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 the aviation practice as well as in other practice areas.”
Ms. Forsyth joins SGR from Norton Rose Fulbright. She received her B.A. degree from the University of Virginia in 2007 and earned her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2010. While in law school, Ms. Forsyth served as an editor of the Virginia Journal of International Law and established a weekly program through the Legal Aid Society to teach legal rights in Spanish to victims of domestic violence. She has spoken and written on the aircraft sector, and was named a New York Rising Star in aviation by Super Lawyers in 2013.
Ms. Forsyth also volunteers in the nonprofit sector. She serves as a founding board member of the Young Alumni Society of the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, a full tuition merit-based scholarship program for selected students at the University of Virginia. She also volunteers with the nonprofit organization Youth About Business, which introduces school-age children to the world of business through educational programs designed to enhance their leadership skills and business literacy.
SGR has one of the longest standing global aviation practices in the United States, having specialized in and been widely known for its aviation law expertise since the 1920s. Over the years, SGR has greatly broadened its industry representation to include lessors, financiers, aircraft owners and numerous airlines in their domestic and international aircraft transactions, including direct purchases, sales and sale and leasebacks with various kinds of debt financing and leveraged and operating leases.
The Firm also recently added SGR Aviation Consulting, LLC, which focuses on advising airlines, other aviation businesses and companies with aviation clients. It is a leading strategic advisor to the airline industry, combining deep global market and industry insight with local experience in each region to help clients address challenges, forge new opportunities and create value across their entire operations.