John L. Gornall Jr.

Partner

Direct: 404.873.8650
Fax: 404.873.8651
Atlanta
171 17th Street NW
Suite 2100
Atlanta, Georgia 30363

Biography

John is a partner in the Corporate, Economic Development & Public Finance, and Alternative & Renewable Energy practices. As a special assistant attorney general in 2006, John assisted with successful negotiations for the $1.2 billion Kia automotive assembly plant, resulting in increased local and state tax revenue, and approximately 10,000 new direct jobs in Georgia.

John focuses his practice on cutting-edge economic development. Throughout his career spanning more than 40 years, John has represented all the parties, including developers, lenders, property owners, and suppliers on renewable energy projects, while continuing to grow his traditional economic development practice working with companies, lenders, development authorities, and governments on creative financing and incentives. AGG’s Economic Development & Public Finance industry team is seasoned and deep, with over 80 years combined experience and shared knowledge. As a part of this team, John has worked on projects for manufacturing, distribution, headquarters, and research and development facilities across the United States.

John worked for eight years on Georgia legislation to allow public-private partnerships (P3s) for reservoirs, as well as water, reuse water, and wastewater facilities and systems (water facilities). He was selected by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce as part of the drafting team for Senate Bill (SB) 122, signed into law in 2011. SB 122 authorizes the state and local governments and authorities to enter into contracts for up to 50 years with private companies to build and operate water facilities. This new tool will help Georgia increase its water supply, treat wastewater to higher standards, and encourage the use of reused water while protecting Georgia’s environment.

John served as a special assistant attorney general to the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority with Governor Deal’s $300 million water supply program involving reservoirs and wells.

Experience

  • Represents a number of Development Authorities as bond counsel.
  • Represented Internet Service Provider in $2 billion+ facilities in Georgia.
  • Represented Benteler Steel Tube Manufacturing Corp. in a $900 million manufacturing project in Louisiana.
  • Recent solar projects include 500+ MWs of utility scale systems.
  • Assisted a $2 billion asset German fund with due diligence for a U.S. renewable energy fund.
  • Represented a subsidiary of Sysco in negotiating a rooftop lease for a solar photovoltaic facility located at a New Jersey distribution center.
  • Represented the State of Georgia in successful negotiations for a $1.2 billion Kia auto assembly facility.
  • Prepared legislation for the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (“GEFA”) to expand its powers to facilitate and finance local government water supply projects from wells to reservoirs. Assisted with drafting the RFP for GEFA’s $300 million water supply program. Negotiated agreements with local governments for investments in or loans for reservoirs and wells. Conducted due diligence on a number of reservoir projects. Solved Georgia Constitutional and structuring issues.
  • As a Georgia Special Assistant Attorney General, we have represented:
    • Georgia Ports Authority in foreign tax matters;
    • Georgia Department of Community Affairs in the College Football Hall of Fame project;
    • GEFA projects as described above;
    • Georgia Department of Economic Development regarding the Kia plant as described above;
    • Georgia Department of Economic Development in the Rolls Royce plant negotiations; and
    • State of Georgia as disclosure counsel for its annual general obligation bond issue in the middle of the Great Recession.
  • On behalf of large manufacturing and facilities, we have negotiated electric and gas purchase agreements with regulated utilities, electric membership corporations and cities, and water and waste water treatment contracts with cities, counties, and local authorities.

    Credentials

    • Emory University School of Law, Juris Doctor
    • Georgetown University, Bachelor of Science - Foreign Service
    • State of Georgia 1972
      • State Bar of Georgia, Section of International Law (former Chair)
      • Georgia Economic Developers Association (Director, 1999-2001; Former Chair, Public Policy Committee & Brownfields Task Force)
      • National Association of Bond Lawyers
      • Georgia Institute of Technology, College of Management, International Business Law Lecturer
      • Georgia State University, J. Mack Robinson College of Business, International Business Law Lecturer
      • University of Georgia, Fanning Institute, Economic Development Lecturer
      • Leadership Georgia, Trustee, 1987-89

    Recognition

    • Best Lawyers in America®, Economic Development Law, 2014-24
    • GEORGIA 500  – Georgia’s Most Influential Leaders,” Georgia Trend, 2022
    • Rip Wiley Award for Professional Excellence, Georgia Economic Developers Association, 2019
    • Solar Advocate Award, Georgia Solar Energy Association, 2010-11
    • “Legal Elite,” Georgia Trend, 2008
    • Georgia Super Lawyers, 2004
    • Alumni Service Award, Leadership Georgia, 1991

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