Stewart Melvin & Frost

Always being prepared takes an untold, and oftentimes, unseen number of hours of hard-work and dedication, driven by the loyalty we have for each of our clients. By conducting regular focus groups, we gain a deeper understanding of the key issues in our clients’ cases. In doing so, we ensure that our level of preparation, no matter the situation, remains unrivaled. It is a key part of what makes us such an Uncommon Trial Team. #AnUncommonTrialTeam #AnUncommonPractice #SMFLaw #FocusGroups #PersonalInjury

ICYMI: We are proud to announce that the Stewart Melvin & Frost tax attorneys have won Best of Hall County 2021! We want thank everyone who voted. We are honored to have earned the community’s trust.

Google review of the month! SMF is dedicated to meeting and exceeding client expectations through our unwavering values of honesty, integrity and commitment to excellence. We pride ourselves on the relationships we build with each client. Please leave us a Google Review if you have a moment: https://bit.ly/35noSdY For more information on our firm: www.smf-law.com

Practice Spotlight: Workers’ Compensation. Being one of the state’s most well-respected workers’ compensation divisions, our firm provides clients with the highest level of legal expertise in the field of workers’ compensation, keeping them informed and up to date on constant changes in the law. Our workers’ compensation professionals focus their practice on representing employers, insurers and third party administrators in workers’ compensation claims throughout the State of Georgia. For more: https://www.smf-law.com/practice-areas/workers-compensation/

Tread Syfan, a partner in the firm, specializes in municipal bond law, securities law, commercial real estate matters and commercial lending. As bond counsel, Tread assists local governments in Northeast Georgia in obtaining tax-exempt financing for infrastructure projects, primarily schools and water and sewer improvements. As counsel for two development authorities, he assists in obtaining industrial development bond financing for regional projects. Tread also represents le...nders and developers in commercial lending and commercial real estate transactions. He specializes in securities law for entities raising capital through private placements of securities. Active in numerous civic organizations, Tread has served as chairman of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the Gainesville-Hall County Economic Development Council and president of the Hall County YMCA. He has also served on the boards of numerous civic organizations. He is currently on the board of Glory, Hope & Life, Inc., a charitable organization that aids cancer patients. A native of Gainesville, Tread has an undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, a law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law and a master’s degree in taxation from Emory University School of Law. See more

Philip will be deeply missed in the Gainesville community. We want to offer our condolences to the Sartain family at this time.

Mary Ann Mobley, a real estate title examiner, achieved 20 years with Stewart, Melvin & Frost, LLP on April 17, 2020! Due to the pandemic, Stewart, Melvin & Frost was unable to hold the traditional Firm Meeting celebration to honor her. Undeterred, Real Estate lawyers Scotty Ball and Jenifir Dimo, in the presence of her co-workers in the Real Estate Department, presented Mary Ann with a gift to honor her and celebrate her efforts and long-standing loyalty to the firm. Mary A...nn grew up in the Northern section of Gwinnett County. She graduated from Gainesville College and North Georgia College, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology. Ten years later she went back to Gainesville College and completed the Paralegal Program, which included Real Estate title examinations and closings that were taught by Scotty Ball. Mr. Ball presented these courses so well that she decided title examinations and closings were what she wanted to do as a career. At that time, Mary Ann was working at Express Mortgage in Gainesville, and Stewart, Melvin & Frost did most of the closings for them. Mary Ann said she was impressed by the professionalism of Nancy Lussier and John Melvin and knew this was where she wanted to be. With the help of her fellow classmate Vivian Rider, who was, and still is a paralegal with Stewart, Melvin & Frost, Mary Ann was hired at the firm in April of 2000. In 2001, Mary Ann studied for three months and successfully passed, on her first try, the very difficult Certified Legal Assistant (now Certified Paralegal) examination. She continues to hold that designation with continued legal education seminars. Whether it is conducting a refinance title search or a more complex multiple tract commercial title search, I really enjoy all aspects of my job as a real estate title examiner. Mary Ann faithfully attends Sugar Hill Church in Gwinnett County where she serves in the preschool department. She also enjoys her horses, dogs and cat, working on home projects, painting and yard work. She is also very fond of Chick-Fil-A‘s sweet tea.

We wish you health and happiness in 2021!

PSA: Drunk driving continues to be the No. 1 cause of death on our roadways. In 2018, eighteen people died on Georgia's roads during the New Year holiday. That is roughly more than four people each day. The Georgia State Patrol alone investigated 550 traffic crashes, which resulted in 223 injuries. That is 137 wrecks per day, with someone suffering a crash related injury every 27 minutes, and those numbers do not include the crashes and injuries investigated by local agencies...! Troopers also arrested 368 people for driving under the influence, and issued 6,971 citations and 11,339 warnings. So please, if you must drive this New Year's holiday, do so safely and responsibly. Have a designated driver or utilize a rideshare service. No family should have to start 2021 mourning the loss of a loved one, so let's all do our part to make sure we all get to and from our destination safely this holiday. See more

We want to congratulate Carroll Daniel Construction and all involved on breaking ground of the 4th side of the square. We are so excited to watch construction and welcome our new neighbors to downtown Gainesville.

Eric Wilborn is a Georgia native from Buford in Gwinnett County. He joined Stewart Melvin & Frost’s probate and estate planning section in 2016. Eric previously practiced law with Hollberg & Weaver, LLP in Buckhead, a litigation law firm specializing in personal injury, federal court litigation, business and complex litigation, divorce defense, and estate planning. Previously, Eric practiced in Gwinnett County primarily in the areas of probate, guardianship and conservatorship issues. Read more about Eric by clicking the link.

Practice Spotlight: Mediation & Arbitration. We offer mediation and arbitration services with the level of experience and expertise that no other North Georgia law firm can match. https://www.smf-law.com/practice-are/mediation-arbitration/

Always being prepared for our personal injury clients takes an untold, and oftentimes, unseen number of hours of hard-work and dedication, driven by the loyalty we have for each of our clients. By conducting regular focus groups, including our upcoming focus group scheduled for January, 2021, we gain a deeper understanding of the key issues in our clients’ cases. In doing so, we ensure that our level of preparation, no matter the situation, remains unrivaled. It is a key part of what makes us such an Uncommon Trial Team. #AnUncommonTrialTeam #AnUncommonPractice #SMFLaw https://bit.ly/30VBp60

When a family was run over in a crosswalk, the insurance company told the family they would never get a dime. It took seven years and two lawsuits, but Mark Alexander and SMF's Trial Team forced the insurance company to pay the family $10.5 million. Read more about this historic result: https://www.smf-law.com//10-5-million-settlement-in-landm/

We may be social distancing but we are working together for you.

There are several non-profit organizations in our community whose services are vital to many Hall County residents. As we approach the new year, we hope you consider offering your time and expertise to help our wonderful community organizations. If you are wondering how to get involved, here is a link to some wonderful non-profits we have supported. https://www.smf-law.com/community/

We had a costume contest today at Stewart Melvin & Frost and we need YOUR help to decide on a winner!! Please like the photo of the costume you think is best! Happy Halloween! We will pick a winner Sunday, so please get those votes in!!

From all of us at Stewart, Melvin & Frost, we hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday and we wish you a Happy New Year!

UPDATE: Our Schedule and Operations during Coronavirus Alert Our office is now open to visitors. We are closely following CDC guidelines and are taking every measure necessary to keep our clients, visitors and staff safe. Public health conditions are fluid and evolving, therefore please check back on our website for future announcements related to the coronavirus pandemic and our office operations. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to be safe and mindful of healthy habi...ts and precautions. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have always prioritized the health of those who attend a real estate closing as an essential business function. While we recently began allowing agents, lenders, family and friends to attend real estate closings in person, the safety of our clients remains our top priority. That is why we encourage PPE equipment for those who wish to personally attend a real estate closing, and encourage (but do not mandate) the wearing of masks when at the closing table. Public health conditions are fluid and evolving, therefore please check back on our website for future announcements related to the coronavirus pandemic and our office operations. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to be safe and mindful of healthy habits and precautions. Thank you for understanding. https://www.smf-law.com//covid-19-announcement-regarding-/ See more

Practice Spotlight: Real Estate. We are knowledgeable and experienced in the intricate laws and procedures that govern residential and commercial real estate transactions. We have built longstanding relationships and a strong reputation with local real estate brokers, investors, business owners, and homeowners looking to buy, sell, or lease.

Paige Intonato has been with SMF for more than 7 years and is a paralegal for Jenifir Dimo in our Real Estate division. I enjoy working at Stewart, Melvin & Frost and in Gainesville. I like the small town - everyone knows everyone - environment. Paige went to high school in Georgia and moved to Charleston, South Carolina for college. She came back to Georgia when her first child was born and has remained here to raise her two children: Parker, her daughter, who recently graduated from GSU Nursing School and now works at Candler Hospital in Savannah, and Paxton, her son, who attends North Gwinnett Middle School. Paige lives in Sugar Hill and loves hiking and camping with her kids, particularly up at Camp Enota.

The Carlos B Elmore Golf Tourney is tomorrow morning at Chicopee Woods Golf Course. We are proud to be a sponsor of the tournament this year that benefits The Gainesville Jaycees Gut Check Program.

Stewart Melvin & Frost's John Strupe is on the faculty of the National Business Institute (NBI). On Nov. 4, he will be speaking at the Tax Fundamentals for Estate Planning Attorneys seminar. SMF appreciates Mr. Strupe's contributions to the profession.

#TBT Always being prepared for our personal injury clients takes an untold, and oftentimes, unseen number of hours of hard-work and dedication, driven by the loyalty we have for each of our clients. By conducting regular focus groups, we gain a deeper understanding of the key issues in our clients’ cases. In doing so, we ensure that our level of preparation, no matter the situation, remains unrivaled. It is a key part of what makes us such an Uncommon Trial Team. #AnUncommonTrialTeam #AnUncommonPractice #SMFLaw https://bit.ly/30VBp60

1 day until the Chamber’s Virtual Gala!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In Hall County, Gateway Domestic Violence Center offers support for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. http://www.gatewaydvcenter.org/

We are proud to be a sponsor for this year’s VIRTUAL Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Gala!

Practice Spotlight: Corporate. We offer a range of experience representing public and private corporations, partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies and other business entities in a broad scope of matters. https://www.smf-law.com/practice-areas/corporate-banking/

SMF's involvement with Leadership Hall County (LHC) is an honor we have long been proud of as a firm, dating back to the LHC program’s inception. The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Leadership Hall County program educates emerging and existing leaders to be integral players in the future of our community. Just recently, Brook Davidson graduated from the program’s PAC team, Eric Wilborn entered another year as a member of the PAC team, Andrew Gould graduated from the Leadersh...ip Hall Class of 2020 and Ron Chicken was accepted into the class of 2021. We are proud to have so many SMF Leadership Hall alumni, including two from the inaugural class: Randall Frost (Inaugural Class of 1983), Treadwell Syfan (Inaugural Class of 1983), Tom LeFevre (Class of 1985), Steve Cornelison (Class of 1990), Mark Alexander (Class of 1996), Scotty Ball (Class of 1996), Amanda Yenerall (Class of 2009), Jenifir Dimo (Class of 2015), Brook Davidson (Class of 2017), Eric Wilborn (Class of 2018), Whitney Brown (Class of 2019) and Andrew Gould (Class of 2020). To learn more about our community involvement, please visit: https://www.smf-law.com/community/ See more

Cindy Grogan has been with Stewart Melvin & Frost for six years as SMF’s records clerk. As records clerk, Cindy ensures all files and records are preserved and properly stored in an orderly fashion. In addition to her responsibilities as records clerk, Cindy is often seen throughout the office helping others in the firm with whatever is needed at any given moment. For example, when the pandemic began, Cindy took it upon herself to help sanitize publicly used areas, such as th...e elevator and break room. Cindy’s efforts were essential in keeping SMF safe and operational during that challenging time. I love my job, Cindy said. I love that I am able to work in different areas of the firm and learn new things. I am proud to work with such a wonderful group at SMF. Cindy was born and raised in Forsyth County and is married to Scott Grogan. The couple has been married for 23 years, and have two wonderful children: Brandon, 22, who is a senior at UNG, majoring in Education, and Sydney, 20, who is a junior at UGA, where she is majoring in Human Development and Family Science. Cindy and Scott enjoy the outdoors and cross fit training. SMF is thankful for Cindy’s commitment and dedication to the firm. See more

SMF's Trial Team, Mark Alexander and Andrew Gould, recently conducted a focus group. Following CDC guidelines, Mark and Andrew managed to safely and effectively gain valuable information about real cases. Mark and Andrew continue to put in the time and work to keep their clients one step ahead, despite the pandemic. To learn more about focus groups, visit here: https://www.smf-law.com//personal-injury-wro/focus-groups/

Since joining the firm in 2007, and becoming a Partner in 2013, Amanda Yenerall has specialized in the defense of workers’ compensation matters. She also has experience in automobile litigation and other litigation areas including family law. Amanda is a member of Workers’ Compensation Section of the State Bar of Georgia and the Gainesville-Northeastern Bar Association. She has served on the Licensure and Self-Insurance Committee of State Board of Workers’ Compensation Chairm...an’s Advisory Council since 2013. She is a registered neutral with the Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution and is a frequent speaker on workers’ compensation and related topics. She serves as an associate magistrate judge in Dawson County. Amanda is active in the Northeast Georgia community and has served as a Board Member for the Rotary Club of Dawson County; and previously the boards of Bowen Center of the Arts; and, United Way of Dawson County. She was selected to participate in the Leadership Dawson County class of 2017-2018 as well as the Leadership Hall County class of 2008-09. She is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County. Amanda is an honors graduate from North Georgia College and State University (University of North Georgia) with a B.S. in political science/pre-law. She received her law degree in 2007 from John Marshall Law School. https://www.smf-law.com/attorneys/amanda-h-yenerall/ See more

Practice Spotlight: Workers’ Compensation. We specialize in a knowledgeable and experienced workers’ compensation practice. It is one of the state’s most well-respected workers’ compensation divisions.