DR. KUMARASWAMY SIVAKUMARAN, ESQ.

Dr. Sivakumaran holds several degrees, including a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, and a J.D. from the West Virginia University College of Law. He is a sole practitioner in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and has donated over 520 pro bono hours during the past four years, including many complicated domestic relations cases. The West Virginia State Bar presented the Kaufman Award to Dr. Sivakumaran in 2004 and 2005 for the highest number of pro bono hours across the state.

Dr. Sivakumaran has lived and worked in 9 countries and is conversant in 5 languages. He often applies his multi-cultural and professional skills to representing pro bono clients for whom English is not a primary language, and is willing to travel long distances to do so. In more than one case, Dr. Sivakumaran has driven over two hours to interview a clients via a translator. He live by a simple motto, "If it is to be, it is up to me." He shows great dedication to his family, his professions, his community, and his world.

JEFF C. WOODS, ESQ.

Mr. Woods is a partner with the large law firm JacksonKelly, PLLC, in Charleston, West Virginia. He attended Howard University School of Law, as well as West Virginia State College, West Virginia College of Graduate Studies, and the Laud Hall Seminary. He believes strongly in pro bono work, and encourages newer attorneys to become involved. When called with a pro bono case that he can’t accept himself, Mr. Woods searches to find an attorney within his firm to represent the client. If asked why he puts so much energy into pro bono, Mr. Woods will tell you that his mother taught him that “you have to give back.” After growing up a self-proclaimed “poor kid,” he strives to achieve a balance of serving his corporate clients and providing quality representation for those less fortunate than himself. Mr. Woods often receives hugs, cards, and genuine thanks from his pro bono clients, who never seem to forget his presence in their lives. Mr. Woods received the Kaufman Award for the highest number of pro bono hours in West Virginia in 2001 and 2003.

Mr. Woods has earned countless degrees, honors, awards, and publications. He has been a student, a teacher, an author, a minister, a board member, a clerk, a judge, an associate, and a partner. Even with an extremely busy life and career, Mr. Woods never stops at just giving back, he does so with vigor.