Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP is proud to announce its Atlanta-based real estate team, led by partners Andy Litvak and Abe Kannof, was honored with the Georgia State Bar’s William B. Spann Jr. Award for its pro bono work in some of Atlanta’s underserved communities. This distinguished recognition highlights the firm’s ongoing commitment to providing pro bono legal services that address unmet legal needs and extend critical services to underserved communities.

In 2016, the firm’s real estate team, which is comprised of more than 40 other firm attorneys and paralegals, partnered with the nonprofit, City of Refuge, to revitalize Atlanta’s Westside—a neighborhood historically plagued by poverty and violence. Since then, the team has provided more than 2,000 pro bono hours, significantly advancing the City of Refuge’s mission to lead individuals and families to self-sufficiency through health, housing, education, and workforce development.

The team’s work with City of Refuge includes assisting with the acquisition of abandoned properties, securing funding for land and development, negotiating joint-venture agreements, and developing affordable housing. Those efforts have directly supported the creation of The 1300, a 47-unit affordable housing development offering families access to wraparound services, including healthcare, vocational training, and childcare.

"Through our partnership with City of Refuge, we’ve been able to contribute to meaningful projects that create real change in Atlanta’s Westside community," Litvak said. "Our work underscores the impact of affordable housing in transforming lives and fostering self-sufficiency."

The Nelson Mullins team has also played a critical role in restoring neighborhoods like Proctor Creek and developing green spaces in collaboration with the Conservation Fund. Most recently, they negotiated a multi-million-dollar transaction for the Atlanta Beltline, ensuring affordable housing remains a priority as the city continues its growth.

"Nelson Mullins shares our belief that affordable housing is a cornerstone of self-sufficiency,” City of Refuge CEO Bruce Deel said. “Their unwavering commitment has been instrumental in building stronger, more vibrant communities."

The Justice William B. Spann Jr. award is named for a former president of the American Bar Association and former executive director of the State Bar of Georgia. The award highlights the firm’s innovative and strategic approach to pro bono legal services, showcasing how real estate expertise can address critical societal challenges.

Established in 1897, Nelson Mullins is a full-service Am Law 100 firm of more than 1,000 attorneys, policy advisors, and professionals with offices across the United States. The firm’s pro bono program focuses on addressing critical issues such as children’s rights, community revitalization, affordable housing, protection against discrimination and violence, environmental justice, and the advancement of civil and human rights. Through these initiatives, Nelson Mullins is dedicated to fostering a more equitable and just society. For more information, visit www.nelsonmullins.com.