Three SM&P Attorneys Recognized as Georgia Legal Elites

For the last 20 years, Georgia Trend magazine has asked the state’s attorneys to decide who among them are the best in their fields and therefore qualified to be named Georgia Legal Elites. Statewide, only one in 20 attorneys earns this distinction. This year, Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor’s Randy Sabatini, Belinda Martin, and Anne Thompson de Magaña were chosen by their colleagues to be recognized as three of the state’s finest, members of the 2022 Georgia Legal Elite.

Randy, a partner at the firm, is not new to Legal Elite. He said the recognition of any attorney at the firm is a source of pride to the entire staff. “No one works in isolation at our law firm. It truly takes a team effort — from administrative staff to paralegals to the attorneys — to represent a client. We all contribute, in little and big ways, to the representation of a client and to each other’s success.”

“I always remember,” Belinda said, “the saying that it is what you do when no one is looking that matters. I try to live by that and do the right thing for my clients no matter what. Being recognized by my peers is very meaningful to me because this business is so much about doing the right thing. It is nice to know that people know I try to do that. I am grateful for the honor.”

“Getting this kind of feedback from my peers,” said Anne, “is the highest form of compliment. They know more about how I work than anyone else. I’d also like to thank my excellent staff, without whom this honor would not have been possible.” Anne is also a repeat Legal Elite honoree.

According to SM&P’s founding and managing partner, Mary Montgomery, it is no surprise that these lawyers were recommended by their peers as 2022 Georgia Legal Elite attorneys. “Because our team works so well together, sharing expertise and ideas, each attorney benefits and excels, as do their clients,” said Mary. “This reflects well on everyone here – it’s a great accomplishment.”

Georgia Legal Elite received nominations from almost 2,000 attorneys representing 16 practice areas from all regions of the state. Those receiving the most votes are listed in the December 2022 issue of Georgia Trend Magazine in the categories in which their fellow attorneys chose them, although some may practice in more than one area.

Congratulations, Randy, Belinda, and Anne!