ATLANTA (October 20, 2023) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that New York attorney Victor M. Metsch has received the NYS Courts Office for Justice Initiatives’ Access to Justice Pro Bono Award for his outstanding work and dedicated service in the Civil Court Volunteer Lawyer Project. Mr. Metsch was presented with his award during a ceremony on October 19 held in celebration of National Pro Bono Week. As a member of SGR’s Litigation Department, Victor Metsch focuses primarily in the area of commercial dispute resolution, which includes arbitration, mediation, appeals work, and litigation in the Federal, State and… Read more

ATLANTA (October 19, 2023) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce the Firm’s 2024 Chambers UK and The Legal 500 UK rankings. Partner Adrian Beasley has been selected for inclusion in the 2024 edition of Chambers UK Guide, ranked in Band 3 in Asset Finance: Aviation Finance. For The Legal 500 UK 2024, SGR’s Global Transport Practice has been recognized in Tier Five in London for Transport Finance & Leasing. Additionally for The Legal 500 UK 2024 in Finance: Transport Finance & Leasing, Adrian is recognized as a Leading Individual, along with Individual Mentions for Partners… Read more

ATLANTA (October 18, 2023) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that Partner Adam Toosley has rejoined the Firm’s Chicago office. Mr. Toosley was previously with Freeborn & Peters LLP, which combined with SGR in April 2023, from 2011 until 2021. He joins SGR from Hirzel Law, PLC where he practiced in the Traverse City, Michigan office. “Adam is held in high regard among his former Freeborn colleagues,” said Bill Russell, co-managing partner of SGR’s Chicago office with Jim Figliulo. “We are thrilled to welcome him back and look forward to his many future successes with… Read more

ATLANTA (October 16, 2023) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that Partner Roger Juan Maldonado has received a New York Law Journal 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. Recognized for his accomplishments and impact on the legal community and the practice of law over his 40-year career, Mr. Maldonado was honored on October 4 during the New York Law Journal’s award celebration in Manhattan. “SGR is very proud of Roger’s countless contributions to the legal profession and for his tireless efforts to ensure the preservation the basic rights of all,” said John McCarthy, managing partner of SGR’s New York… Read more

ATLANTA (October 16, 2023) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that Jacksonville Partner Richard Rivera has been elected to serve as a Young Lawyer Representative to the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates, which is the legislative body of the ABA. Mr. Rivera is one of four representatives elected by the ABA Young Lawyers Division (YLD) and will serve a 3-year term which began September 1. As the legislative body, The House of Delegates formulates policy for the ABA and may adopt rules consistent with its constitution and bylaws, as well as judge the… Read more

ATLANTA (October 5, 2023) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that Partner Linda Koffman, a member of the Firm’s Real Estate Practice in Los Angeles, CA, has been elected to the Board of Regents of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys (ACMA), an academic college comprised of more than 500 attorneys that specialize in mortgage law and real estate finance transactions across all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Mexico and Canada. Ms. Koffman is one of 25 Regents who represent the wide geographic reach of ACMA. She was formally elected to an initial 3-year… Read more

ATLANTA (September 29, 2023) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that Partner Tina Wills has been selected to Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s 40 Under Forty 2023 Illinois Attorneys to Watch. The annual list, compiled by Law Bulletin Media, recognizes the “up and comers” practicing law in Illinois. For the last several years, a young attorney from Freeborn & Peters LLP, which combined with SGR in April 2023, has been included on this distinguished list. Tina Wills is a member of SGR’s Litigation Practice in Chicago. She focuses her practice on complex commercial lawsuits, critical motions… Read more

ATLANTA (September 28, 2023) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce Partner Edward J. (“Jack”) Hardin as the recipient of the Special Honoree Award from the Gateway Center, presented during its 11th Annual Human Clay 2023 event on September 21. The award was given to Mr. Hardin for his “limitless passion and tireless dedication (that) have been instrumental in ensuring that Gateway Center has had the capacity to meet the needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness since the Gateway Center’s inception.” Mr. Hardin is the founder of Gateway Center, which opened in July 2005, and… Read more

ATLANTA (September 26, 2023) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that Michael Kolcun has joined the Firm as a partner based in the Tampa office. Prior to joining SGR, Mr. Kolcun was affiliated with Adams and Reese LLP in Tampa and Robins Kaplan LLP in New York. “We are excited to welcome Michael to SGR,” said Jason Stearns, SGR’s Tampa office managing partner. “His extensive experience handling commercial and IP related disputes, elevates SGR’s existing litigation capabilities, particularly as we continue to grow the Tampa office.” Mr. Kolcun’s practice is focused in commercial and intellectual… Read more

ATLANTA (September 25, 2023) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce its partnership with Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School’s Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) for the 2023-2024 school year. This is the ninth year SGR has partnered with the program which helps students envision a future that includes a college degree and a successful professional career and equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to realize that vision. SGR is one of more than 130 companies taking part in the CWSP. Through the innovative CWSP, students work five full days a month at top… Read more