Edward D. Sullivan earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Accounting and Master of Accountancy degrees from the University of South Carolina. In 1987, Mr. Sullivan graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law. While attending law school, he conducted a research project entitled “Colonel E. B. C. Cash * Judge Richard C. Watts – Honor & Justice in South Carolina”, focusing on the lives of two of his ancestors and their impact on South Carolina history. Mr. Sullivan also studied at Oxford University (The Queen’s College) where his courses included European Economic Community law.
In 1994, Mr. Sullivan continued his legal education at Georgetown Law School. His studies in Securities Regulation resulted in his being published in the November-December 1995 issue ofThe Banking Law Journal. Mr. Sullivan’s work was entitled “Glass-Steagall Update: Proposals to Modernize the Structure of the Financial Services Industry”.
In 2010, Mr. Sullivan received an LL.M- Taxation degree (magna cum laude) from the University Of Alabama School Of Law.
The LL.M.-Taxation degree is an internationally recognized degree in taxation that prepares the candidates for a comprehensive tax law practice. The program offers an in-depth and broad-based curriculum in tax, taught by distinguished faculty and experienced practitioners, and prepares the degree recipients to practice in all areas of taxation, including partnership and corporate taxation, estate and gift tax, civil and criminal tax procedure, state and local tax, capital transactions, deferred compensation, and international taxation.
Mr. Sullivan has extensive knowledge in business law and practices in business transactions, business litigation, tax matters, and estate planning. In addition to being an attorney, Mr. Sullivan is a Certified Public Accountant with several years of experience in public accounting, achieving the designation of Certified Management Accountant and serving as Controller of a highly successful company. Mr. Sullivan studied at Oxford University (The Queen’s College), where his coursework included European Economic Community law. He also continued his legal education at Georgetown Law School, focusing his studies on securities regulation. He currently serves on the Engenuity Board of Advisors and is a past president of the Rotary Club of Five Points.
Mr. Sullivan, originally from Laurens, South Carolina, is married to Jean S. Sullivan, and has a son, Sanders, and a daughter, Campbell. Sullivan is the great-grand son of former Chief Justice Richard Cannon Watts. Mr. Sullivan is a past-president of the Rotary Club of Five Points, Columbia, South Carolina.
Professional Background
Accounting, financial, tax and legal professional, business advisor and organization leader with skills and experience in high-pressured business and legal environments requiring risk management, negotiation, collaboration, problem-solving, due diligence, tax planning, financial analysis, persuasion, decision-making and other financial and legal advisory services and consultation
Professional Licenses:
• Certified Public Accountant (South Carolina)
• Attorney (South Carolina, District of Columbia-active) (Colorado-inactive)
• Registered Securities Representative (Series 7 and 63 – South Carolina)
• Real Estate Broker (South Carolina)
Professional Designations/Accreditations
• Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV)
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
• Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF)
• Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP)
Experience
Sullivan Law Firm, PC, Columbia, South Carolina
Attorney and Counselor at Law, 1995- present
Established and operating law firm representing a diverse clientele in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, taxation (planning and controversy), and litigation.
• Representing clients in IRS audits, administrative proceedings, US Tax Court, US District Court, and the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
• Representing clients in various state courts, appellate courts, federal court
• Successfully negotiated and closed several multi-million dollar transactions as counsel for buyers and sellers
• Participated in all phases of litigation including preparation of pleadings, discovery, depositions, motion practice, examination and cross-examination of witnesses, opening statements and closing arguments
• Successfully litigated shareholder’s derivative claim resulting in a favorable settlement at mediation
• Successful defense of CPA Firm in a tax malpractice lawsuit
• Successful defense of majority stockholder in a suit brought by minority stockholder
• Established Sullivan Advisory Group, PC, offering consulting services to clients with needs in mergers and acquisitions, business valuation, investment counseling and interim CFO services
Other Legal Experience
Collins and Lacy, PC, Columbia, South Carolina
Of Counsel – Represented diverse clientele in business matters, transactions, taxation and litigation
Rogers Townsend & Thomas, PC, Columbia, South Carolina
Associate Attorney – Developed wide-ranging successful practice including representation of clients in Mergers and Acquisitions, corporate law, tax planning, securities regulation, and litigation.
Other Accounting and Financial Experience
Suburban Propane Gas, Inc. and Affiliates, Sumter, South Carolina (later sold to SCANA) Controller – Directed preparation of monthly and annual financial statements and budgets. Advised senior management in financial, investment, and tax matters. Supervised a staff of 5 accountants and 15 cashiers/posting clerks. Reviewed and analyzed monthly financial reports, developed and implemented internal controls, and monitored data processing functions.
Clarkson, Harden & Gant, Certified Public Accountants, Columbia, South Carolina (later merged with Big 8 Firm and Columbia, SC office subsequently closed)
Senior Accountant – Supervised audits for the purpose of issuing opinions on financial statements. Prepared and reviewed financial statements and corporate, partnership, and subchapter S income tax returns
Civic Organizations & Activities
• Rotary Club of Five Points, Past President, Columbia, South Carolina
• New York City Marathon Runner to raise donations for leukemia patients (1994) and needy children (2016)
Bar Memberships, Professional Affiliations, Publications
• Member, South Carolina and District of Columbia Bar Associations
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants
• Author of “Glass-Steagall Update: Proposals to Modernize the Structure of the Financial Services Industry” published in the November-December 1995 issue of The Banking Law Journal
• Civic Organizations & Activities
