ATLANTA (July 3, 2013) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that three attorneys have been named to the inaugural Hot List of Lawyers of Color (LOC). The list is comprised of 100 early- to mid-career minority attorneys under 40 who are excelling in the legal profession.
The following SGR attorneys were named to the Hot List for the Southern and Eastern Regions:
Hong S. Wills (Southern Region) is Counsel in the corporate, international and aviation practices of SGR. Ms. Wills’ practice is devoted primarily to counseling clients on corporate and transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, international business transactions, corporate finance, general corporate representation and negotiation of agreements and contracts. In addition to her general corporate practice, Ms. Wills also represents U.S. and non-U.S. airlines, aircraft lessors and private companies in various transactions relating to the purchase, sale, leasing and financing of new and used aircraft.
Crystal Wells Cook (Southern Region) focuses her practice on financial products, real estate law and corporate law. Ms. Cook represents clients in a full range of real estate transactions, including due diligence and the drafting and negotiation of agreements related to complex acquisitions and dispositions of property, including commercial and timberland properties. Ms. Cook is an associate in the Firm’s Atlanta office.
Deana D. Ahn (Eastern Region), an associate in the Firm’s New York office, was recognized on the Eastern Region Hot List. Ms. Ahn practices in commercial litigation, and also has experience in the public sector, having served as a staff attorney and director of the Fair Housing Program at a New York City based not-for-profit organization.
The honorees were chosen through a two-pronged process. LOC’s selection committee spent months reviewing nominations and researching bar publications and legal blogs to identify promising candidates. Nominations were accepted from mentors, peers, and colleagues. The committee also made editorial picks based on research of attorneys who had noteworthy accomplishments or were active in legal pipeline initiatives.
Lawyers of Color, which was founded as On Being A Black Lawyer, has been recognized by the American Bar Association, National Black Law Students Association, and National Association of Black Journalists. Founded in 2008 as a news and resource center, the company has grown into a social media firm providing research, career development, and brand marketing opportunities to clients.