ATLANTA – June 25, 2021 – Ernest LaMont Greer, co-president of international law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, was recognized as CEO of the Year by The Atlanta Business League at the organization’s 42nd Annual CEO Appreciation Luncheon, held virtually on June 15. According to their website, the annual award ceremony recognizes Atlanta CEOs for their outstanding participation in minority vendor development and community activities.
Greer was awarded the Herman J. Russell CEO of the Year Award, named in honor of the late Herman J. Russell, recognizing and honoring Russell’s legacy and the business leaders who strengthen the city of Atlanta by expanding their reach to make broader contributions to life in the Atlanta community.
“I am deeply honored to receive this distinguished award and be in the company of such an inspiring man who left an impact on the city of Atlanta far beyond his business endeavors,” said Greer. “I was fortunate enough to have had Mr. Russell and a number of his business interests as clients. He taught me how to contribute to our great city in a way that adds value and to do so with humility and grace. As leaders, it is our responsibility to use our voices to fight for equality and inclusion, and inspire our community to do the same.”
As co-president, Greer is one of few African-American executives at an Am Law 20 firm. He plays a key role in the strategic direction of the firm and firmwide day-to-day operations. Greer is dedicated to continuing to shape the firm’s brand as a collaborative law firm providing high-quality legal work and excellent service to our clients and the communities we serve. Previously, Greer served as vice president of the firm, co-chair of the U.S. Strategic Committee, and Atlanta managing shareholder. During his tenure as managing shareholder, Greer was instrumental in the growth and advancement of the Atlanta office.
Greer uses his role and voice to not simply create awareness but, most importantly, to boldly create action leading to the creation of opportunities for diversity at the top, in real time. Personally, Greer is passionate about his community and holds several board positions which he uses as a platform to promote diversity, especially at the leadership level, to some of the most influential leaders in the business community.
His leadership, accomplishments, and legal practice have been recognized by many industry publications and organizations, including the National Law Journal (Equality Trailblazer), Atlanta magazine (Atlanta 500 – The Most Powerful Business Leaders in Atlanta; Top 100 Attorneys in Georgia), The Atlantan (Philanthropist of the Year), Atlanta Business Chronicle (Most Admired CEO; Corporate Diversity Champion), the Daily Report (Distinguished Leader), National Bar Association (Sankofa Award), Best Lawyers in America, Chambers & Partners USA, Georgia Super Lawyers (Top 100 Lawyers in Georgia), and Georgia Trend's “Legal Elite.” In 2018, Greer was inducted into the Gate City Foundation’s Hall of Fame.
About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT), has approximately 2200 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. The firm is net carbon neutral with respect to its office energy usage and Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certified. Web: www.gtlaw.com