Smith Gambrell Russell

SGR is proud to announce that we have joined Mansfield Certification for 2024–2025. Since joining the Mansfield Certification process in July, we have been working hard to increase the transparency and accessibility of our advancement processes, and to open the door wider to ensure that all talent at our firm has a transparent, fair, and equal opportunity to be considered for leadership roles and activities. Data shows that firms that remain committed and accountable to the Mansfield Certification process year-over-year are making substantial progress in creating inclusive talent practices and diversifying their leadership ranks. We are excited to contribute to this vibrant community — now 365+ firms strong! More firms than ever before are seeking Mansfield Certification this year — proving that the legal profession remains committed to its values of inclusivity and equity. #Mansfield #LeadershipInLaw #DiversityLab Learn more at: https://loom.ly/sFoFXCg

In the News: Cincinnati Business Courier recently interviewed Jeffery Cross on the Kroger-Albertsons merger and its potential impact on the grocery industry. Cross remarked, “This trial is going to be, in my mind, principally about defining the relevant antitrust market. The determination of a relevant market will involve a battle of the experts.” #SGRLaw #IntheNews #KrogerAlbertsonsMerger #Antitrust Read more at: https://loom.ly/XrnqjZE

SGR is proud to share that the firm’s Construction Practice received high praise and rankings in the 2024 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. Partner Gregory Smith received Band 2 recognition, and Partners Darren Rowles, Peter Crofton, and Scott Cahalan received Band 3 recognition in Georgia. The group itself was awarded Band 2 recognition in Georgia. Partners James Lotito and Michael Glanzman were also recognized with Band 3 rankings in New York, where the group received Band 4 recognition. Nationally, the construction group achieved a Band 5 ranking. A Client praised Gregory Smith, noting, "His calm demeanor instills confidence when providing legal advice in crisis situations." The prestigious legal guide, published annually by London–based Chambers & Partners, identifies leading lawyers and law firm practices based on interviews conducted by Chambers researchers with thousands of attorneys and their clients. SGR’s Construction Practice represents a wide array of industry clients, including public and private owners, developers, design professionals, engineers, construction managers, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and surety companies. #SGRLaw #SGRChambers #Construction Read more about SGR's Construction Practice at: https://loom.ly/bfaF95Q

Jeffery Cross' latest column in Today's General Counsel magazine delves into the recent judicial split over the FTC's noncompete ban. The outcome will have a significant impact on employers and employees. #SGRLaw #EmploymentLaw #FTC Read more at: https://loom.ly/bOE_My8

In the News: Legal Dive recently interviewed Joel Bruckman on Illinois’ amended Biometric Information Privacy Act and its impact on reducing liability for companies. Bruckman remarked, “This is a significant change. Under the original language, every unauthorized collection and every unauthorized transmission was considered a separate violation. Now, there are guardrails.” #SGRLaw #IntheNews #LegalDive #BiometricData Read more at: https://loom.ly/VCCY84w

Last week, SGR was proud to participate in the 2024 TerraLex Chicago Member Firm Collaboration Meeting. SGR is a member of TerraLex, one of the largest and most selective global law firm networks. SGR works with TerraLex firms as the lead firm on international transactions and as the lead Georgia member. #SGRLaw #SGRChicago #TerraLex

Late Tuesday afternoon, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas issued a nationwide injunction prohibiting the FTC from enforcing its Non-Compete Rule (“FTC Rule”). The Court set aside the FTC’s Rule, finding that the FTC acted beyond its rulemaking authority and clarifying that the FTC Rule shall not be enforced or otherwise take effect on September 4, 2024. #SGRLaw #FTC #NonCompeteRule Read more in our latest #LegalAlert authored by Matthew Clarke, Yash Dave, and Amy Buice at: https://loom.ly/9Kl4XgY

SGR is proud to share that the firm’s Aviation Practice received high praise and rankings in the 2024 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. Partner Joshua Gentner received Band 2 recognition, Jeffrey Tenen and Pete Barlow received Band 3 recognition, and Marc D. Latman received Band 4 recognition. In addition, the group itself received Band 3 recognition Nationwide. Clients remarked, Gentner “is very experienced and has good, long-standing relationships.” The prestigious legal guide, published annually by London–based Chambers & Partners, identifies leading lawyers and law firm practices based on interviews conducted by Chambers researchers with thousands of attorneys and their clients. SGR’s global transport (Aviation) practice commenced with the inception of commercial passenger aviation in the United States having represented the predecessor to and prospered with the growth of Eastern Airlines. Since formation of the practice group, Smith Gambrell & Russell has served as external general legal counsel and represented several airlines, both passenger and cargo, in virtually all aspects of their business. #SGRLaw #SGRChambers #Aviation Read more about SGR's Aviation Practice at: https://loom.ly/NDISonk

In the News: The Jacksonville Daily Record recently featured Counsel Lawsikia Hodges for her appointment as the new town attorney for Orange Park, Florida. The Orange Park Town Council unanimously selected Hodges in a 5-0 vote on August 6 to succeed Jody Brooks, who was named JEA’s Chief Administrative Officer in May. #SGRLaw #IntheNews #Florida Read more at: https://loom.ly/ZRhdZz4

Federal administrative law is largely about policing delegations of power from Congress to Executive Branch agencies, and the administrative law concept of “deference” is about delegation of interpretative power over ambiguous law. That is, courts need to decide what it means when lawmakers leave ambiguity in a statute or regulation. #SGRLaw #AdministrativeLaw #Congress Read more in our latest #LegalAlert authored by Stephen A. Youngblood and Michael J. Riesen at: https://loom.ly/rRwU2gU