In an article published on June 15, 2023, a pair of Nelson Mullins partners were named among the Southeast's best attorneys age 40 and under by the Daily Report. The outlet's On the Rise honorees included Raleigh partner Jeffrey Kelly and Columbia partner Donna Tillis. The two accomplished lawyers were recognized for the category as a part of the outlet's annual Southeastern Legal Awards. 

Tillis represents leading companies in a range of litigation matters, with an emphasis on consumer class action defense and life, disability, and bad faith insurance disputes. Tillis is also called to help companies navigate internal and government investigations and advise on e-discovery strategy. She is an in-demand speaker on both cutting edge litigation topics and issues impacting minority attorneys. Tillis is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law where she was the first black editor-in-chief of any of publication at the School of Law upon her service as editor of the ABA Real Property, Trust & Estate Law Journal. She is in leadership on the DRI Life, Health, Disability, and ERISA committee and exhibits her dedication to public service through her active involvement on the Richland County Bar Public Service Committee and the Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (“CASA”) Board.

Kelly focuses his practice in areas of emerging technology, particularly in areas involving data analytics, digital assets, artificial intelligence, and FinTech. He works closely with entrepreneurs and companies to effectively navigate changing regulations, government investigations, and complex corporate and securities law challenges. Kelly serves in several leadership roles at the intersection of law, regulation, and technology, including serving on the American Bar Association Center for Innovation’s Governing Council and chairing the board of advisors for Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Innovation Lab. He is also a fellow with the Duke University School of Law’s Center on Law and Technology.

Read more about the full list of honorees and the methodology for the award here.

Established in 1897, Nelson Mullins is an AmLaw 100 firm of more than 1,000 attorneys, policy advisors, and professionals, with 33 offices in 17 states and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.nelsonmullins.com.