Michael Demont, former president of Suddath Relocation Systems, has joined Smith Hulsey & Busey as a partner in the firm’s commercial litigation and insolvency practice. Smith Hulsey & Busey is a full-service business law firm with specialized expertise in complex commercial litigation and insolvency matters.
“At a time when demand for our litigation and insolvency services is increasing, Mike substantially adds to our depth in this practice area,” said Stephen Busey, chairman of Smith Hulsey & Busey. “We also expect Mike to serve an important role in the future leadership of the firm.”
Demont spent 12 years at The Suddath Companies, a leading provider of global transportation and relocation-related services, in positions of increasing responsibility, culminating in his appointment in 2003 as president of the company’s core subsidiary, Suddath Relocation Systems. Before joining Suddath, Demont practiced law in Jacksonville for 14 years.
“During his tenure as a senior executive with Suddath, Mike made significant contributions to the company’s successes,” said Barry Vaughn, CEO of The Suddath Companies. “Mike previously served as our outside counsel, and I look forward to working with him again in that capacity.”
Busey said Demont brings value to the firm.
“Mike not only has the perspective of a successful business executive, but he is also a skilled commercial trial lawyer with significant insolvency litigation experience,” said Busey. “As a former lawyer with our firm, a former client and a long-time friend, we know Mike shares our values and commitment to providing clients the very best legal services.
“As a senior executive of a multi-faceted relocation and transportation company, Mike developed an understanding of the issues that an operating company of that size faces. This experience together with his legal expertise affords him the opportunity to be an unusually effective business lawyer.”
Demont joined Suddath in 1996. He was promoted to chief executive officer of Data Storage Centers, another Suddath subsidiary, where he guided the company to record growth. In 2003, he was promoted to president for Suddath Relocation Systems, where he oversaw the daily management of operations for 16 branch subsidiaries throughout the U.S. During his tenure at Suddath, Demont oversaw risk management and engaged Smith Hulsey & Busey as outside counsel.
“I’m excited to practice law again, especially with such a high-caliber, collegial and hard-working group of lawyers,” said Demont. “As a young lawyer with Smith Hulsey & Busey more than 25 years ago, the firm taught me the importance of representing clients with the greatest effectiveness. Throughout the years, my relationship with the firm has strengthened and my respect for their expertise and client-centered ethic has deepened, and I’m honored to be a member of their team once again.”