Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP is donating free office space and legal services to the Nathanial Anthony Ayers Foundation for the Artistically Gifted Mentally Ill.

Ayers is the title character in the new film “The Soloist,” which is based on a series of columns written by Los Angeles Times writer Steve Lopez. It chronicles Lopez’ unlikely friendship with the former classical music prodigy. When they met, Ayers was homeless and playing his violin on the streets. The film, which stars Oscar® nominee Robert Downey Jr. and Oscar® winner Jamie Foxx, opens April 24.

Ayers’ sister, Jennifer Ayers-Moore, started the foundation to fulfill their mother’s dream of having a group to help the mentally ill and their families. MMM Partner Cass Brewer is a member of the foundation’s board and serves as its pro bono legal counsel. In addition to the office space and legal services, MMM is providing free Internet access, telephone service and use of conference rooms.

Mr. Brewer also will serve on the Host Committee for a May 5 private screening of the film in Atlanta. He joined Nathaniel and the Ayers family at the Hollywood premiere of “The Soloist” April 20 in Los Angeles.

“It is an honest and artistic portrayal of the impact of mental illness,” Mr. Brewer said. “Although many view Nathaniel’s situation as tragic, his story is touching so many lives that his impact may be greater than it would have been as a successful musician.”

The foundation’s goals include raising awareness of how artistic expression contributes to the advancement of mental health wellness and treatment, collaborating with mental health and arts organizations to identify and exhibit the work of the artistically gifted, and providing grants to nonprofit organizations that embody the foundation’s mission.

About Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP

Morris, Manning & Martin (www.mmmlaw.com) is a full-service commercial law firm representing clients throughout the United States and abroad. 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.

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