Our Firm 1 2 3 4 Gilbert, Harrell, Sumerford & Martin, P.C., is one of the oldest law firms in Georgia, with a tradition of providing quality legal services that spans across three centuries. Today, we are a progressive and growing law firm that continues to build upon our strong history. We do so by relying on a timeless approach of offering outstanding legal services at cost-effective rates. The History of Gilbert Harrell Sumerford and Martin Our firm was founded in 1871 when Charles P. Goodyear opened his law practice in Brunswick, Georgia, later practicing under the name of Goodyear, Kay & Bennett. Charles P. Goodyear, known as “Brunswick’s one best friend” is credited with initial efforts to deepen the port of Brunswick to allow for significant commerce at the port of Brunswick. Changing names over its more than one hundred forty year history, the firm traces its roots as the second-oldest firm in Georgia. In its long history, the firm has been involved with nearly every significant effort in southeast coastal Georgia having represented local governments, organizations, businesses, individuals and families. A Tradition of Excellence Rees M. Sumerford, Managing Partner Today, with more than fifteen lawyers specializing in all areas of law, the firm assists clients in virtually all aspects of civil and commercial law, maintaining practice groups dedicated to a range of specific practice areas. Within each practice group, our attorneys work closely together, sharing information and lending expertise in order to provide the most effective legal representation for our clients. Our practice groups are directed by seasoned attorneys, including members of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, the American College of Mortgage Attorneys. At least six of our attorneys have been named "Georgia Super Lawyers" or "Georgia Rising Stars" by Super Lawyers magazine, while all of our shareholders have earned an “AV” rating from Martindale Hubbell, indicating preeminent legal ability and the highest ethical standards. At Gilbert Harrell Sumerford & Martin, our lawyers and staff-members take great pride in the decades-long relationships the firm shares with generations of families and corporate entities throughout Southeast Georgia. Our longstanding clients include individuals, major corporations, small businesses, professional entities, insurance companies, financial and lending institutions, non-profit corporations, trusts and estates, and public sector boards and authorities. ATLANTA OFFICE Established in early 2019, Gilbert Harrell maintains an Atlanta office tailored to the practices of the Environmental/ Regulatory and Public Affairs attorneys. The office is situated on MLK Jr. Drive, within walking distance of the State Capitol complex and the Sam Nunn Federal Building, which houses U.S.EPA, Region IV and the South Atlantic Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The attorneys that work out of the Atlanta office are often at the Capitol or in governmental meetings outside of the office, so please contact us in advance should you plan to visit the Atlanta office. Access to the Atlanta office is restricted, but should clients need to make use of our conference room or otherwise take advantage of the Atlanta office, we’ll be happy to provide secure access to the space. Gilbert Harrell Sumerford & Martin: Timeline CHARLES P. GOODYEAR 1871-1874 GOODYEAR & HARRIS 1874-1878 GOODYEAR & KAY 1878-1902 KAY, BENNET & CONYERS 1902-1906 BENNET & CONYERS 1906-1909 BENNET & GROOVER 1889-1891 SYNNES, BENNET & GROOVER 1891-1896 BRANTLEY & BENNET 1896-1898 SPARKS & TWITTY 1895-1902 TWITTY & REESE 1904-1910 BENNET, TWITTY & REESE 1910-1927 BENNET, REESE & BENNET 1927-1929 REESE, SCARLETT, BENNET & HIGHSMITH 1929-1937 REESE, SCARLETT, BENNET & GILBERT 1937-1946 REESE, BENNET & GILBERT 1946-1957 BENNET, GILBERT, GILBERT & WHITTLE 1957-1973 BENNET, GILBERT, GILBERT, WHITTLE, HARRELL & GAYNER 1973-1981 GILBERT, GILBERT, WHITTLE, HARRELL, GAYNER & SCARLETT 1981-1984 GILBERT, WHITTLE, HARRELL, SCARLETT & SKELTON 1984-1989 GILBERT, HARRELL, SKELTON, GILBERT, SUMERFORD & MARTIN 1989-1990 GILBERT, HARRELL, GILBERT, SUMERFORD & MARTIN 1991-2000 GILBERT, HARRELL, GILBERT, SUMERFORD, MARTIN & GREGG 2000-2001 GILBERT, HARRELL, SUMERFORD & MARTIN 2001- SITE INFO Privacy Policy Disclaimer BRUNSWICK (912) 265-6700 (912) 264-0244 Fax 777 Gloucester St. Suite 200 Post Office Box 190 Brunswick, GA 31520 ATLANTA (912) 265-6700 (912) 264-0244 Fax ℅ Industrious 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE Suite 7500, 8500 & NE223 Atlanta, GA 30308 Copyright © 2021 Gilbert Harrell Sumerford and Martin – Site Designed by The Paramount Group.us