Taft partner Susan Wheatley has been named Volunteer Lawyer of the Year by the Volunteer Lawyers for the Poor Foundation. Wheatley was honored with the award at the Cincinnati Bar Association’s 150th Anniversary Celebration.

The award is given to an attorney who has provided exemplary pro bono legal services to low-income clients through the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP). Wheatley was recognized for her instrumental role in the founding of the “Without a Deed” project with the VLP, which retained home equity and wealth by preserving homeownership for local residents. 

Outgoing CBA president and Taft partner Sara Cooperrider presented the award and remarked, “Susan’s leadership in tangled title cases and her dedication to assisting low-income clients make her truly worthy of this award.”

Wheatley is a partner and past co-chair of the Private Client practice and works with clients on their estate and business succession planning. She helps clients create a plan that meets their intentions, safeguards assets, and passes property to family, friends, and charities in a tax-efficient way. Wheatley is involved in numerous community causes and has served on numerous boards including the Ohio Justice and Policy Center, the Mercantile Library of Cincinnati, and Ursuline Academy.