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

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - August 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, 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, corporate partner David M. Calhoun and real estate partner Thomas S. Gryboski.

"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, 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. "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."

About Ms. Wells

Louise M. Wells is a senior partner in Morris, Manning & Martin's Real Estate Practice. Wells specializes in all aspects of the acquisition, financing, building and development of properties into residential communities. After more than 30 years of involvement in Atlanta real estate, Ms. Wells has become a mentor to young women in real estate law, having begun her practice as the first female lawyer at Morris, Manning & Martin in 1978. Wells received her both her bachelor's and law degrees from Emory University.

About Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP

Morris, Manning & Martin (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 healthcare, intellectual property, capital markets, environmental, green industry, insurance, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, real estate and technology practices. The firm has offices in Atlanta, Savannah, Raleigh-Durham, Taipei, Beijing and Washington, D.C.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Terri Thornton Thornton Communications (404) 932-4347