Marcia M. Ernst
- T. 404-815-3673
- F. 404-685-6973
- mernst@sgrlaw.com
Legal Assistant: Linda Russell | 404-815-3940
Skilled and Experienced Commercial Litigator with an Excellent Understanding of Business Law
About Marcie
Marcia “Marcie” McCrory Ernst is a seasoned commercial litigator who helps businesses solve problems and navigate complex legal challenges with confidence. With more than 30 years of experience, she represents clients in trial and appellate courts, as well as in arbitration and mediation, bringing strategic judgment, courtroom strength, and a deep understanding of the full litigation process—from investigation and pleadings through discovery, motion practice, trial, and appeal.
Her practice spans complex business and multi-party disputes, including fraud, business torts, contract disputes, debtor-creditor matters, product liability, and class actions, as well as real estate litigation involving development, construction, eminent domain, environmental issues, and land use. Known for her practical, thoughtful counseling style, Marcie partners closely with clients to understand their business objectives and guide them through each step of the legal process. A creative and strategic thinker, she is an effective negotiator, collaborative team member, and skilled litigation project manager, empowering clients to make informed decisions.
Driven by a longstanding commitment to make a difference, Marcie is dedicated to advocating for her clients’ interests and helping them successfully navigate even their most challenging legal matters. In addition to her litigation and appellate practice, Marcia Ernst serves as a Municipal Court Judge for the cities of Sandy Springs and Milton, Georgia.
Marcie's Practice
Representative Matters
- Represented numerous banks and financial institutions in suits on notes, guaranties and security agreements for large commercial loans, and obtained substantial judgments for outstanding indebtedness and attorneys’ fees.
- Represented numerous banks and financial institutions in actions to confirm foreclosure sales on commercial properties and handled subsequent actions to obtain deficiency judgments.
- Represented partners in commercial real estate partnerships in actions involving claims for breach of fiduciary duties and dissolution of partnerships.
- Represented manufacturers and professional service providers in actions for breach of contract and for recovery of amounts owed and other damages.
- Represented buyers and sellers in actions for breach of real estate purchase and sale agreements and for specific performance.
- Represented multiple developers/property owners in numerous matters involving zoning, permitting, and other land use entitlements.
- Represented numerous landlords/property owners in litigation regarding commercial lease agreements, including maintenance and repair issues.
- Represented various property owners in eminent domain/condemnation actions for takings of property and obtained settlements or judgments for substantially increased compensation.
- Represented property owners, including timber companies, in quiet title actions to clear title to property.
- Counsel of record in several significant reported court case opinions and legal precedents.
Recognitions
The Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation, Atlanta (2021-2026)
Georgia Trend Magazine - Legal Elite, General Practice/Trial Law (2010-2012, 2014)
James Magazine, Georgia’s Most Influential and Politically-Connected Attorneys (2018-2021)
Martindale-Hubbell, AV Preeminent Rating (highest available) (2000-2026)
Martindale-Hubbell, AV Preeminent Judicial Edition (highest available) (2017-2026)
Credentials
Education
J.D., University of Georgia, Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law
B.B.A, University of Georgia, Economics
Admissions
- Georgia
- Georgia State Courts
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
Organizational Involvement
Professional
Lawyers Club of Atlanta
Government Affairs Committee of the Home Builders Association of Georgia
Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association
Leadership Perimeter
Legal Action Network for Development Strategies (“LANDS”)
Thought Leadership
- Author, “Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Money Judgments in Light of Currency Conversion Problems,” 3 Emory Journal of International Dispute Resolution 59 (1988).
- Co-Author, “The Internet and Personal Jurisdiction,” Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP Technology Law Advisor (Winter 1998-1999).
- Author, “Cybersmear: Supreme Court ‘Chats’ Over Libelous Internet Messages,” Trust the Leaders (Spring 2003).
- Co-Author, “Corporate Strategies for Combating Cybersmear,” 81 Intellectual Property Counselor 2 (September 2003).
- Author, “Eminent Domain: Private Property Rights v. Economic Development,” Trust The Leaders magazine, Spring 2006.
- Co-Author, “Recent Developments in Zoning and Land Use Law,” Mercer Law Review (Fall 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009).
- Author, “A Greenprint for Sustainable Development,” Trust The Leaders magazine, Summer 2008.
- Author, “Chinese Drywall Problems and Responses,” The Georgia Builder magazine, September/October 2009.
- Author, “Data Breaches: They’re not just problems for the IT department – they can be legal headaches too,” Trust the Leaders (Summer 2016).
- Author, “4 Questions You Need to Ask About FTC Enforcement Actions on Data Privacy Violations,” Trust the Leaders (Winter 2019).
- Author, “Case Studies: High-Profile Cases of Privacy Violation,” Trust the Leaders (Winter 2019).
