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Columbia Business Monthly

2018 Legal Elite

Aug 02, 2018 03:08PM ● By Emily Stevenson
Since 2010, Columbia Business Monthly has honored Midlands attorneys by publishing our Legal Elite feature. Winners are chosen by the votes of area attorneys. Legal Elite is the only award program in the region that gives every active attorney the opportunity to participate. We highlight the top vote-getters in 20 categories with their biographies and a Q&A. The methodology is that while attorneys are allowed to nominate members of their own firm, for each in-firm nomination made, there had to be an out-of-firm nomination. Attorneys are not allowed to vote for themselves.The selections for Legal Elite for 2018 are presented within the following pages and we are pleased to honor them.

 Antitrust

Travis Wheeler

Nexsen Pruet


On the litigation front, Travis Wheeler often represents corporate plaintiffs victimized by price-fixing conspiracies that elect to “opt out” of class actions to pursue their claims individually. He also defends clients in both civil and criminal antitrust matters. Wheeler counsels clients on all manner of antitrust issues, including horizontal and vertical restraints, resale price maintenance, price discrimination issues, and mergers. He regularly conducts antitrust compliance training and drafts corporate compliance policies for clients. Wheeler enjoys speaking and presenting on antitrust issues. Wheeler has served as an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law since 2010, where he teaches Antitrust Law and Trade Regulation and Law & Economics. He currently serves as vice chair of the ABA Antitrust Section’s Exemptions and Immunities Committee. His article Embracing the Inevitable: Rethinking and Reshaping Antitrust Law RE: Vertical Restraints was recently published in the Mississippi College Law Review.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
I took an antitrust law class at the beginning of my 2L year and was hooked instantly. Working on cartel cases at Arnold & Porter sealed the deal. Complex economics, conspiracies and capers, and myriad ways firms compete in (or try to circumvent) the free market—what could be more exciting than that?

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
Mentors are, by definition, influential, but the best ones are the ones you interact with daily. I joined the Nexsen Pruet antitrust team 11 years ago. Marguerite Willis and David Eddy founded the state’s first full-time, full-service antitrust practice group, and they brought Dennis Lynch into the group about three years before me. There’s so much experience and complimentary talents among our antitrust team’s core group of attorneys that it’s impossible not to learn from each other on a virtual daily basis. Our team has a new associate—Chase Keibler—and I hope he will one day be saying the same thing about us.

What is your most memorable case?
When it comes to cartel cases, it is hard to pick and choose—they are always interesting and memorable (as they often last several years). Since I can’t choose, I’ll say it’s the cases I didn’t have—because the flip side of antitrust litigation is antitrust counseling and training. Every client likes recouping losses after they were victimized by an antitrust violation, but they also appreciate counsel and training that keep them from being targeted by litigation themselves.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
I’m going to say the restaurants—every city has good ones, but in Columbia I can wear shorts and bring my (young) kids to any of them. That, of course, is a reflection of the friendliness and casualness of Columbia and why my wife, Lisa, and I have been so happy here for the last 13 years.


Dennis Lynch | Nexsen Pruet
Marguerite Willis | Nexsen Pruet


 Banking & Finance Law

Lawrence E. Flynn, III

Pope Flynn


Lawrence Flynn is a public finance attorney, serving as bond counsel and underwriter's counsel for critical infrastructure projects in municipalities, counties, special purpose districts, school districts, and other public entities, as well as private entities, including banks, underwriters, and nonprofit institutions. He also serves as local attorney to a number of municipalities, counties, and special purpose districts.

Lawrence is also vice president and board member of SC Thrive, a nonprofit that serves individuals and families in crisis. He is a member of the Duke University Alumni Admissions Advisory Committee and a council member of the Government Law section of the South Carolina Bar.

In 2018, Lawrence received a Leadership in Law award from South Carolina Lawyers Weekly. He was featured in the 2016 class of the Columbia Business Monthly Best & Brightest 35 and Under.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
Public finance is a niche area of practice. I don’t think anyone goes to law school and says, “I want to be a bond lawyer.” Frankly, I did not know of the field of practice until taking a clerkship during the summer of my 2L year. I would like to think that I chose my area of practice, but in reality, it was chosen for me. I received a job offer out of law school with a large law firm in the state and they selected me to work in their public finance practice area. As I learned more about the practice and traveled all over the state doing deals and meeting with clients, I came to realize that it was the perfect fit. I know a lot of lawyers that don’t really like what they do, but I can honestly say that I look forward to going to work on Monday mornings.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
There's no question that Margaret Pope, the founder of our law firm, set the table for my career in public finance. She offered me a job, and hand-fed me public finance projects, contacts, and her experience. For three years, we drove around the state visiting clients and working on projects and I had the opportunity to pick her brain. Margaret is superb at being patient, working with new people, and helping them learn, achieve, and advance. Her patience and skills at training new attorneys are qualities I wish I had; ironically, I struggle in those areas. Her influence has been deeply important in my life and career.

What is your most memorable case?
As a bond lawyer, I don’t really have cases—I have only been involved in one piece of active litigation, a case that I argued the motion for summary judgment and won. I am batting 1.000 so I don’t see myself trying any more cases. In all seriousness, my “cases” involve transactions that support and assist public entities (cities, counties, special purpose districts, school districts) to acquire money necessary to build and maintain public facilities. I have had the opportunity to work on lots of really interesting transactions: water and sewer projects, school facilities, fire and police stations, baseball stadiums, industrial facilities, and large-scale residential developments. Since I have to come up with one answer, I have enjoyed working with a number of small-scale tax districts in Richland County. During the floods in October 2016, a number of small communities along the Gills Creek corridor lost their lakes when their dams breached. I worked with a number of those communities to establish special, independent taxing districts which allowed each community to create a local government taxing authority that could levy taxes against the properties affected by the loss of the dam. In establishing the districts, the communities were able to borrow money necessary to rebuild their damaged lakes and dams and then fairly apportion the cost of the improvements among all members of their respective communities.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
Columbia is the best-kept secret in South Carolina. When I graduated from law school, it seemed like my friends either went to Greenville or Charleston; Columbia was not on anyone’s radar. The growth of the Main Street corridor, the continued success of the Vista, the development of Spirit Communications Park (and the Columbia Fireflies), a burgeoning restaurant scene, the underutilized river front, the influx of major retail and commercial development, and a boom in multi-family and student housing—Columbia has experienced explosive changes over the last 15 years. I think the leadership at the City should be commended for their instrumental role in making Columbia a great place to live. Most interesting, despite all of the recent growth, Columbia is still a “small” big city. I love the fact that I can work downtown and still be home in less than 10 minutes; in fact, I often go home for lunch and make a sandwich during the work day. Columbia is my home and I cannot imagine living anywhere else.


Laurie Becker | Nexsen Pruet
Sharon Bramlett | McNair Law Firm, P.A.
Todd Haynie | Parker Poe
Amy Hill | Gallivan White Boyd
Paul Hoefer | Robinson Gray
Louise Johnson | Scott & Corley, P.A.
Ray Jones | Parker Poe
Kathleen Muthig | Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
Margaret Pope | Pope Flynn
Carmen Harper Thomas | Nelson Mullins


Bankruptcy

Mary Caskey

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.


Mary Caskey is an experienced litigator who concentrates her practice in disputes involving financial service providers and creditors’ rights. She chairs Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Recovery Practice Group. Caskey represents national and regional banks, loan servicers, and other financial service providers in a variety of issues, including bankruptcies, distressed debt, work-outs and turnarounds, and collection actions.
 
A frequent speaker on bankruptcy law issues, Caskey is a member of the International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation, American Bankruptcy Institute, and South Carolina Bankruptcy Law Association.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
I was led to my practice because I enjoy the blend of advice and counsel with litigation and opportunities to defend my clients in court. I also enjoy the complexities and varying fact patterns that bankruptcy and creditor/debtor law offer, as well as getting to know the ins and outs of the various businesses that I represent.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
I do not have a single mentor, but instead have been fortunate to practice law throughout my career with the excellent attorneys at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, who have helped shape me. I have always been encouraged to try new things and take on challenges, but all against the backdrop of support of my experienced colleagues.

What is your most memorable case?
I have been fortunate to work on many memorable cases, but it’s not the facts or the outcome I remember—it’s the interaction with other attorneys. One of the great things about my practice is that the group of attorneys in it is small and so we have the opportunities to be adversaries regularly.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
I love the small town feel of Columbia and am proud of the way that the city has evolved and changed over the past ten years. The city seems to always have something new to offer, but also has great traditions and beautiful places to enjoy.


Jake Barker | Graybill, Lansche & Vinzani, LLC
Barbara Barton | Barton Brimm
Michael M. Beal | Beal, LLC
John Butler | John B. Butler III, P.A.
George Cauthen | Nelson Mullins
Louise Johnson | Scott & Corley, P.A.
Dave Maxfield | Dave Maxfield Consumer Protection Law
Ian McVey | Turner Padget
Kathleen Muthig | Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
Michael Weaver | McNair Law Firm, P.A.


Business Litigation

Keith Babcock

Lewis, Babcock & Griffin, LLP


Keith Babcock grew up in South Jersey, and he graduated from Princeton University and George Washington University Law School. After meeting and marrying a law school classmate, he had the good sense to leave the northeast and move to Columbia, his wife’s hometown, a decision he has never regretted. In addition to business litigation, Babcock practices in the areas of eminent domain, legal malpractice, and legal ethics. He has thoroughly enjoyed being a trial and appellate attorney for more than 41 years, and he still looks forward to (nearly) every day of practicing law.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
When Cam Lewis, Johnny Gregory, and I formed our firm in 1984, one of our primary goals was to help businesses having disputes with other businesses, as well as individuals having disputes with others in their business.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
When I began practicing law, the word “mentoring” was really not in vogue.  That being said, there is no question but that the attorney I learned the most from was my late long-time friend and law partner, Cam Lewis.

What is your most memorable case?
This question is somewhat like being asked to pick your favorite child—it can’t be done.  That being said, I think one of our most memorable cases was when Cam and I secured a $4 million jury verdict in 1987 for Burwell Manning against the City of Columbia, which was upheld on appeal to the South Carolina Supreme Court.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
I think Columbia is the perfect size city to live, work, and raise a family. While it is something of a cliché, its central location allows you to be at the beach or in the mountains in a short period of time.  Plus, as I remind friends who are still in the northeast, there is very little snow.


Shaun Blake | Rogers Lewis
Eric Bland | Bland Richter
Frederick A. Crawford | Richardson Plowden
Rick Detwiler | Callison Tighe
Matthew Gerrald | Barnes Alford Stork & Johnson, LLP
Betsy Gray | Robinson Gray
Derrick Jackson | Tobias G. Ward, Jr., P.A.
Lindsay Joyner | Gallivan White Boyd
Tommy Lydon | McAngus Goudelock & Courie
Robert E. Stepp | Robinson Gray
Drew Walker | Rogers Lewis


Commercial Real Estate

David Wolff

Barnes, Alford, Stork & Johnson, LLP


David Wolff is a founding member of Barnes, Alford, Stork & Johnson, LLP and has served as a co-managing partner of the firm for several years. His primary practice area is commercial real estate, with emphasis on shopping centers, mixed-use centers, apartments, offices, and warehouse buildings. His responsibilities typically include property acquisitions, development, financing, title matters, environmental issues, opinion letters, contracts, leases, and sales. He is frequently asked to serve as local counsel for borrowers and lenders in connection with multi-state real estate transactions. He received his undergraduate degree from Ohio University and his law degree from the University of South Carolina. He has also devoted time to church leadership activities and has served as a board member for several local nonprofit organizations. He also authored the South Carolina chapter of the “State-by-State Guide to Commercial Real Estate Leases”.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
I started handling real estate matters a few years out of law school due to our firm’s client base and needs. I did not plan on this, but real estate law has been the right practice area for me.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
Rudy Barnes, Sr. He was the senior partner when I joined the firm. He was prompt and responsive, and excellent at resolving issues and completing transactions in a timely matter. I have tried my best to do those same things.

What is your most memorable case?
It was a very complicated transaction concerning the redevelopment of adjacent retail properties with multiple buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, and lenders, along with issues on easements, restrictive covenants, condemnation, bankruptcy, zoning, planning, title, and survey. Big sigh of relief when we completed the transaction!

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
I like all of the positive development taking place in Columbia, particularly in the 1600 block of Main Street where our office is located.


Edward Barnhill | Callison Tighe
Simpson Fant | Parker Poe
Foster Girard | Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
Joel Gottlieb | McNair Law Firm, P.A.
Wesley Graybill | Graybill, Lansche & Vinzani, LLC
Bill Higgins | Graybill, Lansche & Vinzani, LLC
Matthew Hill | Adams and Reese, LLP
Ashtin D. Kilpatrick | Whitener & Wharton, P.A.
Lanny Lambert | Turner Padget
John Lansche | Graybill, Lansche & Vinzani, LLC
John McArthur | Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
William Metzger | Robinson Gray
Andrew Montgomery | Rogers Townsend
Ryan Newton | Graybill, Lansche & Vinzani, LLC
Michael Quinn | Rogers Lewis
Tom Runge | Lott & Searcy, LLP
Mike Tighe | Callison Tighe
Charles J. Webb | Richardson Plowden
L. Patricia Wharton | Whitener & Wharton, P.A.


Construction

Sterling Davies

McAngus Goudelock & Courie


Sterling Davies has practiced law since 1994 with a focus on general litigation, including construction litigation, products liability, premises liability, insurance litigation, professional liability, coverage, bad faith, transportation, and major loss cases. He is a past president of the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association and a past chair of the National DRI Construction Law Conference. Davies is also a member of the South Carolina Bar Association, Richland County Bar Association, and National Academy of Jurisprudence. He has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America and Columbia Business Monthly’s “Midlands Legal Elite,” and holds an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Davies earned a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
After only a year of practicing law at a large firm with hundreds of lawyers, I decided to move to a small new firm with four close friends and respected mentors. We started as a boutique workers compensation firm, but I knew I wanted to defend companies and individuals in civil cases and we decided as a group to grow the firm in that direction. We hired Yolanda Courie to start our civil defense practice and I volunteered to work under her immediately; it was one of the best decisions I ever made and guided me to my current practice some twenty-plus years later.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
I have been blessed by too many mentors to name. My father practiced law for over 40 years and taught me the importance of hard work and discipline. Steve Morrison, with whom I was extremely close, taught me about paying attention to detail and the importance of planning every presentation to be meaningful, whether to a court, client, or civic group. Hugh McAngus has had an incredible impact on my legal career, especially as to matters of managing a firm and how to treat everyone fairly and compassionately. I apologize for leaving out the many others who have meant so much to me.

What is your most memorable case?
During my second or third year practicing, I tried a case that I had won. Then I asked one more question. Then I lost. That lesson has stayed with me ever since.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
I am a huge fan of Columbia. I grew up here, graduated from Richland Northeast High School and USC Law School, and have lived here my entire adult life. Without a doubt, what I like most about Columbia is that our house is within two miles of the houses of my parents, my sister’s family, and my brother’s family; we get all 17 of us together almost every week.


Josh Bennett | Rogers Townsend
Trippett Boineau | McAngus Goudelock & Courie
Henry Brown | Nexsen Pruet
Ben Bruner | Bruner Powell
Kelley Cannon | Howser, Newman, & Besley, LLC
Shaun Cranford | The Cranford Law Firm
Jared H. Garraux | Richardson Plowden
Tom Jackson | Harrell, Martin & Peace, P.A.
Everett A. Kendall, II | Sweeny, Wingate & Barrow, P.A.
Joe McCue | Collins & Lacy
Shelley Montague | Gallivan White Boyd
Wade Mullins | Bruner Powell
F. Lee Prickett, III | Holder Padgett Littlejohn and Prickett, LLC
Joshua Shaw | Hendrick Gardner
Franklin J. Smith, Jr. | Richardson Plowden
Robert T. Strickland | Barnes Alford Stork & Johnson, LLP
Markey Stubbs | Baker Ravenel Bender



Criminal Law

Gregory Harris

Harris & Gasser, LLC


An accomplished attorney with more than thirty years of experience, Greg Harris has represented many professionals, doctors, lawyers, bankers, CEOs, elected officials, and professional athletes. He attended The Citadel, graduating in 1983. After graduating from University of South Carolina School of Law in 1986, Harris clerked for South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Marion “Son” Kinon. Harris later prosecuted in the 5th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office where he served as the deputy chief of the Criminal Division.

Harris opened his law practice in 2003 and has engaged in numerous trials throughout the state. Harris focuses primarily on defending people and corporations accused of white collar crimes. In addition to his representation of individuals and businesses in criminal defense matters, Harris has represented numerous parties in qui tam lawsuits. In this litigation, he has represented physicians, medical billing personnel, and other employees in whistleblower actions filed under the federal False Claims Act.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
While a law clerk to Judge Marion Kinon, I was fortunate to observe many of the finest trial lawyers throughout the state. Equally informative was my exposure to unprepared and unimaginative attorneys. It was during my tenure with Judge Kinon that I decided to focus on trial work.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
I was fortunate to spend 14 incredible years in the same office with Jack Swerling. He is an exceptional lawyer/mentor, but a better person.

What is your most memorable case?
No one case stands out as the most memorable. There are so many memorable people associated with the cases. The people, more than the cases, are what I remember.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
My family and my wife’s family are all in Columbia, so it is certainly a bonus around the holidays. As for work, my firm’s relationships with the local federal and state prosecutors’ offices is a source of pride for us. We don’t get a lot of emails and letters from them “memorializing a conversation.” There is a level of trust between us and those offices that I believe goes both ways.


Deborah Barbier | Deborah B. Barbier, Attorney at Law
Matt Bodman | Matt Bodman, P.A.
John Delgado | Law Office of Bill Nettles
Leigh J. Leventis | Leventis Law Firm, LLC
Cheryl Lydon | Law Office of Cheryl A. Lydon*
Joseph McCulloch | McCulloch & Schillaci
Dayne Phillips | Price Benowitz, LLP
Jack Swerling | Law Offices of Jack Swerling
Aimee Zmroczek | A.J.Z. Law Firm, LLC
*Cheryl Lydon was appointed U.S. Attorney in May of this year


Environmental

Tommy Lavender

Nexsen Pruet


Tommy Lavender, a Member in the Columbia office of Nexsen Pruet since 1994, leads the firm’s Environmental, Administrative and Regulatory Law (EARL) Team.

He is a fellow in the American College of Environment Lawyers, listed as a Star Individual by Chambers & Partners USA, and has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 1995. As a former director of the S.C.  Chamber of Commerce, he remains actively involved as the organization’s Environmental Technical Committee chairman, as well as serving on the Chamber Board’s Executive Committee and Legislative Agenda Task Force.

Before joining Nexsen Pruet in 1994, Lavender served as an engineer and later Assistant General Counsel for the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and then in-house counsel to several local corporations before entering private practice.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
South Carolina’s deep roots in agriculture and industry date back to its origins.  When combined with the State’s abundant natural resources, the regulation and management of those resources can create complex problems for businesses operating today. As a former environmental engineer, I believe I can more effectively assist businesses to find solutions for these regulatory requirements.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
After graduating law school, I went to work for the South Carolina DHEC at the request of then-commissioner Michael D. Jarrett. Mr. Jarrett set an example to all that public health and the environment were of critical importance while also recognizing the role of industry on the economy. I feel honored to have known and worked for the agency during his tenure.

What is your most memorable case?
Probably what I call the “Lily Pad Case” – successfully representing a developer of an apartment complex whose permit was challenged by neighbors and a nearby municipality. The case is now on appeal for the second time in ten years. Nonetheless, we have consistently achieved positive outcomes for our client, having prevailed on the merits and securing an award of attorneys’ fees.  

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
Having graduated from USC Law School in 1976, and continued my “post-graduate” work at DHEC as an environmental engineer and then attorney – being in Columbia makes DHEC’s central office extremely accessible. Plus, we can get to the mountains or the beach in two hours!


Weston Adams | Nelson Mullins
Karen Aldridge Crawford | Nelson Mullins
Robert Guild | Robert Guild, Attorney at Law
Joan Hartley | Nexsen Pruet
Chad N. Johnston | Willoughby & Hoefer
Jessie King | Williams Mullen
Kathleen McDaniel | Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, P.A.
Elizabeth Partlow | Elizabeth B. Partlow, LLC
Roy Shelley | Rogers Townsend
Cody Smith | Rogers Lewis
Stacy Taylor | McNair Law Firm, P.A.
Childs Thrasher | Law Office of Childs Cantey Thrasher, LLC



Family

Peter Currence

McDougall Self Currence & McLeod


Pete Currence is a partner with the firm of McDougall, Self, Currence & McLeod, LLP. He graduated from North Carolina State University in 1985 with a B.A. in economics and business management and with a J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in December 1996. He has been licensed to practice law in the State of South Carolina since May 1997. Currence is a member of the South Carolina Bar, the South Carolina Association for Justice, and the South Carolina Bar’s Family Law Division. He has attended the American Bar Association Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute in Houston and the American Academy of Matrimonial Trial Lawyers Family Law Institute in Chicago. Currence devotes 100 percent of his time to the practice of domestic litigation and has lectured at numerous Continuing Legal Education seminars concerning Family Law. He served on the Board of Directors for Sandhills School in 2008. As a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, he served on the Building Committee from 2007 to 2010 and on the Parish Council from 2008 through 2010. He has been listed in Strathmore’s Who’s Who for several years and has a Peer Review.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
Aside from the thought of having the opportunity to hopefully have a positive impact on people during one of the more difficult times in their lives, I felt like all the issues involving marital litigation would expose me to so many different areas of law. As it turned out, it does, in fact, do that much more than I ever anticipated.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
Without question, John McDougall, who, with Michael Self, took a chance on hiring me soon after I began practicing. This gave me an opportunity not only to work on some very meaningful cases with John and learn from him through the years, but also to work with so many experienced and talented lawyers throughout the state.

What is your most memorable case?
There are several appellate cases that stand out to me, but Patel v. Patel, with which most family court practitioners are familiar; Callen v. Callen, which was a case dealing with common law marriage; and IN RE Geico, which dealt with the issue of standing, are the ones that are the most memorable.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
The heat! Just kidding. Living in Columbia makes it easy to access the coast, the mountains, and Gastonia, N.C., where I grew up. Also, the University and state government bring so much excitement to the community. Probably most important is the legal community and the attorneys I work with/against on a regular basis who make what I do so enjoyable at times!


Almand Barron | Law Offices of Shea & Barron
Bryan Caskey | Caskey & Imgrund, LLC
Rebecca P. Creel | Creel Family Law, LLC
Amber Fulmer | Moore Taylor Law Firm
Catherine Hendrix | Catherine S. Hendrix, LLC
Ashby Jones | Kinard & Jones, LLC
Sandra R. Parise | Parise Law Firm, P.A.
Jacqueline Pavlicek | Burnett Shutt & McDaniel, P.A.
Sheila Robinson | Moore Taylor Law Firm
Cyril “Cy” B. Rush, Jr. | The Rush Law Firm
Susan Strom | Gaffney, Lewis & Edwards


Government

Ted Riley

Riley Pope & Laney, LLC


Theodore D. Riley provides strategic counsel and legislative representation for clients before the South Carolina  General Assembly, Governor’s office, state agencies, and local governments. Riley earned his B.A. in Political Science and J.D. at the University of South Carolina and served as an international affairs analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency. He began his legal career with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP and was an associate with Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, PA, providing government relations services to clients on both the state and federal level. In July 2001, Riley and business partners Lowndes Pope and Roy Laney formed Riley Pope & Laney, LLC. An avid runner who shares a love of sports and travel with his family, Riley’s community involvement includes serving on the Boards of the National Dropout Prevention Network, Palmetto Project, and Winston’s Wish. Riley, his wife, Nancy, and their four children reside in Columbia.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
My interest going into law school was civil rights and law enforcement. I worked with the CIA in Langley, Va. for two years before heading to law school. Early in my legal career, I transitioned into government affairs while working with former Lt. Gov. Mike Daniel. I realized then that government affairs was a natural fit for my practice because of my family’s involvement in public service. My grandfather was very involved in state politics, and my father served in the S.C. House and Senate for 13 years before being elected to two terms as governor of South Carolina. My father was then appointed to serve as U.S. Secretary of Education for two terms. I realized I had the relationships and background to be successful in government affairs.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
I would have to say my grandfather (my namesake) and my father served and continue to serve as my mentors throughout my career. I had two generations of mentors that used their law degree as a way to help people through public service and representing clients throughout South Carolina.

What is your most memorable case?
My most memorable and rewarding legislation that I worked on was fighting for mental health parity mandating insurance companies to cover severe mental illnesses in South Carolina, as well as fighting for cancer prevention funding for uninsured and underinsured South Carolinians.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
Columbia, being a mid-sized state capital, is the perfect place to work and raise a family.


Danny Crowe | Crowe LaFave, LLC
M. Elizabeth Crum | McNair Law Firm, P.A.
Dwight Drake | Nelson Mullins
Cassidy Evans | South Carolina Farm Bureau
John M. S. Hoefer | Willoughby & Hoefer
Will Johnson | Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
C. D. Rhodes | Pope Flynn
Caleb M. Riser | Richardson Plowden
Sally Rogers | Nexsen Pruet
Rob Smith | Moore & Van Allen



Health Care

David Summer

Parker Poe


In the late 1980s, David Summer began helping clients in the health care industry address their legal needs. Nearly three decades later, he is proud of the relationships he has built with hospital executives and other providers all across the country. He believes that developing relationships of trust with clients is the most important aspect of what a true counselor does, and he still thoroughly enjoys building those relationships today.

Summer knows firsthand about the challenges that hospital executives and other providers face in running their operations while following complex federal and state regulations – he is a past business owner and hospital board member himself. That experience, combined with his extensive legal career, enables him to serve as a trusted advisor, helping clients navigate day-to-day compliance. His business acumen is recognized by his partners as well, as he leads Parker Poe’s multi-state health care practice.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
Early in my career, my law firm had a need on its healthcare team and asked me to fill it. Since then, I’ve enjoyed partnering with clients to navigate the complexity that comes with healthcare law.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
I’ve been blessed to have worked with a number of mentors who emphasized that law is a profession, not just a job.

What is your most memorable case?
I’ve encountered a variety of amusing and sometimes entertaining cases in my career. Because of privacy laws in healthcare, I cannot share the best stories. The things that I will remember most about my career, however, are the relationships that I’ve built with clients and continue building today.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
The people—that’s what makes Columbia special. There are great people in Columbia.


George C. Beighley | Richardson Plowden
Walt Cartin | Parker Poe
Darra Coleman | South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
Frederick A. Crawford | Richardson Plowden
Kay Crowe | Barnes Alford Stork & Johnson, LLP
M. Elizabeth Crum | McNair Law Firm, P.A.
Travis Dayhuff | Nelson Mullins
Craig Garner | McNair Law Firm, P.A.
Charles L. Henshaw, Jr. | Furr & Henshaw
S. Randall Hood | McGowan Hood & Felder
Wes Jackson | Rogers Lewis
Weldon R. Johnson | Barnes Alford Stork & Johnson, LLP
Becky Laffitte | Robinson Gray
Matthew Roberts | Nexsen Pruet
William Thomas | Parker Poe


Insurance

Brett Bayne

McAngus Goudelock & Courie


Brett Bayne’s practice focuses on general civil litigation defense including automobile negligence, premises liability, products liability, and construction defects. Bayne specializes in trial litigation and seeing cases through to verdict. Prior to joining McAngus Goudelock & Courie, Bayne served as judicial law clerk to the Honorable G. Thomas Cooper, Jr. In his spare time, Bayne teaches trial advocacy at the University of South Carolina School of Law and serves as the faculty advisor and director of the USC School of Law Mock Trial Program. The Mock Trial Program was recently ranked 13th in the country and has won numerous regional and national championships along with multiple outstanding advocate awards.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
When I graduated law school, I really had no idea what I wanted to do. I figured I would have a year while working as a judicial law clerk to figure that out. The one thing I knew I wanted was the opportunity to be in a courtroom and try cases. Despite the slow dwindle of trial practice these days, I found that opportunity at MGC. I started initially working on workers’ compensation cases before moving into civil litigation about five years ago. In that time, I have fallen in love with defense litigation and insurance defense work. Every day and every client provides a different challenge.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
I have had the pleasure of having several mentors who have helped guide me through my career. Judge Cooper was instrumental in providing guidance, advice, and wisdom at the beginning of my career. I have had the pleasure of working alongside Dick Willis in a trial advocacy setting and learning from his wealth of knowledge. Andy Delaney has been my mentor, confidant, sounding board, and trial partner at MGC and has provided innumerable support and advice in the practice of law.

What is your most memorable case?
Several stick out for various reasons. My first trial in Charleston was a simple he said/she said traffic accident in which the jury returned a defense verdict for my client in just 12 minutes. I learned a lot about not over-trying a case from that verdict. More recently, a federal trial in Florence resulted in a settlement after three days of trial of about half our pre-trial offer. While we did not get a verdict, I spent more time, energy, and planning on that trial than any other. I learned a lot about patience in trial strategy and trial preparation. What I have taken away from every case and trial is that fair play and reasonableness go a long way in this profession and when both sides work toward those goals, everyone wins.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
I am a Texas native and have lived in Columbia for the past 10 years. I have fallen in love with the city and the people. It’s a small community filled with people who define hospitality, cordiality, and friendship. It’s become a home.


Carey Ayer | Davis, Frawley Attorneys at Law
Lee Ellen Bagley | Gaffney, Lewis & Edwards
Mark S. Barrow | Sweeny, Wingate & Barrow, P.A.
William Besley | Howser Newman & Besley
Joseph Bias |  Vernis & Bowling
Trippett Boineau | McAngus Goudelock & Courie
Robert Buffington | Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
Kelly Cannon | Howser Newman & Besley
Curtis W. Dowling | Barnes Alford Stork & Johnson, LLP
Geov Hanna | Howser Newman & Besley
Autin Hood | Clawson & Staubes, LLC
Brandon Jones | The McKay Firm, P.A.
Matthew LaFave | Crowe LaFave, LLC
Becky Laffitte | Robinson Gray
Alexis Lindsay | Robinson Gray
John F. McKenzie | McDonald, McKenzie, Rubin, Miller & Lybrand
Shelly Montague | Gallivan White Boyd
Charles Moore | Turner Padget
J. R. Murphy | Murphy & Grantland
Randi Lynn Roberts | Gaffney, Lewis & Edwards
Kerri Rupert | Murphy & Grantland
Thom Salane | Turner Padget
Ted Von Keller | Crawford & Von Keller


Intellectual Property

Todd Serbin

Nexsen Pruet


Todd Serbin is special counsel in the Intellectual Property Group at Nexsen Pruet, LLC and focuses his practice on matters related to patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, and entertainment law.

With two decades of experience counseling clients ranging in size from individuals to Fortune 500 companies, Serbin is prepared to tackle IP challenges with varying levels of sophistication and complexity. His range of experience includes preparation and prosecution of domestic and foreign patent and trademark applications, management of small to large intellectual property portfolios, negotiation of IP-related agreements such as assignments, license and joint research/venture agreements, and providing patentability and infringement opinions.

Serbin has a wealth of international IP experience to offer clients as a consequence of practicing overseas for a number of years. He has prepared substantive international filings for the EPO (Europe), the JPO (Japan), CIPO (Canada), and SIPO (China), among others.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
Intellectual Property, particularly patent law, appeals to me because I have a technical aerospace engineering background.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
I have lived in many cities, and even countries, since I started my legal career, so I can’t say I have had just one mentor through the years. All of my supervising attorneys and colleagues have provided me with some practices worth emulating and sound legal practice and life advice.

What is your most memorable case?
I have had many memorable clients and matters, but I have derived the most satisfaction from helping a physician inventor prosecute his first patent application and, over our 15-year relationship, grow his patent portfolio to nearly a hundred patents and applications in over a dozen countries. He sold half of his portfolio to a Fortune 500 company a few years ago and we continue to develop the remaining half, which is directed to related, but different, problems to be solved.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
I love living in my hometown of Columbia because I enjoy seeing the city evolve daily from where it was during my childhood to present day. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for our city. Columbia has considerable potential!


Calhoun Thomas | The Thomas Law Firm


International

Sam Moses

Parker Poe


Since 2010, Sam Moses has coordinated business investment and incentives projects exceeding $5 billion in capital investment and more than 5,000 jobs in various sectors, including agribusiness, automotive, aerospace, advanced materials, and renewable energy. He’s partnered with companies from Europe, Asia, and other global markets, advising on international corporate transactions. Moses co-founded Global Carolina Connections Conference, the premier foreign direct investment summit in the Carolinas.

Moses was appointed by South Carolina’s commerce secretary to serve as managing director of the state’s European Office in Germany, where he advised European investors on site location projects in the U.S. He also managed S.C.’s international trade program for the EMEA markets. Moses was selected as a Robert Bosch Fellow, during which he worked for Credit Suisse First Boston and Gleiss Lutz, a leading German law firm. Moses speaks fluent German and has a wife, Kim, and two sons, Harrison and Jake.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
With many attorneys, business people, and public servants in my family, I became interested in business law and economic development early on. Given the growth of international companies relocating to South Carolina back in the 1980s and 90s, especially from Germany, I became more interested in the field of international law with a focus on foreign direct investment transactions.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
I have several, including my uncle, the late Senator Isadore Lourie, as well as Joel Gottlieb at McNair and my cousin, U.S. Federal District Judge Richard Gergel, for whom I served as a law clerk at his law firm during law school. My Parker Poe colleagues, Ray Jones and Al Guarnieri, have also been great mentors. And I consider Nathan Crystal, my former University of South Carolina law school professor, an important influence on my career.

What is your most memorable case?
No one particular case stands out, but I enjoy the incredible privilege of working with clients every single day from all over the world. It is not uncommon for me to be advising a client in Germany on one issue at 9:00 a.m. and talking to a client from China late at night. This is exactly what I dreamed of doing: interacting with business people of different cultures and backgrounds from all over the world but doing it right here from South Carolina.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
What I love most about living and working in South Carolina is how easy it is to work with people and get things done. Given it is a geographically small state, it is very convenient to work in all the major regions of the state. Also, there is so much talent and expertise in our state, a positive that we don’t highlight enough. You really don’t need to go far to find people who are leaders in their field nationally and internationally. It is a great time to be in South Carolina. It is very dynamic, and we are going through a major renaissance. South Carolina is a great place to raise a family and have a prosperous legal career. I am glad to call South Carolina my home.


Lee Depret-Bixio | Ogletree Deakins
Claire Hall | Parker Poe
John F. McKenzie | McDonald, McKenzie, Rubin, Miller & Lybrand
Joel Samuels | USC School of Law


Labor & Employment

Jay Babb

Cromer Babb Porter & Hicks, LLC


Jay Babb is a founding member of Cromer Babb Porter & Hicks, LLC. His practice focuses on individual employment law. He has argued before the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, South Carolina Supreme Court, and S.C. Court of Appeals. In 2015, Babb tried an individual employment claim to a 3.6-million-dollar verdict. Babb has been practicing employment law 2009.

Babb is from Orangeburg, S.C. He is a graduate of Clemson University and the University of South Carolina School of Law. He lives in Irmo with his wife, Allison, a school district employee; their three children, Kennedy, Parker, and Thatcher; and their dog, Watson (named for Deshaun Watson).

Babb was drawn to employment law because he likes to help working people when they need help the most.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
After working on employment matters as a clerk during law school, I realized how much I enjoyed employment law—especially representing individual employees who have been mistreated.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
Lewis Cromer has been my mentor during my legal career. Not only has he mentored me in the law, but he has shown me what it means to be a true advocate for our clients even against difficult odds.

What is your most memorable case?
I tried a case in state court in Florence, S.C. involving claims of defamation and civil conspiracy. After years of litigation against a seasoned defense attorney and even a mistrial, the case was tried to a $3.6 million verdict.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
Columbia is geographically and legally the central hub of South Carolina. It is large enough to provide services and activities for the whole family, yet not so large as to feel overwhelmed. As for my legal practice, the geographic location is extremely helpful, as I practice all over the state.


Malissa Burnette | Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, P.A.
Kris Cato | Blair Cato Pickren Casterline, LLC
Joseph D. Dickey, Jr. | Dickey Law Group, LLC
Kathy Helms | Ogletree Deakins
Stephen T. Savitz | Gignilliat, Savitz & Bettis, LLP
Frank Shuler | Turner Padget
Nekki Shutt | Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, P.A.
Hagood Tighe | Fisher & Phillips, LLP
Sheila Willis | Fisher & Phillips, LLP



Mergers & Acquisitions

Will Johnson

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.


Will Johnson leads Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Economic Development practice group and concentrates his practice on economic development, corporate law, and tax matters. His work has helped facilitate more than $3 billion in domestic and foreign investment in South Carolina.

Johnson received a Master of Law in Taxation from New York University, Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina, and undergraduate degree from Wofford College.

He is very active in the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and was named a “Top 40 Young Lawyers” and “Star of the Year” by the YLD in 2016. Johnson is an enthusiastic advocate for the Special Olympics, creating a partnership between the S.C. Bar Young Lawyers Division and Special Olympics South Carolina in 2010. He serves on the Special Olympics South Carolina board of directors and has spoken publicly on the “End the R Word,” Project Unify, and Law Enforcement Torch Run campaigns.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
I enjoy working with businesses that are investing capital and creating jobs in South Carolina. I knew early on that I wanted to practice in the corporate arena, helping businesses grow and prosper in our state.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
I have been so fortunate to have a lot of great mentors along the way. Prior to entering law school, I worked for a sole practitioner, Susan Fretwell, in Spartanburg, and then for Nettles, Turbeville, & Reddeck in Lake City. Susan Fretwell demonstrated an incredible work ethic and meticulous attention to detail that had a big impact on me. At the Nettles firm, I worked most closely with Mr. Roy Nettles, who is currently in his 66th year practicing law, and he is quite simply a legend of the South Carolina Bar. He practices with the utmost honesty and integrity, and he cares deeply about the interests of every client he serves. I was very deliberate in seeking out Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd as the place I wanted to practice law, and it would be a disservice for me to start identifying mentors at the firm, because I've had so many great ones and continue to lean on them and learn from them every day.

What is your most memorable case?
My most memorable case involves a business dispute in which my clients were not in a position to protect their interests on their own and would have had others take significant financial advantage of them without my assistance.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
I enjoy living and working in Columbia because of its position as the center of the state, both literally and figuratively. Young professionals are thriving in Columbia, and they want to help the city realize some of its untapped potential. I am excited to be here to see that realization occur.


Rob Bethea | Adams and Reese, LLP
Benjamin P. Carlton | Richardson Plowden
Frederick A. Crawford | Richardson Plowden
Jones Dubose, Jr. | Nexsen Pruet
Luke Gleissner | Gleissner Law Firm, LLC
Mason Hogue | Nelson Mullins
Steve Lenker | Blair Cato Pickren Casterline, LLC
Edward G. Menzie | Nexsen Pruet
David Summer | Parker Poe
William Umbach | Adams and Reese, LLP


Personal Injury

Kenneth Berger

The Law Office of Kenneth Berger, LLC


Kenneth Berger has dedicated his professional life to protecting the rights, lives, and dignity of those who have been harmed. After studying at the University of Washington and Harvard University, Berger returned to South Carolina to serve the community that raised him. A graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, Berger has been representing injured people and their families since his first day in practice. Berger’s practice areas include personal injury and wrongful death. He is a member of the American Association for Justice’s Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, and has been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
When I was a kid, my mom did a lot to instill compassion in me. My dad taught me about fairness and gave me my work ethic. With that kind of upbringing, I always felt called to the law. As I went through school and began practicing, I was drawn to the idea that human life, freedom from physical injury, and our community's right to safety should be valued much more than economic losses (e.g. medical bills) alone. Representing people with life-changing injuries allows me to live out the values I inherited from my parents and the ideals which I've come to adopt as a lawyer. Simply put, my job is an extension of my beliefs.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
There have been many, but the ones who stand out most are Randy Hood and David Yarborough. They have both achieved immense success by putting clients first, relentlessly challenging themselves to be better, and giving back to the profession. Randy and David have set a standard that I chase, as a lawyer and as a person. I am honored to call them friends and blessed to receive their mentorship.

What is your most memorable case?
That's a tough question. I love my clients like members of my own family, so most of the cases are memorable. If I had to choose one though, it would be a recent case involving a remarkable man named Doug Mincey. Doug grew up working on a farm. His parents died when he was young. Doug put himself through college, became an engineer, adopted children, and served in our military.

Doug’s wife, Rhonda, had started a nonprofit and written a book to help empower young women. Doug wanted to do the same for the young men of South Carolina and beyond. So it was that a self-described “farm boy,” who arrived at college on only a 9th grade reading level, began writing “A Guy’s Guide to Being Great.” This was the book Mincey was working on when a drunk driver struck him on Interstate 95.

Before Doug hired us, his own insurance company offered him $17,000. They ignored his medical needs and paid no attention to the impact the DUI accident had on Doug's everyday life. By the time we were done telling his story—a human story that transcended any legal argument—that same insurance company paid every penny of a $2,000,000 policy.

Doug went on to publish his book, Rhonda's nonprofit is growing, and they are making a tremendous difference in their community. The money will be gone one day, but knowing that our work is in turn benefitting young people throughout our state is gratifying.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
The people. I grew up here, moved around the country while in college, then realized I was only leaving to come home again. In all my travels, not once did I come across a community as positive or united as I found in Columbia. There is plenty of progress to be made as a city, but as a people, we're second to none.


Robert Garfield | Crowe LaFave, LLC
Robert Goings | Goings Law Firm
Mike Kelly | Mike Kelly Law Group
Jenkins Mann | Rogers Lewis
Theile McVey | Kassel McVey
Charles Moore | Turner Padget
Clarke Newton | Bluestein Attorneys
Vanessa Overbay | Popowski, Callas, and Shirley, P.A.
Jennifer Purdy | Popowski, Callas, and Shirley, P.A.
Allison Sullivan | Bluestein Attorneys
Richard Thomas | Barnes Alford Stork & Johnson, LLP



Residential Real Estate

David Ross

McAngus Goudelock & Courie


David Ross represents clients in a variety of residential and commercial real estate transactions. He joined McAngus Goudelock & Courie in 2007 and has taken the firm’s real estate practice from a small localized group to a full-servicing state-wide practice. Ross is a member of the South Carolina Bar Association, Columbia Homebuilders Association, Central Carolina Association of Realtors, S.C. Bankers Association, and SC Mortgage Bankers Association. He has been recognized by S.C. Super Lawyers, Columbia Business Monthly’s “Midlands Legal Elite”, and The State’s 20 Under 40. Ross also serves as the varsity boys basketball coach at Hammond School. Ross earned a juris doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the USC.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
There are a large number of networking opportunities in the real estate practice.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
Tommy Lydon has been my mentor; he is our general counsel and always finds a way to efficiently and effectively solve problems.

What is your most memorable case?
Every time we get to close for a first-time homebuyer is a memorable experience. The clients’ excitement and joy for this milestone makes you realize how important our work is.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
Columbia is a melting pot from a real estate standpoint. We have industry, government, a major university, and a major military base that contribute to a thriving market. Columbia also has a small town feel in that everyone knows everyone, which is great for raising a family. Location is also key in that you can get anywhere you want to be with just a short drive.


Andy Aun | Aun & McKay, P.A.
Renee Ballew | LawyerLisa
Beth Bernstein | Bernstein & Bernstein, LLC
Bryan Caskey | Caskey & Imgrund, LLC
Hugh Cooper | Law Office of Hugh Cooper
Shaun Cranford | The Cranford Law Firm
Kevin Hardy | Quinn & Hardy
Lisa Hostetler | LawyerLisa
Ryan Lane | The Lane Law Firm
Clare Hungiville McLean | McLean Smith
Jonathan D. Moore | Luce, Moore & Franklin, LLC
Chris Moran | Law Office of Christopher J. Moran
Kathleen Muthig | Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
Gary Pickren | Blair Cato Pickren Casterline, LLC
Lowndes Pope | Riley Pope & Laney, LLC
Matthew Rupert | Scott & Corley, P.A.
Mark Thomas | The Thomas Law Firm
L. Patricia Wharton | Whitener & Wharton, P.A.
Gregory Williams | Gregory G. Williams, LLC



Tax & Estate

Angela Kirby

Kirby Law, LLC


Angela Kirby is an estate planning and probate attorney and former associate probate judge for Richland County. The Supreme Court of South Carolina has designated Kirby as a certified estate planning and probate specialist. As a former certified public accountant, Kirby brings her accounting and financial experience to each estate plan that she works on for her clients. Clients benefit from having an attorney who not only understands their sometimes-intricate finances, but who is able to converse with their other financial advisors in language they understand. As a former associate probate judge, Kirby spent more than five years on the bench overseeing complex probate issues. Her compassion and understanding of the law allows her to assist families in all aspects of estate planning, probate administration, and trust and estate litigation. Kirby currently serves as the chairperson for the Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law Board and serves on several local boards in the community.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
I was a CPA prior to going to law school, and the area of estate planning and probate utilized both my accounting and tax background. It was the perfect area of law for my prior skill set. I enjoy working with individuals and business owners to solve tax issues and leave a lasting legacy for their families and charitable interests.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
Al Todd and Steve Johnson were my first mentors in the area of estate planning and probate, and I will forever be indebted to them for their knowledge and patience that they both shared with me while I was a law clerk and young lawyer. They taught me how to be caring and compassionate with our clients while providing a valuable service to the families that hired us.

What is your most memorable case?
While serving as an associate probate judge, I was able to oversee many memorable cases, and the experience of being on the bench was also invaluable to my future back in private practice.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
I have lived and practiced law in Columbia for over twenty-five years. Columbia still has a small-town vibe while continuing to develop and thrive with new and exciting things on the horizon. There is a real camaraderie among attorneys, and everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand.


George S. Bailey | Sojourner, Caughman & Thomas, LLC
Rob Bethea | Adams and Reese, LLP
Jeff Z. Brooker, III | The Brooker Law Firm, P.A.
Bridget Brown | LawyerLisa
Erin Cook | Estate Planning Services of SC
Allan Fulmer | Allan E. Fulmer, P.A.
Lisa Hostetler | LawyerLisa
Alex Imgrund | Caskey & Imgrund, LLC
Thomas D. Kilpatrick | The Murphy Law Group, P.A.
Jonathan Lee | Sojourner, Caughman & Thomas, LLC
Jennifer MacLeod | Sojourner, Caughman & Thomas, LLC
William G. Newsome, III | Newsome Law, P.A.
Michael Polk | Belser & Belser, P.A.
Alan Reyner | Barnes Alford Stork & Johnson, LLP
Chris Rogers | Rogers Lewis
David Sojourner, Jr. | Sojourner, Caughman & Thomas, LLC



Workers Compensation

Jason Lockhart

McAngus Goudelock & Courie


Jason Lockhart has practiced workers’ compensation law for more than 17 years, having tried hundreds of cases on behalf of employers and carriers. Lockhart strives to understand his clients’ business and modifies the handling of their particular case to best achieve his clients’ goals. He strives to provide his clients with an honest assessment of their exposure while simultaneously formulating a realistic and systematic plan to best defend their interests in the most cost-effective manner.

Lockhart has been instrumental in the creation of an evolving business model at McAngus Goudelock & Courie Insurance Defense, which is designed to satisfy client needs for alternative fee arrangements and increase client value through creation of informed workers’ compensation business strategies based on data-driven decisions. He also serves as the workers’ compensation group leader for the South Carolina offices of MGC Insurance Defense.

What led you to select the particular type of law that you practice?
I practice in the area of workers' compensation, but did not select this area of law. Rather, the area of law chose me when I was offered a job during law school.

Who has been your mentor in your legal career and why?
I have the privilege of having three mentors: Buster Holland, Rusty Goudelock, and Hugh McAngus. In the workers' compensation arena, this is equivalent to learning about democracy under the tutelage of the Founding Fathers. My legal career has been impacted by them in the most profound way.

What is your most memorable case?
I do not have a memorable case, as I find it best to not place emphasis upon the outcome of any one case. In order to be an effective litigator, you must learn from your failures and successes and then move forward using those lessons to better serve your clients.

What do you like most about living and working in Columbia?
I find the best thing about living and working in Columbia is the sense of optimism that exists in our community.


Barrett Burley | Holder Padgett Littlejohn and Prickett, LLC
Nick Callas | Popowski, Callas, and Shirley, P.A.
Kay Crowe | Barnes Alford Stork & Johnson, LLP
Will Harbison | Gallivan White Boyd
Ashley Kirkham | Collins & Lacy
Matthew LaFave | Crowe LaFave, LLC
Pete Leventis | Chappell Smith Arden
Edwin Martin | Ryan Montgomery Attorney at Law, LLC
Jamie Newman | Howser Newman & Besley
Allison Sullivan | Bluestein Attorneys