ATLANTA (August 23, 2023) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that partners Jay Schwartz, John Spillman, Tom Hong, and Julie Sebastian once again have been recognized in the IFLR1000 Leading Lawyers for 2023, a guide to the world’s leading financial and corporate law firms produced by the International Financial Law Review (IFLR), within the Corporate/M&A and/or Banking and Finance practice areas in Georgia. Recognized for his work in M&A, Mr. Schwartz earned the “Highly Regarded” ranking. Mr. Spillman earned the “Highly Regarded” ranking in M&A in the technology and telecommunications industry. Mr. Hong earned the “Rising Star” ranking for his work in both M&A and Trade Finance. Ms. Sebastian earned the “Notable Practitioner” ranking for her work in M&A in the healthcare and technology and telecommunications industries. SGR is also recognized as a firm in Tier 3 for M&A in Georgia.
IFLR1000 undertakes qualitative research into law firms and lawyers to inform the publication of annual rankings, ratings and awards, and editorial content. The company has been producing legal market intelligence since 1990 and remains the only international legal market research brand focused on ranking law firms and lawyers on the basis of financial and corporate transactional work. Currently IFLR1000 ranks close to 5,000 law firms and more than 21,000 lawyers across 12 practice areas and 250 jurisdictions – national and regional – globally.
Jay Schwartz is a partner in the Corporate Practice of SGR. In his practice, he has particular expertise in mergers and acquisitions, finance, securities, commercial leasing, and technology. Mr. Schwartz has an AV® Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America®, and Super Lawyers and listed in The Legal 500 U.S. Edition and Georgia Trend magazine’s Legal Elite.
John Spillman is a partner in SGR‘s Corporate Practice. He counsels clients on corporate and transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, emerging company issues, and international transactions. Mr. Spillman has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America® and has an AV® Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Tom Hong is head of SGR‘s Corporate Practice, serves as the Firm’s Finance Partner, and is a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. He concentrates his practice on advisory of corporate and transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, cross-border structuring, joint ventures, venture capital transactions, and general international business matters. Mr. Hong has extensive experience assisting clients with Hart-Scott-Rodino filings and related transactional antitrust issues.
Ms. Sebastian is a partner in the Corporate Practice of SGR and chairs the Firm’s Diversity Council. She has substantial experience in mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance. Ms. Sebastian has represented both publicly and privately held companies and has worked with companies in a wide range of industries, including construction, heavy metals manufacturing and technology. She is recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®
To view the Georgia ranking and SGR’s recognized attorneys, click HERE.
About Smith Gambrell Russell
SGR is a full-service, international law firm that advises regional, national and global businesses on a wide range of legal matters. The Firm’s nearly 400 attorneys provide legal counsel in more than 50 specialized practice areas, including corporate transactions, litigation, intellectual property, aviation, banking, real estate, insurance/reinsurance, construction, employment law, international, and employee benefits and executive compensation. Founded in 1893, SGR has 14 domestic and international offices, including Atlanta; Austin; Charlotte; Chicago; Jacksonville, FL; London; Los Angeles; Miami; Munich; New York; Southampton; Springfield, IL; Tampa, FL; and Washington, D.C.