Kelli Cochran-Seabrook, Forty Under 40 winner 2009

Age: 29

Attorney, Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation

Represents clients in all legal proceedings — property litigation,
settlement negotiations, administrative proceedings, mediations and appeals — for the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation, a nonprofit organization that provides legal and educational services to low-income heirs property owners in Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester and Georgetown counties. She also represents clients in the drafting of wills, powers of attorney and probate documents, and she coordinates and conducts community outreach events.

Community involvement

Board member, Charleston Area Community Development Corp. and the Mediation and Meeting Center of Charleston.
Delta GEMS mentor, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Junior League of Charleston – Louie’s Kids, Boys and Girls Club.
Habitat for Humanity.
Coordinator and facilitator, Mount Moriah Baptist Church’s Teen Summit.
Young Lawyers Division of S.C. Bar – Women to Work, Families Forever, Department of Social Services Playroom Project, Kids photo ID and fingerprinting.
Speaker for youth groups on current youth issues to include finance and budgeting and college preparation and career development.
Organizer of first-time homebuyer seminars and panelist to educate about the home acquisition process.

Best career advice you’ve ever been given: Treat everyone with respect, because you never know who you may need in the future. The same people you encounter on your way up the success ladder may be the same people you encounter on your way down.

Books on your nightstand: The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian; Spend Well, Live Rich by Michelle Singletary; Managerial Accounting by Ray H. Garrison, Eric Noreen and Peter C. Brewer.