Melissa Johnson, J.D., M.B.A.

Melissa Johnson has a J.D. (with honors) from Emory University School of Law ('10) and holds an M.B.A. from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University ('03). Currently, Ms. Johnson works in the General Counsel Division of the Administrative Office of the Courts of Georgia, but is seeking a full-time entry level position in tax in the public or private sector. She has substantial client contact experience from working as a Senior Consultant for Deloitte Consulting and excellent research skills from working for an Emory Law Professor researching and analyzing economic statistics with implications on tax liability by race and income level. Additionally, Ms. Johnson spent her summers during law school working mainly in the corporate and tax practices of two very established law firms in the Atlanta area.

While attending law school, Ms. Johnson was the Co-Chair for what has now become the annual Emory Legal Association for Women Students' Conference, and was involved in the TI:GER (Technological Innovation: Generating Economic Results) Program, an interdisciplinary program connecting Law, MBA, and PhD students to commercialize new technologies. She also interned at Georgia Legal Services in Community Economic Development assisting a non-profit organization in gaining tax-exempt status.

When asked what sets Ms. Johnson apart from other candidates, she responded "Passion for tax." She continued, "I bring to my employers not just my passion for tax, but an aptitude for it as well as a business background." Ms. Johnson believes that an understanding of tax is relevant to almost every business and personal transaction, and because of this, is interested in continuing her career in this important field. Although currently based in the Atlanta area, Ms. Johnson is willing to relocate for the right opportunity.

Derek Anthony Steele, J.D., LL.M. (expected May 2010)

Derek Anthony Steele has a J.D. from the Illinois Institute of Technology - Chicago-Kent College of Law (�09) and will be receiving is LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center (�10). Currently, Mr. Steele works part-time for an IRS Enrolled Agent in the Washington D.C. area preparing tax returns for individuals, S and C corporations, partnerships, and Limited Liability Companies. Additionally, he has substantial client contact and performs legal tax research and analysis pertaining to client issues. Mr. Steele also spent a semester working in the IRS Office of Chief Counsel�s Chicago office where he performed research and analysis of discrete statutory provisions under the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury regulations, and state corporate law, affecting tax-exempt organizations.

Prior to attending law school Mr. Steele worked in a supervisory capacity at a higher education institution where he obtained considerable leadership and work-place skills. Also, while in law school Mr. Steele was elected and served as the President of the Student Bar Association.

This candidate is seeking an entry-level position in either corporate, pass-through entities, or state and local taxation areas. Mr. Steele is seeking a complex global accounting firm or company with sophisticated transactions which will allow him to utilize his acquired skills and knowledge to help meet and exceed the performance goals of the organization. Although currently based on the East Coast, Mr. Steele is willing to relocate for the right opportunity with a preference for larger metropolitan locations.