Under the leadership of John G. “Sonny” Morris, Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, grew from a regional practice into a nationally recognized law firm.
Widely regarded as a consummate real estate deal lawyer, Mr. Morris brought exceptional negotiating skills and deep industry insight to every matter. Over the course of his 40-year career, he advised clients on aligning legal structures with business goals in high-stakes transactions across the country. He led the expansion of the firm’s real estate practice beyond Atlanta into major markets nationwide, supported by strategic growth in complementary practice areas including tax, securities, environmental, construction, and litigation.
Mr. Morris’s legacy included:
Beyond his legal work, Mr. Morris was deeply engaged in civic and philanthropic efforts. He served as Chairman of the Buckhead Coalition and Chairman of the Sam and Francis H. Hemphill Educational Foundation.
His distinguished career was recognized with numerous honors, including:
Mr. Morris’s impact on the legal and real estate communities was profound and enduring.