Bio

Elizabeth Blakely is a Partner in the Corporate Practice of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP. Elizabeth joined the firm as an associate in 1980 and was made a principal in 1986. Elizabeth represents all forms of business entities, including limited liability companies, S corporations, C corporations and partnerships, from startup to exit strategy. She has particular expertise in acquisitions and sales of businesses, including mergers and leveraged buyouts, and the organization, operation, governance, financing and dissolution of business entities. Elizabeth has the necessary tax expertise to advise on choice of entity, structuring business transactions and 1031 exchanges, in addition to almost 40 years’ experience in drafting and negotiation of the relevant agreements and documentation for mergers & acquisitions, establishing and funding new business entities, commercial transactions, equipment and real estate leases and real estate sales and acquisitions. Elizabeth also specializes in deferred compensation planning for highly compensated employees such as performance share plans and restricted stock arrangements and profits interests in partnerships and LLCs.