Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP is pleased to announce that former Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears has joined the firm as a Partner in the Business Litigation and Appellate Practices. 

“We are thrilled to have Justice Sears join our firm,” said Stephen Forte, SGR’s chairman and managing partner. “Not only is Justice Sears a preeminent attorney and jurist, she also possesses the leadership qualities that enhance the culture and profile of our law firm. Our clients locally, nationally, and internationally will benefit from her expertise.” 

Following her retirement as Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court where she had served since 2005, Justice Sears returned to private practice in 2009. Since that time, she had been with the Atlanta office of Schiff Hardin as leader of the firm’s Appellate Practice Group. With a desire to expand her business, Justice Sears began seeking a larger Atlanta platform at a competitive law firm with outstanding legal competencies. 

 “I look forward to joining Smith, Gambrell & Russell as a Partner in the Atlanta Litigation Practice,” said Justice Sears. “SGR is a recognized historical firm in Atlanta and the Southeast with a diverse client base. Its platform will help grow my practice and deepen my professional contacts.” 

Justice Sears was the first woman and youngest person ever to sit on Georgia’s Supreme Court when she was appointed in 1992. She was also the first woman to hold a position on the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia.