Five Greenville Smith Moore Leatherwood Attorneys Recognized as Leaders in their Field by 2011 Chambers USA Guide
June 28, 2011
GREENVILLE, SC – June 28, 2011 – Five attorneys in Smith Moore Leatherwood’s Greenville office were recognized as “Leaders in their Field” in the 2011 Chambers USA Guide, an annual publication that ranks the leading U.S. lawyers and law firms. The attorneys recognized for their respective practice areas are Michael J. Giese, General Commercial Litigation; Steven E. Farrar, General Commercial Litigation; Richard L. Few, Jr., Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions; Mark E. Holmes, Real Estate; and A. Marvin Quattlebaum, Real Estate.
“We are proud of the continued achievements of our attorneys, especially these five attorneys who were recognized by the 2011 Chambers USA Guide,” said Tod Hyche, partner in charge of Smith Moore Leatherwood’s Greenville office. “The rankings not only recognize that these attorneys are among the top in the state, but they also prove that we are committed to long-term client service.”
In total, Chambers USA Guide recognized 20 Smith Moore Leatherwood attorneys as “Leaders in their Field.” The firm also earned recognition in seven of its practice areas: Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions, Environmental law, Healthcare, Labor & Employment, General Commercial Litigation, Real Estate law, and Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use .
In its 12th year of publication, the Chambers Guide’s results are gathered through thousands of confidential interviews conducted with clients and lawyers, with greater weight given to the views of the clients. The publication ranks both law firms and individual lawyers by practice areas. The qualities on which rankings are assessed include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by the client.
The following are the Greenville attorneys identified as top practitioners:
Michael J. Giese, Litigation: General Commercial
Mike Giese’s complex commercial litigation practice includes an emphasis on financial services and contracts. He has served as a member of the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline, South Carolina Supreme Court (1990-93) and as a Member of its Executive Committee (1993-97). He is presently a Member of the South Carolina Commission on Lawyer Conduct. Additionally, Mr. Giese is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an Advocate of the American Board of Trial Advocates, a permanent Member of the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. This is his third consecutive year being recognized as a top attorney by the Chambers USA Guide.
Steven E. Farrar, Litigation: General Commercial
Steve Farrar is an experienced trial lawyer and his practice focuses on advising clients in complex cases and protecting them in and out of court. He routinely works on cases involving complicated business litigation, professional liability defense and major products liability issues. He has tried numerous cases including, among others, fighting charges of securities fraud and improper corporate activity, defending accountants and lawyers in malpractice actions and defending automobile manufacturers from product liability exposure. In addition, he has served as counsel for a federally appointed Receiver in a criminal action case, and in that role he helped recover millions of dollars for defrauded investors. Mr. Farrar is a Certified Public Accountant and certified as a civil mediator by the South Carolina Bar Association. This is his second consecutive year being recognized as a top attorney by the Chambers USA Guide.
Richard L. Few, Jr., Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions
Richard Few is a member of the firm’s Corporate group and his practice includes mergers and acquisitions, strategic and tax planning in structuring business ventures, and commercial and public/private financings. In addition, he represents businesses seeking economic development and tax incentives for relocations or expansions in South Carolina and serves on the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Tax Committee, which promotes pro-business laws in the state. This is his third consecutive year being recognized as a top attorney by the Chambers USA Guide.
A. Marvin Quattlebaum, Real Estate
Marvin Quattlebaum, a member of the firm’s Commercial Real Estate group, represents purchasers, sellers and developers of residential, commercial and industrial real estate, as well as local and national lending institutions financing real estate transactions. He also has experience representing landlords, tenants and lenders in transactions involving real property for commercial and industrial development and use. Mr. Quattlebaum is an approved attorney and agent for the Chicago Title Insurance Company, Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company and First American Title Insurance Company. This is his third consecutive year being recognized as a top attorney by the Chambers USA Guide.
Mark E. Holmes, Real Estate
Mark Holmes, a member of the firm’s Commercial Real Estate group, represents both developers and lenders in all types of real estate transactions, with a particular emphasis on zoning and land use issues. He is an approved attorney and agent for Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company, Chicago Title Insurance Company and First American Title Insurance Company. This is his second consecutive year being recognized as a top attorney by the Chambers USA Guide.
For more information about Chambers and Partners research and ranking methodology, visit www.smithmoorelaw.com/rankings.
Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP
Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP manages complex legal issues for regional, national and international clients. With seven offices and more than 170 attorneys across North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, the firm’s practices are centered in the areas of litigation, health care, labor and employment, real estate and corporate law. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, visit www.smithmoorelaw.com.
