Two of Coastal Georgia's most prestigious law firms have recently merged. The merger of Gilbert, Harrell, Sumerford & Martin, P.C., and Smith & Floyd, P.A., expands each of their respective practices. The combined firm now consists of 20 attorneys with offices in Brunswick, St. Marys, and St. Simons Island.
Founded in Brunswick in 1871 by Charles P. Goodyear, Gilbert Harrell has served clients in Southeast Georgia for more than 130 years. The firm engages in all aspects of civil and commercial law and has specific practice groups dedicated to litigation, trusts and estates, corporate matters, and real estate.
The Smith & Floyd law firm was founded in 1985 by Charlie Smith Jr. and Terry Floyd. Jan Mallory joined the firm following Floyd's death in 2005. Smith has practiced law in St. Marys since 1976, with a primary focus in real estate. Formerly State Representative for District 175, Smith was legislative floor leader for Gov. Roy Barnes. Smith and Mallory are both graduates of the University of Georgia School of Law.
"We look forward to working together with Charlie and Jan to better serve our clients," said Gilbert Harrell Managing Partner Rees Sumerford. "I've known Charlie for more than 35 years. He's an outstanding attorney and person, and I cannot overstate how pleased I am to become professionally associated with him."
Smith added, "Joining forces with the Gilbert Harrell firm makes a lot of sense for us. It will enable us to better serve our clients in Camden County and to greatly expand the types of legal services we offer, to include estate planning, civil litigation, and other areas."
The firm will continue to be known as Gilbert, Harrell, Sumerford & Martin, P.C.
