NEW YORK (January 4, 2010) — The New York office of Smith Gambrell & Russell has broadened its litigation and corporate counseling expertise with the addition of Christopher G. FitzPatrick as Counsel.

Mr. FitzPatrick has experience in contract, class action and products liability litigation, Lanham Act false advertising cases and other business litigation, and has led licensing and acquisition efforts for medical device, pharmaceutical, food and consumer goods companies. He has also counseled clients across a broad spectrum of legal and regulatory areas related to business operations.

Prior to re-entering private practice, Mr. FitzPatrick served as general counsel and in corporate management for over two decades. He held positions with Novartis Consumer Health Division as senior vice president and general counsel; CIBA Vision Corporation as global vice president and general counsel; and the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs as deputy commissioner and general counsel.

“Chris FitzPatrick’s litigation experience and extensive network within the business community complements and strengthens the New York office and the breadth of services we offer our clients in the New York area and elsewhere,” said Stephen M. Forte, the firm’s managing partner.

Mr. FitzPatrick regularly represents victims of domestic violence for the New Jersey Legal Service’s Domestic Violence Representation Project and was the 2007 recipient of the organization’s Equal Justice Medal for pro bono contributions.

Mr. FitzPatrick earned a B.A. degree from New York University and a J.D. degree from Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. He is admitted to the New York Bar and New Jersey Bar.