Greenberg Traurig expanded its Atlanta public finance and infrastructure practice with the addition of shareholder Matthew W. Nichols, who joined the firm from King & Spalding.

Nichols is an infrastructure finance attorney who focuses his practice primarily on the municipal market, working on leveraged finance, direct placements, syndicated private placements and municipal bond offerings. He advises issuers, lenders, underwriters and sponsors. He regularly represents universities, hospitals systems, state agencies and local governments as they seek to tap into the public finance market.

“Matt’s experience enhances our ability to serve a broader group of issuers, lenders and sponsors throughout Georgia,” Jéan E. Wilson, chair of the Atlanta and Orlando, FL, public finance and infrastructure practices at Greenberg Traurig, said. “Since Atlanta and the Southeast remain high-growth regions, his experience in managing large, complex public financing projects focused on infrastructure improvements will help leverage the vast resources and expertise of our global public finance and infrastructure team.”

Nichols previously handled matters such as serving as bond counsel for the Georgia World Congress Center Authority in connection with the $500 million tax-exempt project financing for a new upscale convention center hotel adjacent to the World Congress Center and Mercedes Benz Stadium. He also advised Duke University Health System in connection with a $600 million offering, its first issuance of publicly offered taxable debt, and also represented the underwriters in a $427 million issuance of tax-exempt bonds for the Georgia Ports Authority.

“There are several landmarks in Georgia that would simply not be there without Matt’s experience, involvement and commitment. His work is not only highly visible but also of great significance and impact to our community. He is focused on best-in-class service that fulfills a vision for clients. This is the type of professional drawn to our unique firm and we are grateful for that,” Ernest LaMont Greer, co-president in Atlanta for Greenberg Traurig, said. “We are delighted to have Matt at Greenberg Traurig.”

In addition to working with many public sector entities, Nichols also often works with private sector clients in public-private partnerships and joint ventures. He has also covered a large variety of transactions involving government-owned, privately-financed and operated infrastructure and development projects, such as student housing, stadiums and hotels.

“I was drawn to Greenberg Traurig’s strong and growing public finance and infrastructure practice. Having such a network behind me will support me as I work with my clients to help bring their projects to life,” Nichols said. “Joining the Atlanta office also carries an extra benefit for me: the team’s commitment to support and help grow our Georgia community.”