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 & 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.
Lawyers in this group include those who regularly lecture at seminars on estate planning, the Past Presidents of the Fiduciary Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia, and members of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.
The attorneys in the Trusts and Estates Practice Group of Gilbert, Harrell, Sumerford & Martin, P.C. have counseled generations of Georgia families on developing estate plans to provide for families and to facilitate the transfer of wealth. Our attorneys seek to develop plans and documents specific to each individual and family, while coordinating sophisticated tax planning and strategies that best work with a family’s particular dynamic.
A Tradition of Excellence
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.
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-