ATLANTA (May 7, 2014) –International law firm Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) has added yet another attorney to its growing global Aviation practice. Jeanne W. Forsyth joins the New York office as an Associate and will work primarily on equipment finance in the aviation industry for clients worldwide.  She rejoins her long-time colleague, Marc D. Latman, who recently joined SGR as a Partner from Norton Rose Fulbright. “Ms. Forsyth offers experience in the purchase, sale, leasing and financing of aircraft of major international leasing companies,” said Stephen Forte, SGR’s Managing Partner. “She will definitely add to our capabilities in… Read more

ATLANTA (April 22, 2014) –International law firm Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) has added a veteran attorney to its burgeoning New York office. Marc D. Latman advises clients on aircraft and aircraft engine financing, leasing, acquisition and disposition matters, domestically and internationally.  Mr. Latman’s clients include lenders, borrowers, equity participants, operators, lessors and lessees. “Marc Latman brings proven, high profile experience to the firm that will deepen our capabilities in several practice areas,” said Stephen Forte, SGR’s Managing Partner. “Marc has particular expertise in the firm’s legacy practice, aviation.” Mr. Latman has significant exposure to cross-border commercial aviation transactions… Read more

ATLANTA (March 7, 2014) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP Partner Stephen E. O’Day is this year’s recipient of the Award for Service to the Profession of Environmental Law presented by the State Bar of Georgia, Environmental Law Section. Mr. O’Day is a former Vice Chairman of the Section, and has served as an active member for over 30 years. The award recognizes the critical role that lawyers play in protecting and managing Georgia’s natural resources, whether that role is as an advocate for the protection of those natural resources, or as an advocate for clients navigating the complex world of… Read more

ATLANTA (February 19, 2014) – Smith Gambrell, & Russell is pleased to announce that twelve of the firm’s attorneys were included in Georgia Super Lawyers for 2014.  In addition, three of the firm’s attorneys were selected as 2014 Rising Stars.  The attorneys selected represent ten of the firm’s practice areas. The SGR attorneys named as Georgia Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for 2014 are listed below, along with their practice areas: Georgia Super Lawyers Edward D. Burch, Jr. (Business Litigation) Matthew W. Clarke (Employment & Labor) Stephen M. Forte (Business Litigation) Gregory J. Kirsch (Intellectual Property) Kristen M. Lewis (Estate Planning & Probate) J. Rodgers… Read more

JACKSONVILLE (February 18, 2014) — Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP was ranked as the fourth largest law firm in the Jacksonville area according to the annual “Top Law Firms” list assembled by the Jacksonville Business Journal, improving from 11th in 2013.  The jump is largely attributable to the addition of 11 attorneys from Fowler White Boggs P.A. in the summer of 2013. “This advancement reflects the commitment we have to the growth of our Jacksonville office,” said Dana G. Bradford, II, the Managing Partner of SGR’s Jacksonville office.  “We are proud of the reputation we have in Florida and continue to… Read more

ATLANTA (February 17, 2014) — American Lawyer Media (“ALM”) listed Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (“SGR”) as one of the “Go-To Law Firms” in its 11th annual edition of “In-House Law Departments of the Top 500 Companies.” SGR was recognized for its works with Fortune 500 companies as seen below: AT&T – Labor / Employment Law Wells Fargo – Contracts Litigation Nationwide – Contracts Litigation Each year, as part of its research for the annual publication, ALM gathers data from Fortune 500 Companies’ General Counsel and through research in key databases, to determine which law firms they rely upon for outside… Read more

ATLANTA (January 3, 2014) — The law firm of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP announced today that Dr. J. Gibson Lanier has joined the firm’s Intellectual Property Department as Counsel in Atlanta. Dr. Lanier is the second IP attorney to recently join SGR from Ballard Spahr; Gregory J. Kirsch joined last year. Dr. Lanier focuses his practice on patent law for biotechnology and medical device inventions, and has provided counsel to his clients in all aspects of foreign and domestic patent prosecution, interference proceedings, and post-issuance reissue and reexamination. He also prepares and evaluates licensing agreements, non-infringement, invalidity, patentability, and freedom… Read more

ATLANTA (January 2, 2014) — Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP is pleased to announce the addition of John R. Autry to its partnership effective January 1, 2014. Mr. Autry is a partner in the firm’s Atlanta office.  Focusing his practice in commercial litigation, he is also a key member of the firm’s Special Assets group. He has represented numerous lenders in both state and federal court in all aspects of litigation involving troubled assets. Mr. Autry has particular expertise in Georgia’s real estate foreclosure and confirmation process, having served as lead counsel in numerous foreclosure confirmation proceedings involving multi-million dollar commercial… Read more

ATLANTA (December 6, 2013) – Managing Intellectual Property named Smith, Gambrell & Russell partner Elizabeth G. Borland in its inaugural list of the “Top 250 Women in IP.” Ms. Borland is one of just six attorneys chosen in Georgia and is selected for her specialization in patent, trademark, and copyright litigation.  In her 22 years of experience, she has litigated patent matters involving various kinds of technology including poultry processing machines, laminated flooring, airline ticketing systems, window coverings, equipment pads, plumbing products, and telephone card vending machines, as well as numerous trademark disputes before the Patent and Trademark Office and various federal… Read more

ATLANTA (November 19, 2013) – Atlanta-based law firm Smith, Gambrell & Russell LLP (SGR) has added aviation and consulting services through a new affiliate – SGR Aviation Consulting, LLC.  Under the leadership of new hire Steven A. Rossum, SGR Aviation Consulting will focus on advising airlines, other aviation businesses and companies with aviation clients, and on financial and business restructuring. The global practice represents lessors, financiers, aircraft owners and airlines in their domestic and international aircraft transactions, including direct purchases, sales, and sale and leasebacks with various types of debt financing, and leveraged and operating leases. Manufacturers of specialized aircraft and… Read more