James-Bates-Brannan-Groover-LLP, a full-service law firm with offices in Atlanta and Macon, today announced two significant personnel additions. Lisa Lane, former Executive Vice President of State Bank and Trust Company, has accepted the position as the firm’s Chief Administrative Officer.  Dan Speight, former Vice Chairman and cofounder of State Bank and Trust Company, has joined the firm’s banking and financial institutions practice group, where he will concentrate in regulatory relations, corporate governance, board counsel services, strategic planning and mergers and acquisitions.   

Ms. Lane and Mr. Speight both have a long record of success in community banking and are highly regarded on the community bank landscape throughout Georgia. 

Ms. Lane’s previous roles at Citizens Bank, Flag Bank and State Bank included operations, corporate governance, human resources, facilities management, risk management and information technology.  In addition to her responsibilities at the law firm, Ms. Lane will serve as Executive Vice President of Calumet Bank in LaGrange, Georgia; she currently serves as the Chair-Elect of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia.  

Mr. Speight’s roles at Citizens Bank, Flag Bank and State Bank included CEO, CFO, COO and General Counsel.  He also served on the boards of those banks as Vice Chairman.  Mr. Speight is a graduate of Georgia Southern College and the Walter F. George School of Law, Mercer University.  

Joe Evans, Chairman of State Bank and Trust Company, said, "James-Bates-Brannan-Groover has provided valued counsel to State Bank from the very beginning.  Its talented team just got even better with the addition of Dan and Lisa. Their experience, knowledge, values, and commitment to excellence align exceptionally well with those of the firm, and I look forward to the continuing relationship."

For more information about James-Bates-Brannan-Groover-LLP, visit www.georgiaslawfirm.com