Stephen M. Forte - Lawyer in Atlanta, GE

In his role as Managing Partner and Chairman, Stevefunctions as the Chief Executive Officer of SGR, in charge of its day-to-dayoperations, while overseeing the strategic growth and direction of thefirm. He is also responsible forcultivating strong relationships with firm clients by understanding theirbusiness needs and assisting with practice strategies and solutions to fulfillthose needs.

Steve was elected to the firms Executive Committee in 1992and two years later was elected by the partnership as Managing Partner andChairman of the firms Executive Committee. During his tenure as Managing Partner and Chairman, Steve has beeninstrumental in the opening and continued growth of 7 offices outside the firmsAtlanta headquarters, including three international offices. During this time, SGR has steadily advancedin the AmLaw 200 and as a most recommended law firm by peers and corporatecounsel alike. Steve served in otherleadership positions within the firm prior to his election as Managing Partner. He was head of the Litigation Department fortwo years and chaired the Professional Recruitment Committee. As a visionary leader, he has always beenactive with the professional development of young attorneys and coaching seniorlawyers and partners on client service, and practice planning.

With more than 35 years of legal experience, Steve hasmaintained an active litigation practice in addition to his leadershipresponsibilities. Over the course of hiscareer, Steves trial practice has been broad based. Clients have sought his judgment andexperience in almost every type of business dispute. He has also functioned as outside generalcounsel to long-standing firm clients such as the Roman Catholic Archdiocese ofAtlanta. Much of his trial work has beenfocused on high stakes class action defense and nationwide complex litigationin the representation of financial institutions and clients in thetelecommunications and transportation industries.

Steve was recognized five consecutive years in Chambers USAas one of the outstanding commercial litigators in the country and wasdescribed as a dynamic trial attorney by Chambers. He has been selected for more than a decadein Georgia Super Lawyers and consistently noted in Best Lawyers in America forCommercial Litigation. He now serves onthe Advisory Board of Best Lawyers. Steve also serves on the Board of Directors of the Metro Atlanta Chamberof Commerce and Central Atlanta Progress. He is a frequent lecturer to the International Bar on matters involvingthe legal industry and he frequently consults with clients and others in thebusiness community on leadership and business strategy.