cares for the AIDS Memorial Quilt.