About Stephen

Stephen Swinson is a partner in Gray Pannell & Woodward LLP’s Savannah office. Stephen focuses his legal practice on municipal bond law, public finance, economic development incentives, and ancillary real estate matters. Stephen has served as bond and disclosure counsel to governmental issuers across the State of Georgia implementing tax-exempt financings and has represented underwriters and financial institutions in a variety of public finance transactions. Stephen has also assisted development authorities and other public entities in connection with economic development projects including economic incentives. Stephen was listed as a “Legal Elite” for public finance by Georgia Trend Magazine in 2021 and 2022.

In addition to his work in public finance and economic development, Stephen also works with local business owners on a wide variety of corporate matters, including business transactions and business succession planning. Stephen also works with individuals and families regarding their estate planning and asset protection planning needs.

Stephen was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia. He graduated from the University of Alabama, cum laude, in 2012 with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Political Science. While attending the University of Alabama, Stephen served as the President of the Student Government Association and as the Student Representative on the University System Board of Trustees. Stephen was the recipient of the University of Alabama’s 2012 Capstone Hero Award for Leadership.

Stephen graduated from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University, cum laude, in 2015. While attending law school, Stephen was elected President of the Student Bar Association, inducted into the Order of Barristers and was the recipient of the law school’s 2015 Distinguished Leader Award.

Stephen has been active in many professional and civic related activities. Stephen is a member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers, the Georgia Economic Developers Association, the State Bar of Georgia, Savannah Bar Association, and the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. Stephen serves as a District Representative to the State Bar of Georgia’s Young Lawyers Division, and is active on numerous YLD committees, including serving as a regional representative for the “Georgia Legal Food Frenzy” which is an annual fundraising campaign benefiting America’s Second Harvest Food Bank of Coastal Georgia, and serving as a Co-Chair for the YLD Wills Clinic benefiting first responders. Stephen is also active with several local non-profits including serving on the Board of Directors for the non-profit organization Step-Up Savannah which promotes economic opportunities in Chatham County, Georgia. Stephen is a graduate of the State Bar of Georgia YLD Leadership Academy class of 2022, Leadership Savannah Class of 2021, and member of the Leadership Southeast Georgia Class of 2023.