Family Law

• Divorce
• Child Custody and Visitation
  In many cases, divorce signifies more than just the end of a relationship. When a couple decides to end their marriage, concerns about child custody, property division, and child and spousal support can create hostility between spouses. Parties to a divorce can often benefit from the guidance and assistance of experienced lawyers who can help them navigate these and the many additional complex issues that become points of contention during a divorce. At SMRW, ourdivorce attorneys provide the exceptional representation individuals need to protect their legal rights and financial interests.
• Premarital Agreement
  Estate planning requires looking forward and planning ahead. SMRW attorneys work with clients to plan for life events including death and disability. The firm advises on issues such as the distribution of property in an orderly and sensible way; future leadership of family owned businesses; providing for loved ones who are young or have disabilities; protection of property from potential creditors and predators; minimization of tax liabilities; health and financial decision making authority in the event of disability; and expressing wishes concerning end-of-life medical decisions. Our attorneys have many tools at their disposal such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, living wills, prenuptial agreements and business related agreements. Most importantly, SMRW attorneys understand that each client is unique and one size does not fit all.
• Guardianship
  Mark Ramsey’s practice primarily involves estate planning, estate administration, conservatorships, guardianships, elder planning and related areas. For many years, he has represented corporations, particularly professional and non-profit entities. Mr. Ramsey also has significant experience in land use and regulatory matters.
• Spousal Support

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  SMRW's attorneys provide a zealous defense to individuals accused of all types of misdemeanor and felony offenses, in both state and federal court. Gene Shiles is one of the most respected Federal Criminal Defense attorneys in this region. He heads the Federal Criminal Defense practice area and has years of experience representing clients accused of an array of crimes.
• Misdemeanors
• Assault
  We mount the most compelling defense possible for our clients. From our initial investigation of a claim through summary judgment or trial, every client gets our very best at affordable rates.

Business and Corporate Law

• Corporate Law
  SMRW's litigators assist clients to gain and sustain a tactical advantage. Today’s business climate is infused with conflict between employees and owners, staff and supervisors, management and shareholders, business owners and vendors, and business owners/partners and stakeholders. Controversy or dissention can result in expensive claims with no clear winner. For decades, business owners and entrepreneurs have turned to SMRW not only for courtroom results, but also for innovative strategies that advance business interests, protect client holdings and block potential loss.
• Mergers and Acquisitions
  For banks and financial institutions, experienced and knowledgeable counsel is a must. SMRW's attorneys possess the required expertise to navigate today’s regulatory environment and the current financial climate. We represent our financial institution clients in all aspects of their operations, including general corporate matters, supervisory and enforcement matters, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, public and private securities offerings, debt offerings and lending transactions. We also represent financial institutions in commercial transactions and in bank-related litigation. We also have experience handling and closing syndicated and participation loans.
• Business Disputes
  Starting and expanding a business is an exciting endeavor, but one that also comes with many challenges. GSRM attorneys consistently provide a powerful combination of legal savvy and business know how to individuals, entrepreneurs, mid-market companies, business entities and family and closely held enterprises. The firm offers the full spectrum of business law advice pertaining to the...
• Business Transactions
  Return on investment is what drives your business and it’s what you expect in legal services, too. SMRW's attorneys deliver a full spectrum of corporate and business legal services that are efficient, cost effective and performed by an experienced group of attorneys who provide practical advice to clients on a wide range of issues. Successful business ventures require lawyers that support business objectives and close transactions. SMRW advises clients in all aspects of corporate and commercial dealings, ranging from organizing business entities, handling mergers, acquisitions and dispositions—to structuring commercial transactions, drafting employment contracts, and counseling clients on matters relating to real property. Our attorneys also work with individuals to devise transition plans for personal and business assets, as well as to deconstruct a business where partners choose to go separate ways.
• Limited Liability Companies
  Lane Avery’s practice involves the general representation of health care providers, including physicians and physician groups, closely-held businesses, including corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies, the sales and acquisitions of businesses, the formation of business entities, estate planning, the sale and disposition of real estate, and employment law.
• Intellectual Property

Employment Law

• Workers Compensation
• Employment Contract
  Our practice advises senior-level executives respecting their employment agreements and other compensation arrangements, and we represent companies of all sizes on executive employment and other compensation arrangements as well as on setting up and implementing complex benefit plans. We also counsel clients on how to adjust to the changing landscape of health care benefit regulation, including compliance with the Affordable Care Act.
• Employment Litigation
  One of the strengths of our construction practice is its partnership with attorneys in our real estate, environmental and employment practices. As a result of our combined experience in construction and real estate, we take projects from inception to final construction, assisting in acquiring real estate, resolving environmental problems, obtaining land use permits, and negotiating bids, contracts and work site-related issues such as labor and employment disputes.

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
  SMRW’s real estate litigators are well versed in property law that governs your legal issue. We represent numerous Landlords in both commercial and residential spaces, and are equipped to handle whatever issue you are facing efficiently and effectively. From boundary disputes to detainer actions, SMRW’s team of real estate litigators provides high quality legal services at affordable costs.
• Premises Liability
  Businesses and property owners can find themselves facing claims resulting from alleged defective conditions on their property or the alleged misconduct of their employees. SMRW has the experience necessary to vigorously defend against these claims and successfully resolve each case. Our attorneys have experience in defending premises liability cases, representing hotels, hospitals, restaurants, construction companies, nightclubs, landlords, tenants, commercial businesses, and other property owners against a variety of claims, including...
• Construction Litigation
  Whether the issue includes allegations of design flaws, workmanship problems, building delays or failures, SMRW can help you defend your business and represent and guide you through the complex court system. We will draw on your expertise to fully prepare the most appropriate defense strategies. We can then pull from our significant construction litigation experience to zealously represent your best interests. Whether you are a general contractor, subcontractor, design professional, engineer or component manufacturer, we will work with you to create a litigation plan that aims to accomplish your goals and best protect your company. As always, we will be ready to take your case to trial when necessary.
• Real Estate Transactions
  SMRW’s tax experience spans the full spectrum of challenges. The firm’s advice begins with legal counsel pertaining to the tax implications of business entity selection, including liability companies, partnerships, S corporations and closely held or pass through entities, among others. Our Tax attorneys advise on the tax consequences of business acquisitions and reorganizations, real estate transactions, tax exempt and other financing agreements, financial derivatives, qualified and nonqualified compensation planning, private foundations, exempt organizations, sales tax issues, planning for closely held or family businesses, as well as income tax planning for estates and trusts.
• Land Use and Zoning
• Property Damage
  SMRW attorneys can manage, resolve and defend claims against trucking companies and truck drivers. In years of litigating claims at every level, from property damage and minor injuries to catastrophic losses and multiple fatalities, we have obtained settlements favorable to our clients. Our experience in evaluating all aspects of a claim and our aggressive approach to pre-litigation management, results in prompt, fair and cost-efficient resolution of claims. From the time of the accident response and investigation through the final resolution, our comprehensive, hands-on approach enables our clients to manage every potential claim.

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  Best Lawyer in the areas of Construction, Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants, Product Liability Litigation-Defendants, Transportation Law and was named
• Medical Malpractice
  Sharel Hooper has over 30 years of experience primarily in medical malpractice defense. Her representation includes physicians, certified nurse anesthetists, registered nurses, and healthcare facilities. She has an extensive background representing nursing homes. Ms. Hooper’s nursing training provides her with additional insight when it comes to the often complex and difficult concepts of medical malpractice.
• Auto Accidents

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  Numerous situations may arise that will require the assistance and good counsel of an attorney. Many times the situation requiring counsel will not be pleasant. At SMRW, our attorneys recognize the need for discretion and flexibility. We bring a wealth of experience in handling end of life issues for your loved one, estate planning and administration, general litigation, divorce/custody, as well as other matters that may arise, but we also bring a sense of understanding and empathy that allows for a responsive team-built approach to your representation.
• Wills
  Having practiced law for more than 40 years, Dave Burger’s financial and business background has been, and continues to be, a very valuable asset available to firm clients. Mr. Burger’s practice consists primarily of healthcare, tax compliance, wills and estate planning, as well as general corporate practice.
• Trusts
  SMRW provides advice and guidance regarding the administration of trusts, estates and conservatorships. For the most part, the steps of administering a trust, estate or conservatorship happen outside the courtroom and without family discord. But still those steps can be confusing and overwhelming. The attorneys at SMRW explain the administration process to clients in a way that is understandable and practical, and guide clients through the process in an orderly, step-by-step way. When complications arise, as they sometimes do, SMRW attorneys help find solutions to achieve the correct and desired result but in the most straight forward and least burdensome way.
• Power of Attorney
• Probate

Finance Law

• Bankruptcy
• Tax Law
  We have a broad and deep M&A practice that has advised on transactions for clients across the U.S. involving billions of dollars. Our clients have included large national and regional companies, family owned and closely held businesses and investment banks, and we have represented them in every stage of transactions, including negotiations, due diligence, tax planning and regulatory compliance.