John G. Morris

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:

• Representing Cole Real Estate Investments in its $11.2 billion merger in 2014, which created the largest net lease REIT with an enterprise value of $21.5 billion.
• Leading major acquisitions, financings, and developments, including complex mixed-use projects and multi-asset deals structured through direct transactions or M&A.
• Serving as general counsel to leading real estate companies through multiple market cycles.
• Advising on recapitalizations and reorganizations of real estate ventures.
• Assisting with raising equity capital through private and public offerings, including for real estate investment funds and REITs.
• Representing sponsors of private equity funds and REITs.

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:

• The Distinguished Alumni Award from Emory University School of Law (2014)
• A Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fulton County Daily Report (2015)
• Selection as one of 24 Atlanta Real Estate Icons by Real Estate Forum (2012)
• Inclusion as a “Georgia Super Lawyer” by Atlanta magazine (2004–2018)
• Recognition by The Legal 500, The Best Lawyers in America, and Chambers USA

Mr. Morris’s impact on the legal and real estate communities was profound and enduring.