The firm is saddened to announce the passing of Tom Abernathy, longtime partner, leader, mentor, and friend of Smith Currie. A giant in construction law and federal government contracting, Tom was a true gentlemen, possessing a remarkable combination of talents and skills in the law, topped by kindness and grace. He will be sorely missed by our firm and by all who knew him. We express our sincerest sympathy to his entire family.
PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY
Tom Abernathy received his B.A., and his law degree from Vanderbilt University. He was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa. Tom served as a Captain in the U.S. Army from 1967-71 and taught Government Contract Law at the U.S. Army JAG School from 1969-71. He was Co-Editor: Federal Government Construction Contracts, John Wiley & Sons (2008); Contributing Author: Construction Business Handbook, Aspen Publishers (2004); Co-author: “Changed Conditions/Edition II,” Construction Briefings, West Group, No. 2000-9 (September 2000); “Developments in Federal Construction Contracts,” Wiley Construction Law Update, Wiley Law Publications (1992-1999); “Resolving Government Construction Claims Without Litigation,” 93-10 Briefing Papers, Federal Publications, September 1993.
Prior to his retirement, Tom was a partner at Smith Currie, where he represented owners and contractors regarding the award, performance, and resolution of disputes on various types of construction projects. His experience involved high-rise commercial, industrial, power, heavy and highway, bridges, and government contract projects. He represented clients in federal and state courts, arbitration, and mediation. He had extensive experience in federal government construction and represented clients before federal agency boards of contract appeals.
Tom lectured on construction and government contract matters at the American Bar Association, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Wisconsin Engineering School, Emory University and Florida State University Law Schools, McGraw-Hill/FW Dodge and government agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. General Services Administration. His professional service memberships included Chair, American Bar Association, Section of Public Contract Law (1983-1984); Fellow, American College of Construction Lawyers (since 1990); ABA Forum on the Construction Industry; ABA Section of Litigation (Construction Committee) and Tort & Insurance Practice (Fidelity and Surety Committee); and American Arbitration Association Panel of Arbitrators. Tom was a member of the Georgia and Tennessee bars.
