Experience

Steve Gilliam is a respected trial attorney who represents commercial clients in complex litigation, corporate, banking, and transactional law.

Mr. Gilliam’s list of clients includes regional and national businesses in banking, manufacturing, and the poultry industry. He has litigated cases not only in Georgia but also in Alabama, Wisconsin, Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, Illinois, South Carolina, and Texas.

A significant portion of Mr. Gilliam’s practice involves real estate and eminent domain litigation. He is also experienced in commercial real estate development and management, including land acquisition, leasing, sales activities, and zoning.

Education

• B.B.A. 1970, University of Georgia, Economics
• J.D. 1974, University of Georgia, School of Law (Cum Laude)

Professional Admissions

• State of Georgia, including all US District Courts, all State Superior Courts, Court of Appeals & Supreme Court
• US Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit, 11th Circuit
• US Supreme Court

Professional Organizations

• American Bar Association
• State Bar of Georgia:
  • Chair, Professionalism Committee (1996–2000)
  • General Practice and Trial Section Member
  • Eminent Domain Section Member
• Gainesville-Northeastern Bar Association
  •    Secretary-Treasurer (1976–1980)
  •    President (1982–1983)
• Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
• Lawyers Club of Atlanta
• Old War Horse Lawyers Club
• Appointed by Chief Justice Robert Benham to the Georgia Supreme Court Commission on Public Trust and Confidence in the Courts of Georgia
• Joseph Henry Lumpkin Inn of Court, Master (Invitation Only)
• Super Lawyers, National Business Litigation Edition (2011–Present)
• The American Lawyer & Corporate Counsel (2013–Present)
• Georgia Super Lawyers (2002 – Present)

Community Involvement

• Eagle Ranch: Chair (2019)
  • Board of Directors (2015–Present)
• Gainesville & Hall County Development Authority (2013–2018)
• Chicopee Area Woods Park
  • Commission Secretary (2012–Present)
• Rabun Gap Nacoochee School Board (1999-2010; 2012–Present)
  • Chair (2006–2009)
• Elachee Nature Science Center Board (1998–Present)
  • Chair (2003–2004)
• UGA Law School Alumni Council (2000–2008, 2012–2014)
  • President (2007–2008)
• Young Life of Hall County
  • Advisory Council (1976–2000)
• Leadership Georgia 1988
  • Board of Trustees (1989–1991)
• Gainesville Hall County Girls Club, Inc. (1976–1981)
  • Board Chair (1979)
• United Way of Hall County (1976–1985)
  • Campaign Chair (1983)
  • President (1984–1985)

Awards

• 2020 Nestor Award Winner, George Legal History Foundation
• Georgia Super Lawyer (multiple years)
• Top 100 Trial Lawyer
• Top Lawyer in Land Use and Zoning Law
• 1996 Gainesville State College Foundation Honorary Life Trustee
• 1996 Community Hero Torchbearer, Atlanta Olympic Games
• 1996 Gainesville Rotary Club, Man of the Year
• 1983 Gainesville Jaycees Young, Man of the Year
• Preeminent Lawyer, Martindale Hubbell

In The News

• Olympic Memories: Q&A with Attorney Steve Gilliam
• Smith, Gilliam, Williams & Miles Attorneys Receive AV Preeminent Ratings from Martindale-Hubbell
• Steve Gilliam: Faculty for Georgia Trial Skills Clinic at UGA
• Steve Gilliam Serves as Mentor in University of Georgia Trial Skills Clinic
• Attorney Steve Gilliam Appointed to the Gainesville and Hall County Development Authority

Publications

• Secrets of Winning Opening Statements