Menu
Aug 4, 2016

SGR Client, Cherry Street Energy, Executes First Solar Energy Procurement Agreement in Georgia Under HB 57, The Solar Power Free-Market Financing Act of 2015

ATLANTA (August 4, 2016) – Law firm Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce its client, Cherry Street Energy, LLC, has executed the first Solar Energy Procurement Agreement (SEPA) under HB 57, The Solar Power Free-Market Financing Act of 2015. As the county transitions to renewable power, Macon-Bibb Commissioners approved the agreement which contracts Cherry Street Energy to construct multiple solar arrays to power county buildings in Macon, Georgia. Macon-Bibb County is taking advantage of the solar financing market created by HB 57, allowing Cherry Street to install the solar panels at its cost, and recoup its… Read more


Aug 1, 2016

Smith, Gambrell & Russell Represents Vanguard Truck Centers in Acquisition

ATLANTA (August 1, 2016) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce the firm served as legal counsel to Vanguard Truck Centers (Vanguard) in the company’s acquisition by Stephens Capital Partners. The partnership provides Vanguard with shareholder liquidity and enhanced access to capital to support strategic expansion. Vanguard, the largest multi-regional truck dealership platform in the Volvo/Mack dealer network, has been family-owned for more than 25 years. Considered a leading innovator in the dealer system, Vanguard has succeeded by expertly managing locations across disparate geographies, growing via greenfield expansion and opportunistic acquisitions while maintaining best-in-industry operations. Arkansas-based… Read more


Jul 20, 2016

Smith, Gambrell & Russell Welcomes 5 Additional New Attorneys

ATLANTA (July 20, 2016) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce the addition of five new attorneys to the firm: Carrie Anderer, Benjamin Deninger, Chloe Furfine, Heiko Gruenwald, and Ariane Smith. “Continuing with our strategic growth, Smith, Gambrell & Russell is excited to again welcome new attorneys to the firm,” said Stephen Forte, SGR’s managing partner. “These new associates each bring a unique skillset and additional energy into several dynamic practice areas.” Ms. Anderer, an associate in SGR’s New York Litigation and Labor and Employment Practices, represents clients in a variety of complex commercial litigation matters,… Read more


Jul 19, 2016

Partner James Bikoff of Smith, Gambrell & Russell Appointed Chair of the Trademark Litigation in the American Bar Association Section of Intellectual Property Law

American Bar Association

ATLANTA (July 19, 2016) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that Partner James Bikoff has been appointed Chair of the Trademark Litigation Committee in the American Bar Association Section of Intellectual Property Law (ABA-IPL) for the 2016-2017 membership year. As part of the ABA and as the largest organization of intellectual property lawyers in the world, the ABA-IPL is a highly respected and influential voice of the Intellectual Property bar. Leaders provide thoughtful consideration of the emerging issues that shape and influence the views and policies advocated by the Section, encourage the development of relevant… Read more


Jun 23, 2016

SGR Attorney Andy Fawbush Appointed to University of Florida Athletics Director Search Committee

Gator Field

ATLANTA (June 23, 2016) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that Partner Andy Fawbush has been appointed to the University of Florida’s (UF’s) University Athletic Association (UAA) Search Committee to develop a slate of candidates for the new Athletics Director position. The eight-member search committee is made up of University and Athletic Department constituents and will be chaired by Manny Fernandez, a former UF Trustee (2001-07) and Board Chairman (2003-07). Once the committee identifies the finalists, Gator head coaches and UAA staff will have a chance to meet with candidates. Jeremy Foley announced June 13th… Read more


Jun 15, 2016

SGR Client, Finnish Company Oilon, Opens New U.S. Headquarters in Thomasville, GA

ATLANTA (June 15, 2016) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that its client, Oilon, a Finnish energy and environmental technology company, has opened its first U.S. office and North American corporate office in Thomasville, Georgia. The company held the ribbon cutting ceremony at their new 32,000-square-foot headquarters on June 2. The company leased a Thomasville facility during the prior 18 months. With facilities in China and an office in Russia, Oilon manufactures oil, gas and dual fuel burners for power plants, industrial processes, hazardous waste incineration plants, district heating plants and ships. Business operations also… Read more


Jun 10, 2016

Smith, Gambrell & Russell Represents Heritage Growth Partners in Growth Recapitalization

ATLANTA (June 10, 2016) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce the firm served as legal counsel to Heritage Growth Partners LLC (Heritage) in a growth recapitalization of East West Manufacturing, LLC. The transaction was led by a private investment group with offices in New York and Atlanta, in partnership with Heritage Growth Partners LLC. The purpose of the recapitalization is to support the Company’s growing operations and future acquisition initiatives. The SGR legal team included John Ethridge and Nick Rueter of the firm’s Corporate Practice. About Heritage Growth Partners LLC Heritage Growth Partners LLC is… Read more


Jun 9, 2016

SGR’s Greg Kirsch and Dale Lischer Recognized on List of the World’s Leading Patent Professionals of 2016

ATLANTA (June 9, 2016) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that Partners Greg Kirsch and Dale Lischer have been recognized on Intellectual Asset Management’s (IAM’s) 2016 IAM Patent 1000 list of the world’s leading patent professionals. The IAM Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Professionals, a unique guide that identifies the top patent professionals in key jurisdictions around the globe, shines a spotlight on the firms and individuals that are deemed outstanding in this pivotal area of practice. The guide has been compiled following an extensive research process. Over five months, IAM conducted in… Read more


Jun 7, 2016

Smith, Gambrell & Russell Recognized as a 2016 Am Law 200 Firm for Second Year in a Row

ATLANTA (June 7, 2016) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that the firm has been recognized by The American Lawyer as a 2016 Am Law 200 Firm for the second year in a row. SGR improved its standing on the list from 2015 which underscores the firm’s continuing growth and strategic initiatives. The Am Law 200 is a diverse group of law firms throughout the country that range in size and geographic diversity. These firms represent clients all over the world and specialize in many different practice areas. “We’re honored to have once again been… Read more


Jun 1, 2016

Attorney Yash Dave of Smith, Gambrell & Russell Earns Board Certification from Florida Bar

ATLANTA (June 1, 2016) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that Yash Dave has earned Board Certification in Labor and Employment Law by the Florida Bar. The highest level of evaluation, board certification recognizes an attorney’s special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism and ethics in practice. Only seven percent of Florida attorneys are board certified and approximately 200 are certified in Labor and Employment Law. Mr. Dave’s practice is primarily devoted to labor and employment litigation. He represents employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, and defends… Read more