McRae, Smith, Peek, Harman & Monroe, LLP is pleased to announce the election of Benjamin P. Stell as a partner in the firm as of January 1, 2023. Ben has worked as an associate attorney at MSP since 2017 following two summers clerking at the firm during law school. Ben is a 2008 graduate of South Paulding High School in Douglasville, GA. He went on to obtain his undergraduate degree and an MBA from Shorter University, where he was a pitcher for Shorter’s baseball team. Ben then attended The University of Georgia School of Law, graduating Cum Laude in 2017. During law school, Ben was heavily involved with UGA’s Advocacy program, competing on both the Moot Court and Mock Trial teams. In his third year, Ben’s advocacy experience earned him a selection into the Joseph Henry Lumpkin American Inn of Court. He was also sworn in under the Third Year Practice Act during his final year at UGA and worked in the Newton County District Attorney’s Office where he helped prosecute both felonies and misdemeanors. Prior to graduation, Ben was presented with the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Willis J. “Dick” Richardson, Jr. Student Award for Outstanding Trial Advocacy.
Ben’s practice at MSP is litigation focused, having advised and represented clients in a wide variety of civil matters. He has developed an expansive domestic relations practice after representing clients throughout Northwest Georgia in contested divorce actions and custody disputes. Ben also serves as co-litigation counsel for Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, defending the hospital and its care providers in complex medical malpractice and general liability matters at both the federal and state court level. Additionally, Ben represents clients who have suffered severe and catastrophic injuries as a result of the negligence of third parties, routinely helping clients achieve substantial settlements through pre-suit negotiation and contested litigation.
In 2019, Ben sat for the bar exam in Alabama and now holds an active license in both Georgia and Alabama. Ben also serves as a board member for the Open Door Home in Rome, a long-standing nonprofit providing care and resources to youth in need. Ben lives in Rome with his wife, Abby, a Rome native.
We’re proud to have our partner Scott Smith serve as the chairman of the Community Foundation for Greater Rome! Last Thursday, several local nonprofits received funding through the Foundation’s Greater Rome Impact Grants and First Christian Church Heritage Grant. Congratulations to Open Door Home, Restoration Rome, Harbor House Child Advocacy Center, A Teen’s Choice, and The Salvation Army for their well-deserved recognition and support. We were honored to host the reception at our office of McRae, Smith, Peek. Thank you to the Community Foundation for all the incredible work they do to improve our community!
MSP Partner, Chris Jackson, recently spoke with the High School Social Studies class at the Georgia School for the Deaf in Cave Spring about Georgia’s legal system and his role as a lawyer and the part-time Rome Municipal Judge. Although Chris is from Cave Spring and speaks some conversational sign language, GSD provided a translator for the discussion. Chris was very impressed by the class, their knowledge about the legal process and the great questions they asked! Thanks to Social Studies teacher, Sydney Boucugnani, and the class for the opportunity to speak.
February 24, 2023
Ben’s practice at MSP is litigation focused, having advised and represented clients in a wide variety of civil matters. He has developed an expansive domestic relations practice after representing clients throughout Northwest Georgia in contested divorce actions and custody disputes. Ben also serves as co-litigation counsel for Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, defending the hospital and its care providers in complex medical malpractice and general liability matters at both the federal and state court level. Additionally, Ben represents clients who have suffered severe and catastrophic injuries as a result of the negligence of third parties, routinely helping clients achieve substantial settlements through pre-suit negotiation and contested litigation.
In 2019, Ben sat for the bar exam in Alabama and now holds an active license in both Georgia and Alabama. Ben also serves as a board member for the Open Door Home in Rome, a long-standing nonprofit providing care and resources to youth in need. Ben lives in Rome with his wife, Abby, a Rome native.
February 20, 2023
November 21, 2022