Morris, Manning & Martin Welcomes Five Litigation and Real Estate Attorneys in Research Triangle Park and Atlanta

 ATLANTA, GA) – Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP is pleased to welcome five attorneys, two of counsel and three associates to its law practice.

 In the firm’s Research Triangle Park office, of counsel Linnie W. Causey (top right photo) has joined the firm as a member of the Real Estate Development, Residential Real Estate and Energy & Infrastructure Finance Practices.

 
In Atlanta, associate Kristi A. Dosh (top left photo)  has joined the firm’s Commercial Lending and Real Estate Development Practices and of counsel Shannan Freeman Oliver (middle right photo)  and associates Hilary Houston (middle left photo)  and Patrick L. Lowther (bottom right photo)  have joined the firm’s Litigation Practice.

“The firm is delighted to welcome our newest attorneys. They highlight the vitality of the firm,” stated Louise M. Wells, (bottom left photo) Managing Partner. “Building our presence in North Carolina, capitalizing on our tremendously strong litigation practice and a rebounding real estate market are all signs pointing to a prosperous 2010 for Morris, Manning & Martin.”

Linnie W. Causey primarily devotes her practice to real property and business transactions and represents developers, builders, commercial property owners and property management companies in a variety of real estate and financing matters, including contract disputes, lease negotiation, 1031 exchanges and drafting and recording right of way, property development and plat approvals.

Causey also manages a high volume residential real estate closing practice. In addition, Causey has experience drafting a variety of corporate documents related to the offshore production and exploration of oil and gas. Prior to joining MMM, Causey was in private practice in Chapel Hill, NC and with Gulf Oil Corp./Chevron U.S.A. She is a graduate of Mississippi State University and Tulane University School of Law.

Kristi A. Dosh is an associate in the Commercial Lending and Real Estate Development Practices where she concentrates on housing and community development transactions that utilize federal and state low-income housing tax credits, historic preservation tax credits and other sources of public financing. Dosh attended Oglethorpe University and the University of Florida Levin College of Law.

Shannan Freeman Oliver is of counsel in the firm’s Litigation Practice where she brings extensive trial experience. Oliver has served as lead counsel in all stages of numerous adversary proceedings, as well as post-judgment proceedings. She also regularly defends clients against claims brought pursuant to various federal and state regulations, including Truth-In-Lending, RICO and the UCC. Oliver is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Georgia State University College of Law.

Hilary Houston is an associate in the firm’s Litigation Practice where she focuses her attention on class action litigation, with a particular emphasis on product liability matters. Her experience also includes a wide variety of complex civil litigation matters, including representation of corporate officers and directors in derivative lawsuits and companies and their directors in securities fraud actions, merger litigation and proxy lawsuits. Houston is a graduate of Northwestern University and Duke University School of Law.

Patrick L. Lowther is an associate in the Corporate & Commercial Litigation Practice, focusing primarily on products liability and real estate litigation. He has extensive experience in a wide range of general commercial disputes pending throughout the U.S. and also has experience with settlement negotiations and various forms of alternative dispute resolution. Lowther is a graduate of the University of Alabama and the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.

Morris, Manning & Martin (http://www.mmmlaw.com/) is a full-service commercial law firm representing domestic and international clients throughout the United States. Our mission is to be the firm of choice for clients seeking the most creative, comprehensive and effective legal services available. Our legal solutions are delivered by industry-focused, diverse, involved lawyers who are dedicated to our clients’ success, whether in a transaction, in court or in the everyday course of business.

Morris, Manning & Martin enjoys national prominence for its intellectual property, real estate, mergers and acquisitions, green industry, environmental, capital markets, healthcare, insurance, litigation and technology practices. The firm has offices in Atlanta, Beijing, Research Triangle Park (North Carolina), Savannah, Taipei and Washington, D.C.

Contact: Terri Thornton, 404-687-8760, 404-932-4347 (Cell) , http://www.territhornton.com/, www.twitter.com/Ttho

Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP Announces New Managing Partner: Louise M. Wells

ATLANTA, GA, Aug. 31, 2009-- Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, one of Atlanta’s leading law firms and an AmLaw 200 firm, is pleased to announce the election of its new Managing Partner, Louise M. Wells. Wells,(top right photo) who has been with the firm for over 30 years, will be the first female to hold the position since the firm was founded in 1976.

The firm’s succession plan is being implemented to ensure that the firm is positioned to capitalize on ever-evolving market conditions for the continued success of its clients and the firm.

As a critical component of the plan, the firm created an Executive Committee that will work closely with Wells.


The Executive Committee members include litigation partner John P. MacNaughton, (bottom left photo) corporate partner David M. Calhoun (bottom right photo) and real estate partner Thomas S. Gryboski (middle left photo).


“I am honored to accept this responsibility,” Wells offered. “As a result of the firm’s unique culture and entrepreneurial spirit, we have been responsive to the challenging market conditions.

"We have made smart strategic decisions that build upon the firm’s solid platform, better positioning us to succeed and drive forward in the coming months and years,” she added.


Robert E. Saudek, (top left photo) the firm’s current Managing Partner, is one of the firm’s original founding partners and has been Managing Partner for 16 years.

He has been instrumental in helping the firm achieve eight-fold revenue growth in the past two decades, enabling it to become one of Atlanta’s and the nation’s leading law firms.

He will remain in the managing partner position with the executive committee in place until the transition is completed Dec. 31. After that time, he will remain active with the firm.

“I have been honored to serve as Managing Partner for such a long time period and to help the firm grow from its original eight lawyers into a national AmLaw 200 law firm,” Saudek stated. “We are very excited about turning over the reins of the firm to the next generation. I believe that Louise will be an exceptionally capable and energetic leader. “


“Bob [Saudek] has been an excellent leader for this firm for nearly 20 years,” said founding partner John “Sonny” Morris.(middle right photo) “He led us during a period of unprecedented growth and success.

"Now, the next generation can successfully guide us through the next 20 years. With the combined leadership of Louise and our Executive Committee, and the commitment of every member of the firm, from top to bottom, we are positioned to truly excel.”


Media contact: Terri Thornton, Thornton Communications (404) 932-4347, terri@territhornton.com,

Morris, Manning & Martin Adds Five Attorneys

Establishes Timberland Investments & Forest Products Practice and Expands Real Estate Fund Practice

ATLANTA, GA, May 15, 2009) – Partners C. Glenn Dunaway and Stephen B. Schrock, of counsel Chuck Connors, associates Karen Reschly and Rebecca Vandiver and senior paralegal Wenona Mills have joined Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP from Bryan Cave Powell Goldstein.

They will establish the new the Timberland Investments and Forest Products Practice, which consists of an integrated team of experienced lawyers from multiple disciplines, pulling primarily from the corporate and commercial real estate groups.

“The firm’s timber lawyers represent investors, owners and managers in timber transactions involving millions of acres of timberland throughout the U.S., South America, Europe and Africa,” said Managing Partner Robert Saudek (bottom left photo). “This type of expansion validates our belief that a smart growth strategy in a tight market is the right approach.”

With the additions, Morris, Manning & Martin expands its considerable practices in the areas of real estate capital markets, REIT representation, fund formation and management, domestic and international tax, corporate representation and commercial real estate.

Partner C. Glenn Dunaway will lead the firm’s core timberland corporate practice, while Stephen B. Schrock will lead the firm’s core timberland real estate practice.

Mr. Dunaway also has substantial experience with non-timber related real estate transactions, real estate fund formation and management as well as pension fund investments. Mr. Schrock has extensive experience in all facets of commercial real estate.

Media Contact: Terri Thornton, Thornton Communications (404) 932-4347
terri@territhornton.com

MMM Environmental Attorney Appointed to Board of Georgia Chamber of Commerce

ATLANTA, G – Gerald Pouncey (top right photo) , one of the Southeast’s most highly-respected environmental attorneys, has joined the board of The Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

As chair of the Environmental Group at Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, Mr. Pouncey has received a number of honors, including high rankings from Chambers USA, The Legal 500, Atlanta Super Lawyers, Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite and The Best Lawyers in America.

His work focuses on brownfields, or environmentally-impacted properties, including state and federal superfund sites. He has served as counsel for a number of high-profile projects – including the nation's largest brownfield redevelopment – Atlantic Station, a premier mixed-use community in Midtown Atlanta.

Other clients include the owners and redevelopers of textile mills, wood processing sites, foundries, manufacturing plants, wood treatment sites, mines, quarries and numerous other industrial properties. He has also been lead negotiator for international and domestic clients considering locating in the Southeast, as well as for the development of port related facilities.

Media Contacts: Terri Thornton, Thornton Communications, (404) 932-4347 terri@territhornton.com

Morris, Manning & Martin Recognized for Excellence by Chambers USA, Legal 500

Broad Range of Practice Groups Earn Praise from Publications and Clients

ATLANTA, GA — Two prestigious and well known legal publications that rank the quality of legal services gave high marks to Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, including more than a dozen of the firm’s partners.

The firm’s Real Estate group scored particularly well in both legal guides: Chambers USA and The Legal 500. Two attorneys — Gerald Pouncey (top right photo) (Environmental) and Jeanna Brannon (top left photo) (Real Estate) — received praise from both publications.

Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, ranks Mr. Pouncey, who heads the firm’s Environmental Law and Land Use group, in the top tier of Georgia environmental lawyers. It describes the nationally-known brownfield attorney as “precise, disciplined and diligent” and “able to do the work of five lawyers.” It also hails his skill in creatively determining solutions for clients while resolving government concerns.

The Chambers guide describes real estate lawyer Ms. Brannon as “resolute, deal-oriented and persistent” and not afraid to fight on behalf of a client.

It also praises tax attorneys Charles ”Chuck” Beaudrot (middle left photo) and Cass Brewer, (middle right photo above Tom Gryboski) describing Mr. Beaudrot as “hands-on and client-oriented,” while Mr. Brewer “knows how to simplify very complex matters so that the ordinary businessman can evaluate them.”

It calls bankruptcy lawyer David Cranshaw a seasoned litigator who is “patient, persistent and flexible” with an excellent grasp of business.
The Chambers researchers also count MMM’s Tax, Real Estate, Environment, Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions and Bankruptcy/Restructuring groups among the best in the state.

The Legal 500 — another influential legal publication, places MMM’s Real Estate Group in the top tier of recommended firms for the state of Georgia. Other ranked firms included King & Spalding and Sutherland.

The researchers also names several MMM partners “Recommended Lawyers.” Attorneys Tom Gryboski (bottom right photo) and Brian Butler (bottom left photo) from the firm’s Hospitality Group top the list. The guide hails them for their business sense, attention to detail and work ethic. The Legal 500 also calls environmental attorney Gerald Pouncey “remarkable,” and praises several other members of the real estate group, including Jeanna Brannon, who is described as “very dedicated.”

It recommends founding partner John “Sonny” Morris’ for his excellent legal skills and recognizes Bruce Wobeck, who also chairs the Green Business Technology Group, for his sense of practicality.

Nicholas Sears is described as having “a keen mind for analyzing problems,” said the researchers, who also strongly recommend Bob Reardon and Andrew Williams, as well as Corporate attorney Jeff Schulte.

Both Chambers USA and The Legal 500 are known for their independent, impartial research. Teams of independent researchers interview clients and competing attorneys, then base their rankings on merit alone. For more information on Chambers USA, visit http://www.chambersandpartners.com/. For more on The Legal 500, visit http://www.legal500.com/.

Media Contact: Terri Thornton, Thornton Communications, (404) 932-4347 territhornton@mindspring.com

Morris, Manning & Martin Opens in Savannah; Leading Local Lawyer to Establish Practice

ATLANTA/SAVANNAH, GA – Joseph R. “Rusty” Ross (top right photo) of Savannah, a well known and highly regarded healthcare lawyer, has joined Atlanta-based law firm Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP.

In addition to focusing his practice on healthcare matters, Mr. Ross will also practice with the firm’s Real Estate group. He will remain based in Savannah.

Mr. Ross was previously Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah,(photo at bottom right) and was a partner at Hunter, Maclean, Exley & Dunn, P.C. for 14 years before that.

“Rusty has achieved a level of prominence in both the bar and the healthcare community that is extremely rare,” said Morris, Manning & Martin Managing Partner Bob Saudek. (photo at left) “He has practiced law in Savannah for more than 25 years, and has developed valuable contacts throughout the region and throughout the healthcare industry.”

Mr. Ross says he chose Morris, Manning & Martin because of its strong background in both healthcare and transactional law. He has maintained close relationships with a number of the firm’s partners, many of whom have numerous Savannah-regional clients in the healthcare, real estate and port sectors.

His extensive experience includes representing hospitals and physicians in liability and regulatory matters as well as litigation, acquisitions and joint ventures. He developed Memorial Health University Medical Center’s (photo at right) legal department and managed its Risk Management program as well as its Facilities Department. At various times he has also overseen its Corporate Compliance and Internal Audit Departments. He also has a strong background in commercial real estate and transactional law.

A member of the State Bar of Georgia, the South Carolina Bar and the Florida Bar, Mr. Ross is deeply involved with Savannah community activities. He is recent past chairman of Hospice Savannah, Inc.’s Board of Directors and also serves on the board of the First National Bank of Savannah, N.A. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Savannah Downtown, is a Vestryman at St. John’s Church and a Steward of the St. Andrew’s Society of Savannah.

He earned his MBA and JD from the University of Georgia, and his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University.

He is one of four new attorneys joining the Atlanta-based law firm just this week. In addition to Mr. Ross, the firm added two new intellectual property partners to its Washington, D.C. office, as well as adding a lawyer to its Commercial Real Estate Lending group in Atlanta.

About Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP

Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, (http://www.mmmlaw.com/) enjoys national prominence for its corporate finance, securities, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, technology, intellectual property, real estate and real estate capital markets, environmental, insurance and healthcare practices. The firm has offices in Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Savannah and Washington, D.C.

Morris, Manning & Martin’s Healthcare Practice

The firm’s 14 healthcare attorneys practice exclusively in this area and, consequently, have in-depth knowledge of the sector. The team consistently helps clients properly structure their business relationships and transactions, comply with laws and regulations and achieve successful resolutions in civil, criminal and administrative proceedings.

Media Contact:

Terri Thornton,

Thornton Communications,

(404) 932-4347

territhornton@mindspring.com

Morris, Manning & Martin Hires Fannie Mae Specialist Allison Gould for its Commercial Real Estate Lending Group

ATLANTA, GA– Morris, Manning & Martin's Commercial Real Estate Lending Group gained more firepower recently with the addition of M. Allison Gould, (top right photo) who spent 21 years as in-house counsel for Fannie Mae.

She was most recently Vice President and Assistant General Counsel in the Atlanta office of CWCapital, LLC, a Fannie Mae Delegated Underwriting and Servicing (DUS™) lender.

During her extensive career as Associate General Counsel and Director at Fannie Mae, she integrated strategic business knowledge with balanced legal advice to help achieve and exceed multifamily production goals. She also gained practical experience drafting regulatory guidelines and streamlining the organization's processes.

While in the private sector, Ms. Gould acted as transaction manager, working with underwriters, producers, closers and outside counsel to assure successful multifamily loan deliveries to Fannie Mae.

"The relationships Allison built and the expertise she gained during her time at Fannie Mae will be invaluable to our lending group and our clients," said Morris, Manning & Martin Managing Partner Bob Saudek. (photo at left) "With the addition of Allison, our lending team and our clients will have a unique edge as we expand our Fannie Mae multifamily lending practice," he added.

She earned her J.D. from Emory University School Of Law and her undergraduate degree from Furman University. Her accomplishments include serving as past co-chair of the American Bar Association's Affordable Housing Committee.

Ms. Gould is one of four new attorneys joining the Atlanta-based law firm recently. The firm added two new intellectual property partners to its Washington, D.C. office and added a new healthcare and real estate partner who is establishing a new office in Savannah.

About Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP

Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, (http://www.mmmlaw.com/) enjoys national prominence for its corporate finance, securities, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, technology, intellectual property, real estate and real estate capital markets, environmental, insurance and healthcare practices.

The firm has offices in Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Savannah and Washington, D.C. Commercial Real Estate Lending GroupMorris, Manning & Martin's Commercial Real Estate Lending group represents entities across the U.S. engaged in complex commercial property financing. The firm's experience and depth of knowledge provides clients including Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, developers and investors with comprehensive representation on all commercial finance matters.

Media Contact:

Terri Thornton,

Thornton Communications,

(404) 932-4347

territhornton@mindspring.com