Robert L. Fortson, a McGuireWoods partner and McGuireWoods Consulting senior vice president in Atlanta, has been selected as a Distinguished Leader in the Daily Report’s 2019 Georgia Legal Awards.
The Daily Report, an American Lawyer Media publication, presents Distinguished Leader awards to lawyers who achieved impressive results and demonstrated leadership last year. Winners will be honored on June 20 at the annual Georgia Legal Awards dinner in Atlanta.
Fortson was honored for his work helping Georgia charter school clients secure millions of dollars in funding to help them fulfill their charter contracts and succeed academically. In one case, Fortson and his McGuireWoods team led an out-of-court effort that recovered nearly $1 million in annual funding for several local schools. In another matter, Fortson’s team thwarted a school district’s plan to close a charter school with 1,000 students by securing its reauthorization through the state.
“Rob has proved over and over again that he is smart, resourceful and effective in securing results for clients, and we are very pleased that has been recognized with this award,” said Jim Hodges, president of McGuireWoods Consulting and a former South Carolina governor known for improving that state’s public education system.
In addition to education, Fortson’s experience includes healthcare, administrative, regulatory, and labor and employment matters. He is a member of the education team for McGuireWoods Consulting, the firm’s full-service government affairs subsidiary.
“Education is a passion for Rob and that, paired with the fact that he’s an excellent lawyer, makes him a true leader within the industry,” said Christopher Greene, McGuireWoods’ Atlanta office managing partner.
Fortson said prevailing for his clients was its own reward, “but I am humbled to be selected for this honor and the credit it reflects not just on me, but on our excellent team.”