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,