The Legal 500

Within Real estate investment trusts (REITs), Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP is a third tier firm,

Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP’s 25-lawyer team has a core strength in non-traded REITs but also advises clients on capital markets matters. Since 2007 the team has advised on capital markets deals totaling $13bn, with their investment and development work encompassing a broad array of asset classes including the affordable housing, apartments, brownfield and hospitality sectors. Highlights in 2010 included advising Carter Validus Mission Critical REIT on its $1.75bn IPO and advising Cole Corporate Income Trust on its $3bn IPO. Atlanta-based Lauren Prevost and Heath Linsky head the 17-partner team. The group recently recruited respected Georgia real estate expert Homer Lee Walker from Alston & Bird LLP, counsel Brad Lennox from DLA Piper LLP and Jason Cordon from Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP.

Within M&A: middle-market (sub-$500m), tier 5

Based in Georgia, with additional offices in North Carolina, New Jersey, and Washington DC, Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP is rated by clients for its ‘excellent experience in the technology sector’. The firm handles negotiated purchases and divestitures by public and private companies, tender offers, restructurings, spin-offs, leveraged buy-outs, and going-private transactions. Georgia-based Jeffrey Schulte is a senior partner in the corporate and securities practice. Schulte acted in the sale of Hospital Affiliates International by INA Corporation to HCA, the combination of Connecticut General and INA to form CIGNA, and the acquisition by Pfizer of Angiomedics.

Within Venture capital and emerging companies, tier 5

Atlanta-based Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP has an established practice in the dynamic emerging company sector in the Southeast region of the US, but has built a genuine national reputation. The technology practice accounts for a significant proportion of the firm’s business. Clients include Quofore, FX Bridge Technologies Corporation, FTRANS Corp, and River Cities Capital Funds. John Yates, David Calhoun and Ed Hirsch all have excellent reputations.

Within Real estate, tier 4

Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP has a 54-attorney real estate team that is predominantly located in Atlanta. Thomas Gryboski chairs the group that provides acquisition, disposition, financing, workout, restructuring, development, construction and leasing advice to its clients relating to high-end resort, residential, power center, condominium, hotel and mixed-use properties. The team expanded during 2010 with Homer Lee Walker joining as a partner from Alston & Bird LLP; Duncan Miller was promoted to partner. A key transaction for the firm was John Ginley’s representation of Cole Credit Property Trust II on its $310m acquisition of Microsoft’s regional headquarters in Washington DC. Highlighting the firm’s niche timberland and forestry expertise, Steven Schrock and Glenn Dunaway represented Fazenda Turmalina Holdings, a timberland investment management organization, on its acquisition of over 76,000 acres of land in Brazil. The firm’s client roster also includes Federal Realty Investment Trust, IKEA and Timberland Investment Resources.

Within Domestic tax: East Coast, tier 7

Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP’s Atlanta-based, tax practice group has ‘no real weaknesses – we get good, practical, business-like tax advice. The team is an excellent choice for regional businesses and high-net-worth families and should be considered nationwide for a highly developed tax expertise in the non-listed REIT and timber sectors. Charles (Chuck) Beaudrot has recently advised in five REIT public offerings valued as high as $3.3bn for clients including Carter Validus Mission Critical REIT and Cole Credit Office/Industrial Trust. Fellow co-chair of the tax department Cassady Brewer is recommended for private corporation, partnership, and tax-exempt advice and planning.