NEW YORK (October 22, 2010) — Smith, Gambrell & Russell is pleased to announce that Porfirio (“Pref”) Ramirez has joined the firm’s New York office as a partner in its corporate and international practice groups.

Formerly a partner at Alston + Bird LLP, Mr. Ramirez works extensively with clients in Latin America. His practice focus is on domestic and international private finance transactions (structured and leveraged finance), acquisitions and commercial transactions. He also handles a broad range of other cross-border matters for his clients.

“We are excited to welcome Pref as a partner in New York,” said Stephen M. Forte, the firm’s managing partner. “Pref’s extensive transactional experience will add depth to the firm’s corporate practice, enhancing our ability to support our clients in this area. Pref also brings significant contacts and experience in Latin America, adding to SGR’s international practice.”

Mr. Ramirez is a member of the International Bar Association, American Bar Association, New York City Bar Association and New York Advisory Board of the Instituto Brasileiro de Direito Empresarial (IBRADEMP). He received his J.D. degree in 1977 from Harvard Law School and his A.B., cum laude, in 1974 from Harvard College. He is admitted to practice in New York.