2008 Attorney Awards

Tim Phillips, American Cancer Society
Tim Phillips volunteered to help 10 different clients of the Partnership in 2008 on various tax and corporate matters and also presented a legal workshop “The Impact of Sarbanes-Oxley on Nonprofits”. In addition, Tim serves as general counsel to one client with multiple legal matters. A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Tim is an attorney with the American Cancer Society and generously uses his experience working with a very large tax-exempt organization to help much smaller organizations that need his help.

Suellen Bergman, GE Energy
GE Energy attorney Suellen Bergman assisted several nonprofits, including Camp Kudzu and Malaria Foundation International, on various contracts and technology matters in 2008. Suellen helps to expand Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta’s volunteer base by partnering with law firm attorneys on pro bono matters. Suellen is a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law.

Eric Ensminger & Jason Cordon, Paul Hastings
Between them, Paul Hastings tax associates Eric Ensminger and Jason Cordon have volunteered for over 30 matters. Because of the shortage of volunteers with tax-exempt expertise, Eric and Jason have their pick of pro bono matters and they have not shied away from taking them.

In addition to handling and supervising others in preparing 501(c)(3) applications for nonprofits, Eric and Jason assist on more complex matters that require tax-exempt law expertise. Eric has also presented legal workshops on tax issues for nonprofits. Eric received his B.A. from UNC-Charlotte, his J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law, and his LL.M. from the University of Florida. Jason received his B.A. from Campbell University and his J.D. from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Ed Manigault, Jones Day
Ed Manigault joined the Advisory Committee of Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta and quickly began contributing to the organization in multiple ways. In addition to volunteering for matters and recruiting other Jones Day lawyers to volunteer, Ed took the lead on several special projects for the Partnership.

Ed drafted model nonprofit Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to be used in Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta attorney trainings. He also co-chaired the Tax Subcommittee of the Advisory Committee and took the lead in authoring the Partnership’s first publication for nonprofits, A Legal Guide to Operating a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit in Georgia.

Formerly a partner at Jones Day, Ed left the practice of law and joined J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank. A 1992 graduate of Clemson University, Ed graduated from Emory Law School in 1995.

Special Appreciation Award

Steve Kaplan, Formerly with CompuCredit, now with Connextions

Corporation of the Year

GE Energy

Law Firm of the Year

Hunton & Williams