http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_sc.php Judged Law Firm en-us (C) 2006 Judged. All rights reserved. contact@judged.com(Judged) contact@judged.com Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:00:45 -0500 Law Firms http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_sc.php 60 http://www.judged.com/images/xml_rss_feed.gif http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_sc.php Address : 172 Meeting Street, Phone : 843-577-4435, City : Charleston http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1114 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1114&page=1 Address : P.O. Box 893, Phone : 843-577-6726, City : Charleston Attorney Frank Blanchard was the featured instructor at a day-long seminar conducted by the Charleston Apartment Association on November 14, 2006. Mr. Blanchard covered various legal aspects and responsibilities applicable to apartment managers. The class was sponsored by the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) and was attended by local apartment managers from the tri-county area. The class is one of nine modules that participants will complete to receive the Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) designation. Attorney Frank Blanchard was the featured instructor at a day-long seminar conducted by the Charleston Apartment Association on November 14, 2006. Mr. Blanchard covered various legal aspects and responsibilities applicable to apartment managers. The class was sponsored by the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) and was attended by local apartment managers from the tri-county area. The class is one of nine modules that participants will complete to receive the Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) designation. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2046 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2046&page=2 Address : 104 South Main StreetSuite 900 ,, Phone : 864-250-2300, City : Greenville Two attorneys with extensive experience in regulatory issues facing financial services companies have joined Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP as part of its Financial Services Group in the Washington, D.C. office. Lawrence D. Kaplan has joined the Firm as a partner and will focus on the regulatory issues facing banks, thrifts, and insurance, mortgage and other specialty financial companies. Janis F. Kerns has joined the Firm as of counsel and will focus on issues facing mutual funds, business development companies, investment advisers, broker-dealers and entities seeking to avoid regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940. ‽The addition of Larry and Janis will help expand our financial services practice in D.C. and help us meet new and existing client needs firmwide,” said Jon Talcott, the partner who leads Nelson Mullins� Washington Financial Services Group. ‽Larry Kaplan and Janis Kerns are both well-known and respected regulatory attorneys, and we are excited that they are joining Nelson Mullins.” Mr. Kaplan advises financial institutions and financial services company clients on all aspects of bank regulatory issues, with an emphasis on corporate structuring, control, enforcement and the electronic provision of financial services. He represents traditional and nontraditional financial services holding companies and financial institutions before federal and state bank regulatory agencies on a variety of matters, including structural, operational and authority issues. He has extensive experience with issues pertaining to payment networks and electronic funds transfers. Mr. Kaplan has significant experience representing clients on enforcement matters, and closely monitors regulatory initiatives and proposed legislation affecting the financial services industry. Before joining Nelson Mullins, Mr. Kaplan served as a senior attorney in the chief counsel� s office at the Office of Thrift Supervision/Federal Home Loan Bank Board, and practiced at two other leading Washington, D.C. law firms. He earned his J.D. from the National Law Center of the George Washington University in 1987, and an A.B. degree, with distinction, in 1984 from The University of Michigan. Ms. Kerns, a former senior counsel in the Division of Investment Management of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, focuses her practice on investment and asset management services, including the representation of mutual funds, business development companies, investment advisers and broker/dealers. Her arrival marks the establishment of the Firm\'s new Investment Management Practice, which offers expertise in the counseling of public and private investment companies, including mutual funds and business development companies, investment advisers, unregistered private investment vehicles and others in the investment management industry. The practice advises clients on all aspects of investment management activities, including disclosure under the federal securities laws, regulatory compliance and avoidance of regulation, corporate governance, and transactional, tax and contract matters. A former in-house counsel for PaineWebber Inc. who also practiced with another leading Washington, D.C. law firm, Ms. Kerns has extensive experience with the registration and operation of public and private investment companies. She advises clients on a wide variety of matters relating to the development and offering of investment products and services, as impacted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act, the Securities Act of 1933, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Her practice also includes experience with broker/dealer sales practice and compliance matters and the representation of public companies in various matters before the SEC and the NASD, ranging from domestic and foreign general corporate matters to initial listing and continuing qualification matters in the over-the-counter markets. Ms. Kerns earned her J.D. from the Washington College of Law at The American University in 1994, where she was associate articles editor of The Administrative Law Journal. She earned her B.A. degree in Chemistry from Wake Forest University in 1985. Nelson Mullins, established in 1897, has more than 360 attorneys practicing from offices in Atlanta, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Raleigh, Washington and Winston-Salem. For more information on the Firm, go to www.nelsonmullins.com, or call (803) 255-9794, (803) 255-9280 or (202) 712-2800. Two attorneys with extensive experience in regulatory issues facing financial services companies have joined Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP as part of its Financial Services Group in the Washington, D.C. office. Lawrence D. Kaplan has joined the Firm as a partner and will focus on the regulatory issues facing banks, thrifts, and insurance, mortgage and other specialty financial companies. Janis F. Kerns has joined the Firm as of counsel and will focus on issues facing mutual funds, business development companies, investment advisers, broker-dealers and entities seeking to avoid regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940. ‽The addition of Larry and Janis will help expand our financial services practice in D.C. and help us meet new and existing client needs firmwide,” said Jon Talcott, the partner who leads Nelson Mullins� Washington Financial Services Group. ‽Larry Kaplan and Janis Kerns are both well-known and respected regulatory attorneys, and we are excited that they are joining Nelson Mullins.” Mr. Kaplan advises financial institutions and financial services company clients on all aspects of bank regulatory issues, with an emphasis on corporate structuring, control, enforcement and the electronic provision of financial services. He represents traditional and nontraditional financial services holding companies and financial institutions before federal and state bank regulatory agencies on a variety of matters, including structural, operational and authority issues. He has extensive experience with issues pertaining to payment networks and electronic funds transfers. Mr. Kaplan has significant experience representing clients on enforcement matters, and closely monitors regulatory initiatives and proposed legislation affecting the financial services industry. Before joining Nelson Mullins, Mr. Kaplan served as a senior attorney in the chief counsel� s office at the Office of Thrift Supervision/Federal Home Loan Bank Board, and practiced at two other leading Washington, D.C. law firms. He earned his J.D. from the National Law Center of the George Washington University in 1987, and an A.B. degree, with distinction, in 1984 from The University of Michigan. Ms. Kerns, a former senior counsel in the Division of Investment Management of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, focuses her practice on investment and asset management services, including the representation of mutual funds, business development companies, investment advisers and broker/dealers. Her arrival marks the establishment of the Firm\'s new Investment Management Practice, which offers expertise in the counseling of public and private investment companies, including mutual funds and business development companies, investment advisers, unregistered private investment vehicles and others in the investment management industry. The practice advises clients on all aspects of investment management activities, including disclosure under the federal securities laws, regulatory compliance and avoidance of regulation, corporate governance, and transactional, tax and contract matters. A former in-house counsel for PaineWebber Inc. who also practiced with another leading Washington, D.C. law firm, Ms. Kerns has extensive experience with the registration and operation of public and private investment companies. She advises clients on a wide variety of matters relating to the development and offering of investment products and services, as impacted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act, the Securities Act of 1933, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Her practice also includes experience with broker/dealer sales practice and compliance matters and the representation of public companies in various matters before the SEC and the NASD, ranging from domestic and foreign general corporate matters to initial listing and continuing qualification matters in the over-the-counter markets. Ms. Kerns earned her J.D. from the Washington College of Law at The American University in 1994, where she was associate articles editor of The Administrative Law Journal. She earned her B.A. degree in Chemistry from Wake Forest University in 1985. Nelson Mullins, established in 1897, has more than 360 attorneys practicing from offices in Atlanta, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Raleigh, Washington and Winston-Salem. For more information on the Firm, go to www.nelsonmullins.com, or call (803) 255-9794, (803) 255-9280 or (202) 712-2800. For her significant contributions to the Firm and professional community, Tammie Pope of Columbia has received the 2006 Jean D. Nunn Excellence in Leadership Award from Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. Ms. Pope, a paralegal coordinator with the Firm, earlier this year received the Palmetto Paralegal Association� s Paralegal of the Year Award. Both nominations noted her history of pro bono work, her service as mentor for new paralegals and as a trainer for project assistants, many of whom became paralegals with her assistance. For the past three years, Ms. Pope has served as the Firm� s principal investigator into the medical treatment provided to mentally ill inmates in South Carolina prisons. The investigation required interviewing dozens of severely mentally ill prisoners, often under poor conditions. As a result of her work, Nelson Mullins is pursuing a class action against the S.C. Department of Corrections and the S.C. General Assembly. The award is named for Nelson Mullins paralegal Jean D. Nunn for her dedication to client service, personal and professional ethics, recognition as a leader by her peers, and her continuing contributions to the paralegal program, the Firm and the legal profession. Also, recipients of the 2005 E.W. Mullins Paralegal Pro Bono Awards are: Carrie Shillingford of Charleston for her work in the representation of an inmate claiming excessive force and unreasonable seizure in his arrest. When the case went to a new attorney, Ms. Shillingford briefed the attorney on the case merits and witnesses, prepared exhibits, located witnesses, and assisted in depositions and court filings. Yvonne Koerner of Myrtle Beach for her work with Habitat for Humanity of Horry County, with at least 14 homeowner closings for families and preparing documents for three properties for future homes. ‽Yvonne has gone the extra mile in researching unusual homebuyer problems for Habitat, and been willing to lend her expertise on top of an already heavy work load,” according to the Habitat executive director. Jennifer Conrick of Columbia for her pro bono work, including the litigation against the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice and representation of two death row inmates in post conviction proceedings. For the last three years, she has been involved with the lawsuit against the S.C. Department of Corrections seeking adequate medical treatment for mentally ill inmates. Nelson Mullins, established in 1897, has more than 360 attorneys practicing from offices in Atlanta, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Raleigh, Washington and Winston-Salem. For more information on the Firm, go to www.nelsonmullins.com, or call (803) 255-9794 or (803) 255-9280. For her significant contributions to the Firm and professional community, Tammie Pope of Columbia has received the 2006 Jean D. Nunn Excellence in Leadership Award from Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. Ms. Pope, a paralegal coordinator with the Firm, earlier this year received the Palmetto Paralegal Association� s Paralegal of the Year Award. Both nominations noted her history of pro bono work, her service as mentor for new paralegals and as a trainer for project assistants, many of whom became paralegals with her assistance. For the past three years, Ms. Pope has served as the Firm� s principal investigator into the medical treatment provided to mentally ill inmates in South Carolina prisons. The investigation required interviewing dozens of severely mentally ill prisoners, often under poor conditions. As a result of her work, Nelson Mullins is pursuing a class action against the S.C. Department of Corrections and the S.C. General Assembly. The award is named for Nelson Mullins paralegal Jean D. Nunn for her dedication to client service, personal and professional ethics, recognition as a leader by her peers, and her continuing contributions to the paralegal program, the Firm and the legal profession. Also, recipients of the 2005 E.W. Mullins Paralegal Pro Bono Awards are: Carrie Shillingford of Charleston for her work in the representation of an inmate claiming excessive force and unreasonable seizure in his arrest. When the case went to a new attorney, Ms. Shillingford briefed the attorney on the case merits and witnesses, prepared exhibits, located witnesses, and assisted in depositions and court filings. Yvonne Koerner of Myrtle Beach for her work with Habitat for Humanity of Horry County, with at least 14 homeowner closings for families and preparing documents for three properties for future homes. ‽Yvonne has gone the extra mile in researching unusual homebuyer problems for Habitat, and been willing to lend her expertise on top of an already heavy work load,” according to the Habitat executive director. Jennifer Conrick of Columbia for her pro bono work, including the litigation against the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice and representation of two death row inmates in post conviction proceedings. For the last three years, she has been involved with the lawsuit against the S.C. Department of Corrections seeking adequate medical treatment for mentally ill inmates. Nelson Mullins, established in 1897, has more than 360 attorneys practicing from offices in Atlanta, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Raleigh, Washington and Winston-Salem. For more information on the Firm, go to www.nelsonmullins.com, or call (803) 255-9794 or (803) 255-9280. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP� s government contracts practice has grown in North Carolina with the addition of Missy Copeland in the Raleigh office. ‽Missy� s years of experience in South Carolina and in government contracts work make her a valuable asset to our Raleigh team,” said Managing Partner Noah Huffstetler. ‽In addition to government contracts work, she also is in demand as a speaker for legal organizations and clients on issues related to technology, ethics, alternative dispute resolution, and pre-trial preparation.” Recently admitted to the North Carolina Bar, Ms. Copeland� s chapter on government contracts, ‽Getting the Government to Play By Its Own Rules,” will be published this summer in Government Contract Litigation Best Practices: Leading lawyers on understanding regulations, planning defensively, and successfully litigating government contracts. A Nelson Mullins partner, she joined the Firm in 1994. She also practices in the areas of business litigation and administrative law. She is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Ms. Copeland has served as a special assistant solicitor for the Office of the Solicitor of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. She is co-author of ‽State and Local Procurement: It\'s a Different World,” 39 No. 2 The Procurement Lawyer 14 (2004), and author of ‽Learning Government Purchasing Lingo,” South Carolina Business Journal (February 2005). Ms. Copeland is an active member of the Public Contract Law Section of the American Bar Association. She is also a member of the Coalition of Food Industry Counsel, the Richland County Bar Association, and the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association. In 2004, Ms. Copeland was a recipient of the Firm\'s Claude M. Scarborough, Jr. Pro Bono Award for helping lead a project in which Firm attorneys prosecute criminal domestic violence cases in magistrate courts. This is part of a state-sponsored program where attorneys prosecute domestic violence cases on a pro bono basis. Using lawyers instead of police officers to handle domestic violence cases helps boost convictions. Ms. Copeland won the first conviction under the program in 2003. In 1994, Ms. Copeland earned a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the College of Charleston in 1991. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP� s government contracts practice has grown in North Carolina with the addition of Missy Copeland in the Raleigh office. ‽Missy� s years of experience in South Carolina and in government contracts work make her a valuable asset to our Raleigh team,” said Managing Partner Noah Huffstetler. ‽In addition to government contracts work, she also is in demand as a speaker for legal organizations and clients on issues related to technology, ethics, alternative dispute resolution, and pre-trial preparation.” Recently admitted to the North Carolina Bar, Ms. Copeland� s chapter on government contracts, ‽Getting the Government to Play By Its Own Rules,” will be published this summer in Government Contract Litigation Best Practices: Leading lawyers on understanding regulations, planning defensively, and successfully litigating government contracts. A Nelson Mullins partner, she joined the Firm in 1994. She also practices in the areas of business litigation and administrative law. She is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Ms. Copeland has served as a special assistant solicitor for the Office of the Solicitor of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. She is co-author of ‽State and Local Procurement: It\'s a Different World,” 39 No. 2 The Procurement Lawyer 14 (2004), and author of ‽Learning Government Purchasing Lingo,” South Carolina Business Journal (February 2005). Ms. Copeland is an active member of the Public Contract Law Section of the American Bar Association. She is also a member of the Coalition of Food Industry Counsel, the Richland County Bar Association, and the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association. In 2004, Ms. Copeland was a recipient of the Firm\'s Claude M. Scarborough, Jr. Pro Bono Award for helping lead a project in which Firm attorneys prosecute criminal domestic violence cases in magistrate courts. This is part of a state-sponsored program where attorneys prosecute domestic violence cases on a pro bono basis. Using lawyers instead of police officers to handle domestic violence cases helps boost convictions. Ms. Copeland won the first conviction under the program in 2003. In 1994, Ms. Copeland earned a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the College of Charleston in 1991. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1751 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1751&page=33 Address : P.O. Box 999, Phone : 843-722-3400, City : Charleston Buist Moore Smythe McGee P.A. is pleased to announce that David B. McCormack has been elected a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. Mr. McCormack heads the Firm\'s Employment Practice Group and his practice encompasses all aspects of state and federal employment law, representing employer interests. He also provides extensive advisory and counseling services in such areas as employment contracts, employee handbooks, restrictive covenants, family and medical leave, disability law requirements and sexual harassment. Mr. McCormack received his B.A. degree from Yale University, his M.A. degree from Cambridge University, Cambridge, England, and his J.D. degree from the University of Virginia. He has been certified by the South Carolina Supreme Court as a Certified Specialist in Employment and Labor Law. Mr. McCormack is a member of the South Carolina Bar� s Employment and Labor Law Section; the American Bar Association� s Labor and Employment Law Section; the American Employment Law Council; the American Law Institute (Member of the Consultative Group for the Restatement of Employment Law); and the Society for Human Resource Management. He has been named to The Best Lawyers in America in the category of ‽Labor and Employment Law”. Mr. McCormack also serves on the American Arbitration Association� s Southeast Employment Mediation and Arbitration Panels. He frequently lectures on employment law topics and has published numerous employment related articles. The College was the vision of a number of Fellows and was designed to further establish the profession in all its aspects as one uniquely important to the world of labor and employment law, individual rights, collective bargaining and dispute resolution. The College was established in 1995 through an initiative of the Council of The Section of Labor and Employment Law of The American Bar Association. Represented by over 880 members in 42 states the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada, it operates as a free standing organization recognizing those who, by long and outstanding service, have distinguished themselves as leaders in the field. Buist Moore Smythe McGee P.A. is pleased to announce that David B. McCormack has been elected a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. Mr. McCormack heads the Firm\'s Employment Practice Group and his practice encompasses all aspects of state and federal employment law, representing employer interests. He also provides extensive advisory and counseling services in such areas as employment contracts, employee handbooks, restrictive covenants, family and medical leave, disability law requirements and sexual harassment. Mr. McCormack received his B.A. degree from Yale University, his M.A. degree from Cambridge University, Cambridge, England, and his J.D. degree from the University of Virginia. He has been certified by the South Carolina Supreme Court as a Certified Specialist in Employment and Labor Law. Mr. McCormack is a member of the South Carolina Bar� s Employment and Labor Law Section; the American Bar Association� s Labor and Employment Law Section; the American Employment Law Council; the American Law Institute (Member of the Consultative Group for the Restatement of Employment Law); and the Society for Human Resource Management. He has been named to The Best Lawyers in America in the category of ‽Labor and Employment Law”. Mr. McCormack also serves on the American Arbitration Association� s Southeast Employment Mediation and Arbitration Panels. He frequently lectures on employment law topics and has published numerous employment related articles. The College was the vision of a number of Fellows and was designed to further establish the profession in all its aspects as one uniquely important to the world of labor and employment law, individual rights, collective bargaining and dispute resolution. The College was established in 1995 through an initiative of the Council of The Section of Labor and Employment Law of The American Bar Association. Represented by over 880 members in 42 states the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada, it operates as a free standing organization recognizing those who, by long and outstanding service, have distinguished themselves as leaders in the field. Isabel DuPree is attending the University of North Carolina School of Law. In 2000 she received her B.S. in Economics with a Political Science Minor from Duke University. After graduation Ms. DuPree worked in banking for both Bank of America and Wachovia Securities in Charlotte, NC. Ms. DuPree will clerk at Buist Moore until the second week in August. Shawan Gillians attends William and Mary School of Law. Ms. Gillians received her B.A. in Economics and Religion from Wofford College in 2004; during which time she worked with the South Carolina Public Service Authority as a law clerk. After graduation, Ms. Gillians worked as an intern with Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough in Charleston, SC. Shawan Gillians clerked at Buist Moore in the summer of 2005 and will be here through the fourth week in July. David H. Kunes is attending the University of South Carolina School of Law. In 2002, Mr. Kunes received his B.A. in Economics from Davidson College. After graduation he spent almost two years as a corporate paralegal with Weill, Gotshal & Manges in New York City. He was also a legal assistant at Evans, Carter, Kunes & Bennett in Charleston, SC. Mr. Kunes clerked at Buist Moore in the summer of 2005 and will be here through the second week in August. Peter D. Robinson attends the University of Virginia School of Law. In 2002 he received his B.A. in both English and American studies from the Univeristy of Wyoming. After graduation he worked as a member of AmeriCorps, an English Teacher in Nakatsu, JP and as a Research Assistant at UVA. Mr. Robinson will clerk at the firm until the fourth week in August. Joshua S. Whitley is attending William and Mary School of Law. Mr. Whitley received his B.A. in Government and Business Economics from Wofford College in 2005; during which time he worked as a Resident Advisor. In the summers of 2004 and 2005 he worked as a law clerk for the South Carolina Public Service Authority in Moncks Corner, SC. Mr. Whitley will clerk at Buist Moore until the fourth week in July. Isabel DuPree is attending the University of North Carolina School of Law. In 2000 she received her B.S. in Economics with a Political Science Minor from Duke University. After graduation Ms. DuPree worked in banking for both Bank of America and Wachovia Securities in Charlotte, NC. Ms. DuPree will clerk at Buist Moore until the second week in August. Shawan Gillians attends William and Mary School of Law. Ms. Gillians received her B.A. in Economics and Religion from Wofford College in 2004; during which time she worked with the South Carolina Public Service Authority as a law clerk. After graduation, Ms. Gillians worked as an intern with Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough in Charleston, SC. Shawan Gillians clerked at Buist Moore in the summer of 2005 and will be here through the fourth week in July. David H. Kunes is attending the University of South Carolina School of Law. In 2002, Mr. Kunes received his B.A. in Economics from Davidson College. After graduation he spent almost two years as a corporate paralegal with Weill, Gotshal & Manges in New York City. He was also a legal assistant at Evans, Carter, Kunes & Bennett in Charleston, SC. Mr. Kunes clerked at Buist Moore in the summer of 2005 and will be here through the second week in August. Peter D. Robinson attends the University of Virginia School of Law. In 2002 he received his B.A. in both English and American studies from the Univeristy of Wyoming. After graduation he worked as a member of AmeriCorps, an English Teacher in Nakatsu, JP and as a Research Assistant at UVA. Mr. Robinson will clerk at the firm until the fourth week in August. Joshua S. Whitley is attending William and Mary School of Law. Mr. Whitley received his B.A. in Government and Business Economics from Wofford College in 2005; during which time he worked as a Resident Advisor. In the summers of 2004 and 2005 he worked as a law clerk for the South Carolina Public Service Authority in Moncks Corner, SC. Mr. Whitley will clerk at Buist Moore until the fourth week in July. C. Allen Gibson, Jr., a principal in the firm, spoke at the recent 8th Annual American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution Spring Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. His presentation Neutral Experts and Standing Neutrals: Using Substantive Expertise to Assist in Dispute Resolution was awarded Best Original Material at the conference. Gibson is the head of the Firm\'s Construction and Construction Products Liability Practice Groups. He is on the Construction Arbitrator Master Panel for the American Arbitration Association and has served as an arbitrator and mediator in numerous cases. C. Allen Gibson, Jr., a principal in the firm, spoke at the recent 8th Annual American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution Spring Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. His presentation Neutral Experts and Standing Neutrals: Using Substantive Expertise to Assist in Dispute Resolution was awarded Best Original Material at the conference. Gibson is the head of the Firm\'s Construction and Construction Products Liability Practice Groups. He is on the Construction Arbitrator Master Panel for the American Arbitration Association and has served as an arbitrator and mediator in numerous cases. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=312 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=312&page=4 Address : 126 Seventh Farms DriveSuite 200 ,, Phone : 843-577-2026, City : Charleston http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=449 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=449&page=5 Address : P.O. Box 2048, Phone : 864-240-3200, City : Greenville The law firm of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. is pleased to announce that two attorneys in its Greenville office were elected recently to membership in the Firm. Steve A. Matthews, Managing Director, said in making the announcement, ‽We welcome Brad Love and Jay Matthews as shareholders of the Firm. We are truly fortunate to have their capabilities and outstanding leadership skills: Brad is an exceptional public finance attorney, and Jay is a high-caliber litigator. Both are active in the community. Their depth of experience, dedication to the legal profession, and commitment to excellence will serve the Firm's clients well." GREENVILLE OFFICE (75 Beattie Place, Greenville, SC 29601; Ph: 864.240.3200) Bradford L. (Brad) Love is a Public Finance attorney whose practice concentrates primarily on governmental matters for cities, counties and special purpose districts. He has years of experience working on various types of general obligation and revenue bond transactions for governmental entities, as well as colleges, hospitals, and other nonprofit organizations. Following his graduation from the University of Georgia School of Law, cum laude, Love joined the Firm� s Greenville office in 1999. Active in the Upstate community and the state� s business arena, he is a frequent speaker on public finance and local government topics at industry meetings, including the South Carolina Special Purpose District Association, the Municipal Association of South Carolina, the GSA Business newspaper �" Municipal Government Forum, and numerous other conferences of elected and public officials. A resident of Greer, Love is a member of the South Carolina Association of County Attorneys, the National Association of Bond Lawyers, and the Greenville County and South Carolina Bar Associations. He is a former board member of Pendleton Place, having served as board treasurer, president and secretary. Love is also a graduate of Leadership Greenville� s Class of 2003. Named one of the ‽Best and Brightest 35 and Under” by Greenville Magazine in 2001, Love is a member of the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce. J.W. (Jay) Matthews III joined the Firm� s Greenville office in 2000, offering legal services to clients in a multitude of technology and business sectors. In addition to his extensive constructive law practice, Matthews has a wealth of experience in complex business, commercial, and technology-related disputes, where he represents clients in litigations involving business torts, products liability, intellectual property, and fiduciary law. Matthews has a particular depth of experience litigating cases involving the manufacturing and telecommunications industries. This South Carolina native graduated with high honors from the University of Florida's Fredric G. Levin College of Law in 2000 where he received the Gersten Key Award for Outstanding Graduate. A graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology in mechanical engineering in 1991, Matthews served in the Air Force as an engineer, managing deployments and construction projects in the Persian Gulf and Bosnia. Matthews is a member of Leadership South Carolina� s Class of 2007, and is a member of The Defense Research Institute, Inc., and the Greenville County, South Carolina and American Bar Associations. The law firm of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. is pleased to announce that two attorneys in its Greenville office were elected recently to membership in the Firm. Steve A. Matthews, Managing Director, said in making the announcement, ‽We welcome Brad Love and Jay Matthews as shareholders of the Firm. We are truly fortunate to have their capabilities and outstanding leadership skills: Brad is an exceptional public finance attorney, and Jay is a high-caliber litigator. Both are active in the community. Their depth of experience, dedication to the legal profession, and commitment to excellence will serve the Firm's clients well." GREENVILLE OFFICE (75 Beattie Place, Greenville, SC 29601; Ph: 864.240.3200) Bradford L. (Brad) Love is a Public Finance attorney whose practice concentrates primarily on governmental matters for cities, counties and special purpose districts. He has years of experience working on various types of general obligation and revenue bond transactions for governmental entities, as well as colleges, hospitals, and other nonprofit organizations. Following his graduation from the University of Georgia School of Law, cum laude, Love joined the Firm� s Greenville office in 1999. Active in the Upstate community and the state� s business arena, he is a frequent speaker on public finance and local government topics at industry meetings, including the South Carolina Special Purpose District Association, the Municipal Association of South Carolina, the GSA Business newspaper �" Municipal Government Forum, and numerous other conferences of elected and public officials. A resident of Greer, Love is a member of the South Carolina Association of County Attorneys, the National Association of Bond Lawyers, and the Greenville County and South Carolina Bar Associations. He is a former board member of Pendleton Place, having served as board treasurer, president and secretary. Love is also a graduate of Leadership Greenville� s Class of 2003. Named one of the ‽Best and Brightest 35 and Under” by Greenville Magazine in 2001, Love is a member of the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce. J.W. (Jay) Matthews III joined the Firm� s Greenville office in 2000, offering legal services to clients in a multitude of technology and business sectors. In addition to his extensive constructive law practice, Matthews has a wealth of experience in complex business, commercial, and technology-related disputes, where he represents clients in litigations involving business torts, products liability, intellectual property, and fiduciary law. Matthews has a particular depth of experience litigating cases involving the manufacturing and telecommunications industries. This South Carolina native graduated with high honors from the University of Florida's Fredric G. Levin College of Law in 2000 where he received the Gersten Key Award for Outstanding Graduate. A graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology in mechanical engineering in 1991, Matthews served in the Air Force as an engineer, managing deployments and construction projects in the Persian Gulf and Bosnia. Matthews is a member of Leadership South Carolina� s Class of 2007, and is a member of The Defense Research Institute, Inc., and the Greenville County, South Carolina and American Bar Associations. The law firm of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. is again ranked first among all bond counsel in South Carolina for mid-year 2006 based on the total amount of municipal bond issued, according to The Bond Buyer (August 10, 2006 issue), a daily newspaper serving the municipal bond industry. The Firm is also a leader in the Southeast serving as bond counsel for over $1.5 billion in bonds. Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd represents the State of South Carolina, counties, municipalities, hospitals and healthcare systems, political subdivisions and school districts, public utility systems, private and public colleges and universities and special purpose districts. The law firm of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. is again ranked first among all bond counsel in South Carolina for mid-year 2006 based on the total amount of municipal bond issued, according to The Bond Buyer (August 10, 2006 issue), a daily newspaper serving the municipal bond industry. The Firm is also a leader in the Southeast serving as bond counsel for over $1.5 billion in bonds. Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd represents the State of South Carolina, counties, municipalities, hospitals and healthcare systems, political subdivisions and school districts, public utility systems, private and public colleges and universities and special purpose districts. Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., has been named a top business and litigation law firm in South Carolina, according to Chambers USA, an annual UK publication that rates American law firms and attorneys. The 2006 Client� s Guide commends the Firm� s lawyers in the four offices statewide as ‽both outstanding and consistent” with a ‽highly visible and top quality reputation” in corporate and finance matters. In its third edition of America� s Leading Lawyers for Business 2006, the directory announces that Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. ranks as a number one law firm in South Carolina in legal services for Corporate/Mergers and Acquisitions and Litigation. Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd is also named a leading firm in Real Estate. Rankings were based on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by clients. Chambers USA also recognized the following Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd attorneys as leading practitioners in U.S. law firms: Charleston �" Office is located at 134 Meeting Street. John P. (Johnny) Linton was praised as an honorable, wise and reliable lawyer. He was also included in the listing of outstanding attorneys in Chambers USA 2004 and 2005. A past president of the Lowcountry Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Linton is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He received the Compleat Lawyer Award from the University of South Carolina School of Law Alumni Association and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Business Litigation. David M. Swanson ‽does a precise and impressive job,” according to those familiar with his work. His practice centers on retail, office and residential development work representing sellers, buyers and developers in the acquisition, disposition and financing of real estate projects. Swanson also regularly represents financial institutions and secured lenders in mortgage foreclosure matters. Columbia �" Office is located at 1201 Main Street. William C. (Bill) Boyd is ‽extremely knowledgeable and highly recommended” for finance deals and large-scale property acquisitions, according to Chambers USA. His clients also benefit from his significant corporate knowledge. Boyd is noted to have ‽decades of experience” in complex commercial transactions and general business advise. He is as a multi-skilled lawyer with proficiency in real estate matters. Also listed in the 2004 and 2005 Chambers USA directory, he serves as outside general counsel for a major South Carolina-based firm. Boyd is also listed in The Best Lawyers in America - Antitrust Law; Corporate, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Securities Law; and Real Estate Law. Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., has been named a top business and litigation law firm in South Carolina, according to Chambers USA, an annual UK publication that rates American law firms and attorneys. The 2006 Client� s Guide commends the Firm� s lawyers in the four offices statewide as ‽both outstanding and consistent” with a ‽highly visible and top quality reputation” in corporate and finance matters. In its third edition of America� s Leading Lawyers for Business 2006, the directory announces that Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. ranks as a number one law firm in South Carolina in legal services for Corporate/Mergers and Acquisitions and Litigation. Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd is also named a leading firm in Real Estate. Rankings were based on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by clients. Chambers USA also recognized the following Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd attorneys as leading practitioners in U.S. law firms: Charleston �" Office is located at 134 Meeting Street. John P. (Johnny) Linton was praised as an honorable, wise and reliable lawyer. He was also included in the listing of outstanding attorneys in Chambers USA 2004 and 2005. A past president of the Lowcountry Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Linton is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He received the Compleat Lawyer Award from the University of South Carolina School of Law Alumni Association and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Business Litigation. David M. Swanson ‽does a precise and impressive job,” according to those familiar with his work. His practice centers on retail, office and residential development work representing sellers, buyers and developers in the acquisition, disposition and financing of real estate projects. Swanson also regularly represents financial institutions and secured lenders in mortgage foreclosure matters. Columbia �" Office is located at 1201 Main Street. William C. (Bill) Boyd is ‽extremely knowledgeable and highly recommended” for finance deals and large-scale property acquisitions, according to Chambers USA. His clients also benefit from his significant corporate knowledge. Boyd is noted to have ‽decades of experience” in complex commercial transactions and general business advise. He is as a multi-skilled lawyer with proficiency in real estate matters. Also listed in the 2004 and 2005 Chambers USA directory, he serves as outside general counsel for a major South Carolina-based firm. Boyd is also listed in The Best Lawyers in America - Antitrust Law; Corporate, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Securities Law; and Real Estate Law. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1039 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1039&page=32 Address : P.O. Box 22437, Phone : 843-722-7733, City : Charleston http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1885 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1885&page=7 Address : P.O. Box 22828, Phone : 843-579-7000, City : Charleston http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1688 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1688&page=8 Address : P.O. Drawer 2426, Phone : 803-771-8900, City : Columbia Nexsen Pruet announced today that the firm� s Columbia office has completed its move to the new First Citizens Center at 1230 Main St., Suite 700. The move involved more than 200 people, and technology systems which support the firm� s seven offices located throughout North and South Carolina. ‽Considering we� d been in our previous location for almost 20 years, the relocation came off pretty seamlessly,” said W. Leighton Lord III, Chairman of the Board of Nexsen Pruet. ‽Nobody missed a beat, and we� re really happy to be in a place that will accommodate our growth, deliver some significant technological advantages, and allow us to dedicate more space for clients.” The First Citizens Center, completed in 2006, represents a significant investment in downtown Columbia. It includes a nine-story tower and a plaza space, as well as 170,000 square feet of office space. The bank's executive offices, its Columbia Main office, and several business lines and operations departments are housed there. "First Citizens has built a fantastic building,” said Lord. ‽The look of the building fits wonderfully into the downtown landscape, and the outside plaza is a beautiful addition to the area. We are proud to be a tenant." And like Nexsen Pruet, First Citizens has deep roots in the Carolinas. For close to 100 years, First Citizens Bank and Trust has served residents and businesses in South Carolina. "We warmly welcome our friends at Nexsen Pruet to the First Citizens Center,” said Jim Apple, Chairman and CEO of First Citizens. "Our shared roots in the community makes their presence a great fit and we are delighted they will be our neighbors." Nexsen Pruet occupies part of the fourth floor and all of the fifth, sixth, and seventh floors in the First Citizens building. Nexsen Pruet announced today that the firm� s Columbia office has completed its move to the new First Citizens Center at 1230 Main St., Suite 700. The move involved more than 200 people, and technology systems which support the firm� s seven offices located throughout North and South Carolina. ‽Considering we� d been in our previous location for almost 20 years, the relocation came off pretty seamlessly,” said W. Leighton Lord III, Chairman of the Board of Nexsen Pruet. ‽Nobody missed a beat, and we� re really happy to be in a place that will accommodate our growth, deliver some significant technological advantages, and allow us to dedicate more space for clients.” The First Citizens Center, completed in 2006, represents a significant investment in downtown Columbia. It includes a nine-story tower and a plaza space, as well as 170,000 square feet of office space. The bank's executive offices, its Columbia Main office, and several business lines and operations departments are housed there. "First Citizens has built a fantastic building,” said Lord. ‽The look of the building fits wonderfully into the downtown landscape, and the outside plaza is a beautiful addition to the area. We are proud to be a tenant." And like Nexsen Pruet, First Citizens has deep roots in the Carolinas. For close to 100 years, First Citizens Bank and Trust has served residents and businesses in South Carolina. "We warmly welcome our friends at Nexsen Pruet to the First Citizens Center,” said Jim Apple, Chairman and CEO of First Citizens. "Our shared roots in the community makes their presence a great fit and we are delighted they will be our neighbors." Nexsen Pruet occupies part of the fourth floor and all of the fifth, sixth, and seventh floors in the First Citizens building. Kirsten E. Small, who served as senior law clerk for the Honorable William W. Wilkins, Chief Judge of the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, has joined Nexsen Pruet� s Greenville office and will help to expand the firm� s appellate practice in state and federal courts. Small served with Judge Wilkins in 1994-1995 before assuming the senior clerk position, which she has held since 1996. She also clerked with Fourth Circuit Judge Karen Williams for a year. Her experience touches on a number of areas, including commercial litigation, labor and employment, and alternative dispute resolution. ‽Kirsten has a terrific understanding of the appellate process,” said board member, David Gossett, of Nexsen Pruet� s Greenville office. ‽She� s seen it from the inside, and knows how to prepare, handle, and argue an appeal.” Small earned her undergraduate degree from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, and her law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. Kirsten E. Small, who served as senior law clerk for the Honorable William W. Wilkins, Chief Judge of the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, has joined Nexsen Pruet� s Greenville office and will help to expand the firm� s appellate practice in state and federal courts. Small served with Judge Wilkins in 1994-1995 before assuming the senior clerk position, which she has held since 1996. She also clerked with Fourth Circuit Judge Karen Williams for a year. Her experience touches on a number of areas, including commercial litigation, labor and employment, and alternative dispute resolution. ‽Kirsten has a terrific understanding of the appellate process,” said board member, David Gossett, of Nexsen Pruet� s Greenville office. ‽She� s seen it from the inside, and knows how to prepare, handle, and argue an appeal.” Small earned her undergraduate degree from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, and her law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. W. Leighton Lord III, Chairman of the Board of Nexsen Pruet, has been elected Chair of the Midlands section of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and will serve on the organization� s statewide executive committee. With more than 36,000 members in 90 countries, ULI provides leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. It reflects the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines, and works in both private enterprise and public service. The South Carolina District Council, which has over 375 members, focuses on issues related to quality of growth and development, pursuing a statewide vision for responsible land use in recognition of the distinct qualities of the Upstate, the Midlands, and the Coastal regions of South Carolina. At Nexsen Pruet, Lord practices in the areas of real estate, partnership and corporate law, with a special emphasis on real estate finance, real estate development, commercial leasing, and state land sale registrations. Before joining Nexsen Pruet, he clerked for the Delaware Chancery Court and served for three years as staff counsel to the U. S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and his law degree from Vanderbilt. Lord is a member of the class of 2008 of the Liberty Fellowship, a statewide leadership initiative, He is also chairman of the board of Heathwood Hall Episcopal School; was a member of the Site Selection Committee for the City of Columbia homeless facility; and served on the executive committee of the Foundation for Columbia� s Future and on the South Carolina Venture Capital Authority. W. Leighton Lord III, Chairman of the Board of Nexsen Pruet, has been elected Chair of the Midlands section of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and will serve on the organization� s statewide executive committee. With more than 36,000 members in 90 countries, ULI provides leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. It reflects the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines, and works in both private enterprise and public service. The South Carolina District Council, which has over 375 members, focuses on issues related to quality of growth and development, pursuing a statewide vision for responsible land use in recognition of the distinct qualities of the Upstate, the Midlands, and the Coastal regions of South Carolina. At Nexsen Pruet, Lord practices in the areas of real estate, partnership and corporate law, with a special emphasis on real estate finance, real estate development, commercial leasing, and state land sale registrations. Before joining Nexsen Pruet, he clerked for the Delaware Chancery Court and served for three years as staff counsel to the U. S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and his law degree from Vanderbilt. Lord is a member of the class of 2008 of the Liberty Fellowship, a statewide leadership initiative, He is also chairman of the board of Heathwood Hall Episcopal School; was a member of the Site Selection Committee for the City of Columbia homeless facility; and served on the executive committee of the Foundation for Columbia� s Future and on the South Carolina Venture Capital Authority. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1756 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1756&page=23 Address : add1add2, Phone : , City : city http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=100090 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=100090&page=10 Address : P.O. Box 394, Phone : 803-779-2650, City : Columbia http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=179 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=179&page=11 Address : 1301 Gervais Street, Suite 900P.O. Box 11367 ,, Phone : 803-254-4035, City : Columbia http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=425 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=425&page=12 Address : P.O. Box 12487, Phone : 803-256-2660, City : Columbia Christian Stegmaier of Collins & Lacy will present ‽Defending a Food Liability Claim” at the 5th Annual Hospitality Law Conference February 8-9, 2007. This is the first time Stegmaier will present at the Conference. Stegmaier focuses his practice on appellate advocacy, retail and hospitality liability defense, and complex litigation. The Collins and Lacy Hospitality Practice Group represents clients in the hotel, restaurant and retail industries, providing defense counsel, court representation and mediation in tort/negligence actions. The firm� s focus includes premises liability, food adulteration, regulatory agency sanctions, Dram Shop liability, and tort actions of third persons. The Annual Hospitality Law Conference is designed for general counsel and executives of lodging, gaming, restaurant, and club operations; risk managers; directors of loss prevention; franchise service directors; attorneys practicing in the hospitality industry and hospitality law faculty and law students interested in a career in hospitality law. This year's conference provides break-out sessions in four different topic areas including Lodging, Food & Beverage, Human Resources & Labor Relations Track, and Safety, Security, and Risk Management. Some of the issues up for discussion include the condo bubble, immigration reform, closed circuit television, and minors and alcohol. There will also be seminars dealing with the aftermath of Katrina and other disasters, with the relationship between general counsel and outside counsel, and with the prevention of wage and hour class action lawsuits. The conference will be held Thursday and Friday, February 8-9, 2007, at the Hilton Post Oak in Houston, Texas. To register and for more information on accommodations, go to www.HospitalityLawyer.com. The cost, which includes a Thursday night wine tasting and product showcase, is $375 if you register before January 22, 2007 ($425 after). The cost for educators, students, and restaurant and lodging associations is $325. For attorneys, up to 12.25 CLE credits are available at no extra cost. HospitalityLawyer.com's Fifth Annual Conference is presented in coordination with the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the American Bar Association, the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Law Committee of the International Bar Association, the General Counsel Committee of the AH&LA, the Loss Prevention Management Institute, QSR Magazine and the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. The conference is underwritten by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and sponsors include Alvarez & Marsal, Best Western International, Forensic Analytical, and Advance Catastrophe Technologies, Inc. and RUME Corp. Christian Stegmaier of Collins & Lacy will present ‽Defending a Food Liability Claim” at the 5th Annual Hospitality Law Conference February 8-9, 2007. This is the first time Stegmaier will present at the Conference. Stegmaier focuses his practice on appellate advocacy, retail and hospitality liability defense, and complex litigation. The Collins and Lacy Hospitality Practice Group represents clients in the hotel, restaurant and retail industries, providing defense counsel, court representation and mediation in tort/negligence actions. The firm� s focus includes premises liability, food adulteration, regulatory agency sanctions, Dram Shop liability, and tort actions of third persons. The Annual Hospitality Law Conference is designed for general counsel and executives of lodging, gaming, restaurant, and club operations; risk managers; directors of loss prevention; franchise service directors; attorneys practicing in the hospitality industry and hospitality law faculty and law students interested in a career in hospitality law. This year's conference provides break-out sessions in four different topic areas including Lodging, Food & Beverage, Human Resources & Labor Relations Track, and Safety, Security, and Risk Management. Some of the issues up for discussion include the condo bubble, immigration reform, closed circuit television, and minors and alcohol. There will also be seminars dealing with the aftermath of Katrina and other disasters, with the relationship between general counsel and outside counsel, and with the prevention of wage and hour class action lawsuits. The conference will be held Thursday and Friday, February 8-9, 2007, at the Hilton Post Oak in Houston, Texas. To register and for more information on accommodations, go to www.HospitalityLawyer.com. The cost, which includes a Thursday night wine tasting and product showcase, is $375 if you register before January 22, 2007 ($425 after). The cost for educators, students, and restaurant and lodging associations is $325. For attorneys, up to 12.25 CLE credits are available at no extra cost. HospitalityLawyer.com's Fifth Annual Conference is presented in coordination with the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the American Bar Association, the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Law Committee of the International Bar Association, the General Counsel Committee of the AH&LA, the Loss Prevention Management Institute, QSR Magazine and the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. The conference is underwritten by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and sponsors include Alvarez & Marsal, Best Western International, Forensic Analytical, and Advance Catastrophe Technologies, Inc. and RUME Corp. Collins & Lacy, PC is pleased to announce that Rebecca C. Kirkland has joined the firm as an associate. Ms. Kirkland is a 2001 graduate of the University of North Carolina. She earned her law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2006. In law school, Rebecca served as Justice of Fundraising and Alumni Relations for Moot Court Bar, on the legislative council for the Student Bar Association and as Magister of Phi Delta Phi. Collins & Lacy, PC is pleased to announce that Rebecca C. Kirkland has joined the firm as an associate. Ms. Kirkland is a 2001 graduate of the University of North Carolina. She earned her law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2006. In law school, Rebecca served as Justice of Fundraising and Alumni Relations for Moot Court Bar, on the legislative council for the Student Bar Association and as Magister of Phi Delta Phi. A native of Union, South Carolina, Mr. Goings is a 2003 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Wofford College, where he served as Student Body President. At graduation, he was named the Most Outstanding Campus Citizen of 2003. At Wofford, Robert was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Blue Key Honor Society. He received his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2006. While clerking almost full-time at Collins and Lacy, Robert also participated in Moot Court and served as an editor of the Southeastern Environmental Journal. In 2006, he received the law school� s prestigious Claude Sapp Award. A native of Union, South Carolina, Mr. Goings is a 2003 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Wofford College, where he served as Student Body President. At graduation, he was named the Most Outstanding Campus Citizen of 2003. At Wofford, Robert was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Blue Key Honor Society. He received his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2006. While clerking almost full-time at Collins and Lacy, Robert also participated in Moot Court and served as an editor of the Southeastern Environmental Journal. In 2006, he received the law school� s prestigious Claude Sapp Award. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=478 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=478&page=13 Address : P.O. Box 11390, Phone : 803-799-9800, City : Columbia The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) announces that Governor Mark Sanford has appointed Sharon C. Bramlett as Chairman, Council of Advisors on Consumer Credit for the agency. Bramlett, an attorney with McNair Law Firm, PA, has been a member of the Council since 2001, serving under two Governors. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) announces that Governor Mark Sanford has appointed Sharon C. Bramlett as Chairman, Council of Advisors on Consumer Credit for the agency. Bramlett, an attorney with McNair Law Firm, PA, has been a member of the Council since 2001, serving under two Governors. Andrea C. Hergert has become an Associate of McNAIR LAW FIRM, P.A. in our Myrtle Beach, South Carolina office and her areas of practice are ESTATE PLANNING, PROBATE and TRUST ADMINISTRATION, GUARDIANSHIPS and CONSERVATORSHIPS and EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS. Ms. Hergert was graduated magna cum laude from Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a degree in business administration, and a concentration in the area of accounting in 1995. Andrea earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Dayton, School of Law in 1998. Andrea began her career in the tax department of Deloitte & Touche, LLP in Dayton, Ohio and moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1999 for a position with KPMG, LLP in its personal financial planning group. In 2001 Andrea joined the law firm of Hahn Howard and Green, LLP in their Phoenix and Sun City, Arizona offices before moving to Myrtle Beach in April 2006. Andrea is currently a member of the South Carolina Bar and the American and Arizona Bar Associations as well as the Grand Strand Area Estate Planning Council. Andrea C. Hergert has become an Associate of McNAIR LAW FIRM, P.A. in our Myrtle Beach, South Carolina office and her areas of practice are ESTATE PLANNING, PROBATE and TRUST ADMINISTRATION, GUARDIANSHIPS and CONSERVATORSHIPS and EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS. Ms. Hergert was graduated magna cum laude from Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a degree in business administration, and a concentration in the area of accounting in 1995. Andrea earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Dayton, School of Law in 1998. Andrea began her career in the tax department of Deloitte & Touche, LLP in Dayton, Ohio and moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1999 for a position with KPMG, LLP in its personal financial planning group. In 2001 Andrea joined the law firm of Hahn Howard and Green, LLP in their Phoenix and Sun City, Arizona offices before moving to Myrtle Beach in April 2006. Andrea is currently a member of the South Carolina Bar and the American and Arizona Bar Associations as well as the Grand Strand Area Estate Planning Council. McNAIR LAW FIRM, P.A. IS RECOGNIZED AGAIN THIS YEAR BY CHAMBERS USA, America� s Leading Lawyers for Business 2007 ® FOR ITS PRACTICE AREAS OF CORPORATE/MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS, REAL ESTATE and GENERAL COMMERCIAL LITIGATION and FIVE McNAIR SHAREHOLDERS ARE COMMENDED FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING LEGAL ABILITIES. CORPORATE/MERGERS and ACQUISITIONS CHAMBERS states that ‽Commentators report that this firm is ‽involved in a significant number of transactions throughout the state simply by virtue of its size.” With more than 100 lawyers it has ample capacity to handle transactions of high complexity and scale. The team is spread between eight offices across the state, in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Charleston, Georgetown, Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Anderson and Greenville. On the corporate side, the team handles mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, company reporting requirements, general corporate, partnership and financing matters. On the banking side, the group also takes on a range of work including: commercial and consumer lending, regulatory compliance, bank organization, and workouts. The team is frequently asked to act as local counsel in multistate transactions as it has ‽strong roots” in the community. Work with technology startup companies and private equity investors has been steadily growing, with the firm acting as South Carolina counsel…” CHAMBERS specifically mentions two McNAIR lawyers in this area of practice, John W. Currie and William M. Musser (both in McNAIR� s Columbia office). CHAMBERS says, ‽�~Wonderfully professional� � John Currie handles large transactions for large corporate clients in a �~direct, comprehensive and extremely well- managed� way, say peers.” CHAMBERS goes on to say that, William M. Musser ‽is a well-recognized expert in bonds and finance matters and displays �~excellent skills as a lawyer,� according to peers.” REAL ESTATE CHAMBERS singles out this practice area of McNAIR saying, ‽Sources report that the attorneys at this �~great firm� have �~substantial clients and are fantastic to deal with.� Around 30 lawyers handle a variety of real estate matters ranging from acquisitions, development work, environmental issues, foreclosures and workouts to leasing, land use and zoning matters. Lending and finance consumer credit and bank representation also form elements of the team� s practice.” ‽…Zoning is considered to be a particularly strong aspect of the team� s work. This year it advised on a number of mixed-use developments and undertook various timeshare closings…” CHAMBERS profiles two McNAIR lawyers in the real estate practice group, J. Sidney Boone, Jr. (McNAIR� s Charleston office) and Judith L. McInnis (McNAIR� s Columbia office). CHAMBERS states of Sid Boone that ‽Peers have the �~utmost regard� for Sidney Boone who is widely considered �~the lawyer to go to if you want to get a deal closed.� As one source put it: �~In complex transactions he is extremely capable at working with other lawyers to reach a solution.� ” CHAMBERS goes on to say ‽�~Superb problem-solver and creative thinker� Judith McInnis is �~great at implementing the directions of her clients,� say peers. She represents institutional lenders in a variety of lending and real estate financing situations including conduit lending and mezzanine financing.” GENERAL COMMERCIAL LITIGATION CHAMBERS states ‽This �~well-connected� statewide firm has an �~excellent client base and focuses on quality,� say peers. Its 35 attorneys are �~smart and have great integrity: it is hard to improve on that.� Both criminal and civil matters are taken on at state and federal level and the team also has experience of dealing with matters in trial and appellate courts. Niche areas of expertise include admiralty, pharmaceuticals, civil rights, public utility, foreclosure and professional malpractice liability, with healthcare, antitrust and immigration being busy areas for the firm this year. IP, including patents, trademarks and trade secrets, was also a healthy area of practice, with the team representing a clothes jobber in a trademark case concerning counterfeit goods.” CHAMBERS singles out Celeste T. Jones (McNAIR� s Columbia office) saying ‽Commentators give Celeste Jones �~high marks for her businesslike and reasonable approach.� What particularly impresses is her �~real capacity to get her point across effectively and her tenacity as a litigator.� Some recent engagements include white-collar criminal defense work focused on tax issues, and acting for a medical company that had allegedly failed to pay sales taxes.” McNAIR LAW FIRM, P.A. has eight offices in South Carolina and one in North Carolina. To learn more about the Firm or its attorneys please visit www.mcnair.net. For more information on CHAMBERS USA and the complete directory listing, visit www.CHAMBERSandpartners.co.uk . Apr. 23 , 2007 McNAIR LAW FIRM ELECTS NEW SHAREHOLDERS McNAIR LAW FIRM, P.A. IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT SARAH F. ROBERTSON has become a Shareholder of McNAIR LAW FIRM, P.A. Ms. Robertson became an Associate with the Firm by merger in our Hilton Head Island, South Carolina office in 2004. Sarah was graduated from the University of South Carolina, Honors College, B.A., English, magna cum laude, in 1994 where she was Phi Beta Kappa and a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society. She earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Emory University School of Law in 1997. Sarah� s practice areas are REAL ESTATE, CORPORATE and BUSINESS LAW. And that ROBERT M. DEEB, JR. has joined McNAIR LAW FIRM, P.A. as a Shareholder in its Hilton Head Island, South Carolina office and his areas of practice are COMMERCIAL and RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE LAW. Bob was graduated in 1982 with majors in Business and English from Stetson University. He subsequently attended the Stoney Brook campus of the State University of New York where he earned a Master� s Degree in English Literature. Bob earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of South Carolina, School of Law in 1992. His practice concentration includes real estate commercial and residential subdivisions, horizontal property regimes, planned unit developments, and property owner association representation. He also handles commercial and residential property acquisitions and loan closings. McNAIR LAW FIRM, P.A. IS RECOGNIZED AGAIN THIS YEAR BY CHAMBERS USA, America� s Leading Lawyers for Business 2007 ® FOR ITS PRACTICE AREAS OF CORPORATE/MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS, REAL ESTATE and GENERAL COMMERCIAL LITIGATION and FIVE McNAIR SHAREHOLDERS ARE COMMENDED FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING LEGAL ABILITIES. CORPORATE/MERGERS and ACQUISITIONS CHAMBERS states that ‽Commentators report that this firm is ‽involved in a significant number of transactions throughout the state simply by virtue of its size.” With more than 100 lawyers it has ample capacity to handle transactions of high complexity and scale. The team is spread between eight offices across the state, in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Charleston, Georgetown, Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Anderson and Greenville. On the corporate side, the team handles mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, company reporting requirements, general corporate, partnership and financing matters. On the banking side, the group also takes on a range of work including: commercial and consumer lending, regulatory compliance, bank organization, and workouts. The team is frequently asked to act as local counsel in multistate transactions as it has ‽strong roots” in the community. Work with technology startup companies and private equity investors has been steadily growing, with the firm acting as South Carolina counsel…” CHAMBERS specifically mentions two McNAIR lawyers in this area of practice, John W. Currie and William M. Musser (both in McNAIR� s Columbia office). CHAMBERS says, ‽�~Wonderfully professional� � John Currie handles large transactions for large corporate clients in a �~direct, comprehensive and extremely well- managed� way, say peers.” CHAMBERS goes on to say that, William M. Musser ‽is a well-recognized expert in bonds and finance matters and displays �~excellent skills as a lawyer,� according to peers.” REAL ESTATE CHAMBERS singles out this practice area of McNAIR saying, ‽Sources report that the attorneys at this �~great firm� have �~substantial clients and are fantastic to deal with.� Around 30 lawyers handle a variety of real estate matters ranging from acquisitions, development work, environmental issues, foreclosures and workouts to leasing, land use and zoning matters. Lending and finance consumer credit and bank representation also form elements of the team� s practice.” ‽…Zoning is considered to be a particularly strong aspect of the team� s work. This year it advised on a number of mixed-use developments and undertook various timeshare closings…” CHAMBERS profiles two McNAIR lawyers in the real estate practice group, J. Sidney Boone, Jr. (McNAIR� s Charleston office) and Judith L. McInnis (McNAIR� s Columbia office). CHAMBERS states of Sid Boone that ‽Peers have the �~utmost regard� for Sidney Boone who is widely considered �~the lawyer to go to if you want to get a deal closed.� As one source put it: �~In complex transactions he is extremely capable at working with other lawyers to reach a solution.� ” CHAMBERS goes on to say ‽�~Superb problem-solver and creative thinker� Judith McInnis is �~great at implementing the directions of her clients,� say peers. She represents institutional lenders in a variety of lending and real estate financing situations including conduit lending and mezzanine financing.” GENERAL COMMERCIAL LITIGATION CHAMBERS states ‽This �~well-connected� statewide firm has an �~excellent client base and focuses on quality,� say peers. Its 35 attorneys are �~smart and have great integrity: it is hard to improve on that.� Both criminal and civil matters are taken on at state and federal level and the team also has experience of dealing with matters in trial and appellate courts. Niche areas of expertise include admiralty, pharmaceuticals, civil rights, public utility, foreclosure and professional malpractice liability, with healthcare, antitrust and immigration being busy areas for the firm this year. IP, including patents, trademarks and trade secrets, was also a healthy area of practice, with the team representing a clothes jobber in a trademark case concerning counterfeit goods.” CHAMBERS singles out Celeste T. Jones (McNAIR� s Columbia office) saying ‽Commentators give Celeste Jones �~high marks for her businesslike and reasonable approach.� What particularly impresses is her �~real capacity to get her point across effectively and her tenacity as a litigator.� Some recent engagements include white-collar criminal defense work focused on tax issues, and acting for a medical company that had allegedly failed to pay sales taxes.” McNAIR LAW FIRM, P.A. has eight offices in South Carolina and one in North Carolina. To learn more about the Firm or its attorneys please visit www.mcnair.net. For more information on CHAMBERS USA and the complete directory listing, visit www.CHAMBERSandpartners.co.uk . Apr. 23 , 2007 McNAIR LAW FIRM ELECTS NEW SHAREHOLDERS McNAIR LAW FIRM, P.A. IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT SARAH F. ROBERTSON has become a Shareholder of McNAIR LAW FIRM, P.A. Ms. Robertson became an Associate with the Firm by merger in our Hilton Head Island, South Carolina office in 2004. Sarah was graduated from the University of South Carolina, Honors College, B.A., English, magna cum laude, in 1994 where she was Phi Beta Kappa and a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society. She earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Emory University School of Law in 1997. Sarah� s practice areas are REAL ESTATE, CORPORATE and BUSINESS LAW. And that ROBERT M. DEEB, JR. has joined McNAIR LAW FIRM, P.A. as a Shareholder in its Hilton Head Island, South Carolina office and his areas of practice are COMMERCIAL and RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE LAW. Bob was graduated in 1982 with majors in Business and English from Stetson University. He subsequently attended the Stoney Brook campus of the State University of New York where he earned a Master� s Degree in English Literature. Bob earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of South Carolina, School of Law in 1992. His practice concentration includes real estate commercial and residential subdivisions, horizontal property regimes, planned unit developments, and property owner association representation. He also handles commercial and residential property acquisitions and loan closings. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1611 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1611&page=14 Address : 1320 Main Street17th Floor ,, Phone : 803-799-2000, City : Columbia Three new associates have joined Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough in its Raleigh office: Elizabeth B. Frock represents health care providers in litigation, transactions and regulatory proceedings. She earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, in 2007 from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where she received honors in both Legal Research Writing and Appellate Advocacy. She was a member of the Justice Campbell Thornal Moot Court Team, where she served on the Executive Board. At the 2007 George Mason University Law and Economics Moot Court Competition, she was a semi-finalist and won the award for best brief. She also studied abroad in Paris and Montpellier, France. A former Nelson Mullins summer associate, prior to law school she worked as a legal assistant for a law firm in Washington, D.C., where she gained experience in products liability. She earned an A.B. degree in Politics and Economics in 2002 from Princeton University. While at Princeton, she was a member of the Varsity Swim Team. Kelli Goss Hopkins, AIA, a North Carolina licensed architect, practices in the areas of construction law and government contracts. Ms. Hopkins is admitted to practice in all North Carolina State courts. Before law school, she was a partner in a prominent architectural firm in Raleigh, N.C., where she served as director of Commercial & Corporate Architecture. Ms. Hopkins designed, managed, and supervised construction administration on notable multimillion-dollar projects including 510 Glenwood Avenue Mixed Use project, Baity Hill Married Student Housing for UNC Chapel Hill, and the Capital Park Community Center. Ms. Hopkins has been involved in all phases of commercial, governmental, and institutional projects. Her experience includes schematic design, design development, construction documents, building code compliance, and building permit reviews at the city level and with State Construction. She has appeared before town councils, appearance commissions, and boards of trustees. She earned a Juris Doctor in 2007 from the University of North Carolina School of Law and a Master of Architecture degree from North Carolina State University School of Design. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Design from Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. Farah Lisa Whitley-Sebti practices in the area of business litigation, with a focus on defending cases for financial services industry clients, including claims arising under the Truth in Lending Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, state unfair or deceptive trade practices acts, predatory lending and usury statutes, and state common law claim theories. Before attending law school, Ms. Whitley-Sebti worked in New York City for a major national magazine in marketing, public relations, and promotions. She earned her Juris Doctor in 2007 from the University of North Carolina School of Law and also studied at La Sorbonne University in Paris. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1999 from East Carolina University and also attended Duke University. She is conversational in French. Three new associates have joined Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough in its Raleigh office: Elizabeth B. Frock represents health care providers in litigation, transactions and regulatory proceedings. She earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, in 2007 from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where she received honors in both Legal Research Writing and Appellate Advocacy. She was a member of the Justice Campbell Thornal Moot Court Team, where she served on the Executive Board. At the 2007 George Mason University Law and Economics Moot Court Competition, she was a semi-finalist and won the award for best brief. She also studied abroad in Paris and Montpellier, France. A former Nelson Mullins summer associate, prior to law school she worked as a legal assistant for a law firm in Washington, D.C., where she gained experience in products liability. She earned an A.B. degree in Politics and Economics in 2002 from Princeton University. While at Princeton, she was a member of the Varsity Swim Team. Kelli Goss Hopkins, AIA, a North Carolina licensed architect, practices in the areas of construction law and government contracts. Ms. Hopkins is admitted to practice in all North Carolina State courts. Before law school, she was a partner in a prominent architectural firm in Raleigh, N.C., where she served as director of Commercial & Corporate Architecture. Ms. Hopkins designed, managed, and supervised construction administration on notable multimillion-dollar projects including 510 Glenwood Avenue Mixed Use project, Baity Hill Married Student Housing for UNC Chapel Hill, and the Capital Park Community Center. Ms. Hopkins has been involved in all phases of commercial, governmental, and institutional projects. Her experience includes schematic design, design development, construction documents, building code compliance, and building permit reviews at the city level and with State Construction. She has appeared before town councils, appearance commissions, and boards of trustees. She earned a Juris Doctor in 2007 from the University of North Carolina School of Law and a Master of Architecture degree from North Carolina State University School of Design. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Design from Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. Farah Lisa Whitley-Sebti practices in the area of business litigation, with a focus on defending cases for financial services industry clients, including claims arising under the Truth in Lending Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, state unfair or deceptive trade practices acts, predatory lending and usury statutes, and state common law claim theories. Before attending law school, Ms. Whitley-Sebti worked in New York City for a major national magazine in marketing, public relations, and promotions. She earned her Juris Doctor in 2007 from the University of North Carolina School of Law and also studied at La Sorbonne University in Paris. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1999 from East Carolina University and also attended Duke University. She is conversational in French. Two attorneys with extensive corporate experience, particularly in the health care industry, have joined Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough in its Washington office, boosting the Firm's ability to serve its corporate and health care clients from the nation's capital. Attorney Alexis GilroyHelen Elisabeth Quick joins the Firm as a partner focusing her practice in corporate, health care and securities, while Alexis Slagle Gilroy joins as an associate and advises clients on a wide range of corporate, tax, and regulatory issues. Ms. Quick has an extensive history advising clients on a wide range of corporate, tax, employment, and regulatory issues both within and outside the health care field. Her experience includes structuring, negotiating, and documenting purchase and sale transactions, mergers, joint ventures, private financings such as asset-based, cash-flow and real estate loan transactions, and private equity and venture capital equity transactions. In addition, Ms. Quick provides legal guidance regarding general contracting, licensing, and strategic planning matter, and she regularly assists clients with implementing the building blocks of an effective corporate governance and compliance program. Ms. Quick is the co-author with Lynn Shapiro Snyder, founder of the Woman Business Leaders of the Healthcare Industry Foundation and a senior partner at Epstein, Becker & Green, P.C., of ‽Answering the Call: Understanding the Duties Risks and Rewards of Corporate Governance.” Ms. Quick is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and Maryland. She is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association and the Women Business Leaders of the Health Care Industry Foundation. Prior to joining the Firm, Ms. Quick worked for the last five years as a partner at the leading health care law firm in Washington, D.C. Her experience also includes spending nearly five years as in house counsel for two technology companies, most recently as Vice President and General Counsel for a Washington, D.C. based broadband communications company. Ms. Quick began her career as a corporate transactional attorney for a total of six years at two leading law firms in Washington, D.C., and New York. In 1991, Ms. Quick earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Philosophy from the University of Virginia in 1988. Also experienced in the representation of clients in the health care industry, Ms. Gilroy provides strategic advice, negotiates, and documents transactions involving private debt and equity, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, governance issues, licensing requirements, corporate reorganizations and general and complex contractual arrangements. Ms. Gilroy is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and the State of Georgia. She is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association, the District of Columbia Bar, the State of Georgia Bar, and the National Association of Women Lawyers. In 2002, Ms. Gilroy earned a Juris Doctor from American University, Washington College of Law. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors and distinction, as a Morehead Scholar and Dean's Fellow from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1998. Two attorneys with extensive corporate experience, particularly in the health care industry, have joined Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough in its Washington office, boosting the Firm's ability to serve its corporate and health care clients from the nation's capital. Attorney Alexis GilroyHelen Elisabeth Quick joins the Firm as a partner focusing her practice in corporate, health care and securities, while Alexis Slagle Gilroy joins as an associate and advises clients on a wide range of corporate, tax, and regulatory issues. Ms. Quick has an extensive history advising clients on a wide range of corporate, tax, employment, and regulatory issues both within and outside the health care field. Her experience includes structuring, negotiating, and documenting purchase and sale transactions, mergers, joint ventures, private financings such as asset-based, cash-flow and real estate loan transactions, and private equity and venture capital equity transactions. In addition, Ms. Quick provides legal guidance regarding general contracting, licensing, and strategic planning matter, and she regularly assists clients with implementing the building blocks of an effective corporate governance and compliance program. Ms. Quick is the co-author with Lynn Shapiro Snyder, founder of the Woman Business Leaders of the Healthcare Industry Foundation and a senior partner at Epstein, Becker & Green, P.C., of ‽Answering the Call: Understanding the Duties Risks and Rewards of Corporate Governance.” Ms. Quick is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and Maryland. She is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association and the Women Business Leaders of the Health Care Industry Foundation. Prior to joining the Firm, Ms. Quick worked for the last five years as a partner at the leading health care law firm in Washington, D.C. Her experience also includes spending nearly five years as in house counsel for two technology companies, most recently as Vice President and General Counsel for a Washington, D.C. based broadband communications company. Ms. Quick began her career as a corporate transactional attorney for a total of six years at two leading law firms in Washington, D.C., and New York. In 1991, Ms. Quick earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Philosophy from the University of Virginia in 1988. Also experienced in the representation of clients in the health care industry, Ms. Gilroy provides strategic advice, negotiates, and documents transactions involving private debt and equity, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, governance issues, licensing requirements, corporate reorganizations and general and complex contractual arrangements. Ms. Gilroy is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and the State of Georgia. She is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association, the District of Columbia Bar, the State of Georgia Bar, and the National Association of Women Lawyers. In 2002, Ms. Gilroy earned a Juris Doctor from American University, Washington College of Law. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors and distinction, as a Morehead Scholar and Dean's Fellow from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1998. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough Partner George B. Wolfe has returned to Columbia to resume full-time his South Carolina-focused practice after three years as managing partner of the Firm's Washington office. He will focus primarily on economic development issues along with corporate and governmental law. "I have spent most of my professional life working to promote economic development in South Carolina, and it is great to move back home to rededicate myself fully to that mission," Mr. Wolfe said. Mr. Wolfe oversaw the Washington office's growth after its opening in 2004 to its current 23 attorneys and governmental consultants. He will continue to represent clients in Washington. Mr. Wolfe chairs the Firm's Economic Development Practice Group. He has represented numerous foreign and domestic companies making new or expanded investments in South Carolina, including some of the largest investments in the history of the state. For his work in economic development, Mr. Wolfe has twice been awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian award given by a South Carolina governor, and the South Carolina Department of Revenue Public Service Award. Mr. Wolfe returned to Nelson Mullins in 2004 after serving three years in the administration of President George W. Bush as Deputy General Counsel and Counselor to the Secretary for the Department of the Treasury. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough Partner George B. Wolfe has returned to Columbia to resume full-time his South Carolina-focused practice after three years as managing partner of the Firm's Washington office. He will focus primarily on economic development issues along with corporate and governmental law. "I have spent most of my professional life working to promote economic development in South Carolina, and it is great to move back home to rededicate myself fully to that mission," Mr. Wolfe said. Mr. Wolfe oversaw the Washington office's growth after its opening in 2004 to its current 23 attorneys and governmental consultants. He will continue to represent clients in Washington. Mr. Wolfe chairs the Firm's Economic Development Practice Group. He has represented numerous foreign and domestic companies making new or expanded investments in South Carolina, including some of the largest investments in the history of the state. For his work in economic development, Mr. Wolfe has twice been awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian award given by a South Carolina governor, and the South Carolina Department of Revenue Public Service Award. Mr. Wolfe returned to Nelson Mullins in 2004 after serving three years in the administration of President George W. Bush as Deputy General Counsel and Counselor to the Secretary for the Department of the Treasury. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1750 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1750&page=15 Address : P.O. Drawer 7788, Phone : 803-771-4400, City : Columbia http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1993 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1993&page=16 Address : P.O. Box 728, Phone : 864-242-8200, City : Greenville Wyche Burgess Freeman & Parham, P.A. law firm announced today that William M. Wilson III and Matthew T. Richardson have been invited to membership in the firm and John S. Harvey and David H. Koysza have joined the firm as associates. Mr. Wilson joined the Wyche firm in 2000 and concentrates his practice in litigation. Prior to joining the Wyche firm, Mr. Wilson served as law clerk to the Honorable Henry M. Herlong, Jr., United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. He is a 1991 magna cum laude graduate of Davidson College and earned his law degree with high honors from the University of North Carolina in 1998. While in law school, he was an editor on the North Carolina Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif. Mr. Wilson is a member of the current Leadership Greenville Class XXXIII. Mr. Richardson joined the Wyche firm in 2001 and concentrates his practice in litigation. Before joining the firm, he served as law clerk to the Honorable Kaye G. Hearn, South Carolina Court of Appeals, and to the Honorable Patrick Michael Duffy, United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. A graduate of Duke University with a degree in Economics, he earned his law degree in 1998 from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he was Editor in Chief of the South Carolina Law Review and a member of the Order of the Wig and Robe. Mr. Richardson serves on the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center and as a member of the Board of Governors of the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association. He has served as President of the South Carolina Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Mr. Harvey joined the Wyche firm as a corporate paralegal in 1997. He received his B.A. degree summa cum laude from Drew University in 1990, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his M.B.A. from Clemson University� s evening program in 2002 and graduated with honors in 2006 from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he earned membership in the Order of the Coif and the Order of the Wig and Robe. Mr. Harvey was a South Carolina Legal Scholar and received CALI Awards (American Jurisprudence) for Legal Drafting, Professional Responsibility and Torts. Mr. Harvey concentrates his practice in corporate law. Mr. Koysza joined the Wyche firm in 2006 and concentrates his practice in litigation. Prior to joining the Wyche firm, he served as law clerk to the Honorable William W. Wilkins, Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 2004-05, and he practiced appellate litigation with the U.S. Solicitor General in Washington, D.C., 2005-06. Mr. Koysza earned his undergraduate degree magna cum laude in 2001 from Furman University, and his law degree magna cum laude in 2004 from Duke University School of Law, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif, served as Executive Editor of the Duke Law Journal, and was the winner of the Hardt Cup Moot Court Competition. He also serves as a coach for Furman University's mock trial program. Wyche Burgess Freeman & Parham, P.A. law firm announced today that William M. Wilson III and Matthew T. Richardson have been invited to membership in the firm and John S. Harvey and David H. Koysza have joined the firm as associates. Mr. Wilson joined the Wyche firm in 2000 and concentrates his practice in litigation. Prior to joining the Wyche firm, Mr. Wilson served as law clerk to the Honorable Henry M. Herlong, Jr., United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. He is a 1991 magna cum laude graduate of Davidson College and earned his law degree with high honors from the University of North Carolina in 1998. While in law school, he was an editor on the North Carolina Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif. Mr. Wilson is a member of the current Leadership Greenville Class XXXIII. Mr. Richardson joined the Wyche firm in 2001 and concentrates his practice in litigation. Before joining the firm, he served as law clerk to the Honorable Kaye G. Hearn, South Carolina Court of Appeals, and to the Honorable Patrick Michael Duffy, United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. A graduate of Duke University with a degree in Economics, he earned his law degree in 1998 from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he was Editor in Chief of the South Carolina Law Review and a member of the Order of the Wig and Robe. Mr. Richardson serves on the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center and as a member of the Board of Governors of the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association. He has served as President of the South Carolina Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Mr. Harvey joined the Wyche firm as a corporate paralegal in 1997. He received his B.A. degree summa cum laude from Drew University in 1990, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his M.B.A. from Clemson University� s evening program in 2002 and graduated with honors in 2006 from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he earned membership in the Order of the Coif and the Order of the Wig and Robe. Mr. Harvey was a South Carolina Legal Scholar and received CALI Awards (American Jurisprudence) for Legal Drafting, Professional Responsibility and Torts. Mr. Harvey concentrates his practice in corporate law. Mr. Koysza joined the Wyche firm in 2006 and concentrates his practice in litigation. Prior to joining the Wyche firm, he served as law clerk to the Honorable William W. Wilkins, Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 2004-05, and he practiced appellate litigation with the U.S. Solicitor General in Washington, D.C., 2005-06. Mr. Koysza earned his undergraduate degree magna cum laude in 2001 from Furman University, and his law degree magna cum laude in 2004 from Duke University School of Law, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif, served as Executive Editor of the Duke Law Journal, and was the winner of the Hardt Cup Moot Court Competition. He also serves as a coach for Furman University's mock trial program. More than two thirds of the members of Wyche Burgess Freeman & Parham law firm have been selected by their peers as among the best attorneys in their respective fields of practice in the 2007 edition of The Best Lawyers In America. The Wyche firm is ranked first in Greenville and fifth in the state of South Carolina for number of lawyers included in the Best Lawyers listings. Wyche also ranked first in the State for the number of attorneys selected in the practice areas of Corporate, First Amendment and "Bet-the-Company" Litigation. Nationally the firm is third in the number of lawyers named in the area of First Amendment law and seventh in "Bet-the-Company" Litigation. Five Wyche attorneys have been included in Best Lawyers for ten years or more, and David Freeman has been listed for at least twenty years. More than two thirds of the members of Wyche Burgess Freeman & Parham law firm have been selected by their peers as among the best attorneys in their respective fields of practice in the 2007 edition of The Best Lawyers In America. The Wyche firm is ranked first in Greenville and fifth in the state of South Carolina for number of lawyers included in the Best Lawyers listings. Wyche also ranked first in the State for the number of attorneys selected in the practice areas of Corporate, First Amendment and "Bet-the-Company" Litigation. Nationally the firm is third in the number of lawyers named in the area of First Amendment law and seventh in "Bet-the-Company" Litigation. Five Wyche attorneys have been included in Best Lawyers for ten years or more, and David Freeman has been listed for at least twenty years. Wyche, Burgess, Freeman & Parham, P.A. law firm announced today that Melinda Davis Lux and Terrell W. Mills have been named members of the firm Melinda Davis Lux joined the Wyche firm in 2002 as an Associate and concentrates her practice in Mergers and Acquisitions, Securities and Corporate law. Ms. Davis Lux earned her law degree from Yale University in 1998, then served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Alexander B. Denson, U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina 1998-99. She was formerly an Associate at Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP in Winston- Salem, North Carolina, 1999-2002. Ms Davis Lux is a 1995 summa cum laude graduate of Wellesley College, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She earned her M.B.A. in 2006 from Clemson University (Evening Program) and is a member of Beta Kappa Sigma. Terrell W. Mills concentrates his law practice in the areas of Technology, Intellectual Property and Corporate Mergers and Acquisitions. Mr. Mills received his engineering degree with honors from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1988. As a Management Consultant for seven years, he specialized in software design, development, implementation and integration. He earned his law degree from the University of Richmond Law School, graduating first in his class magna cum laude in 1999. He was an Associate at McCandlish Kaine, P.C. in Virginia for a year before joining the Wyche firm in 2000. Mr. Mills is a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 30. Wyche, Burgess, Freeman & Parham, P. A., with offices in Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina, is the South Carolina member of Lex Mundi, the world� s leading association of independent law firms. Wyche, Burgess, Freeman & Parham, P.A. law firm announced today that Melinda Davis Lux and Terrell W. Mills have been named members of the firm Melinda Davis Lux joined the Wyche firm in 2002 as an Associate and concentrates her practice in Mergers and Acquisitions, Securities and Corporate law. Ms. Davis Lux earned her law degree from Yale University in 1998, then served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Alexander B. Denson, U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina 1998-99. She was formerly an Associate at Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP in Winston- Salem, North Carolina, 1999-2002. Ms Davis Lux is a 1995 summa cum laude graduate of Wellesley College, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She earned her M.B.A. in 2006 from Clemson University (Evening Program) and is a member of Beta Kappa Sigma. Terrell W. Mills concentrates his law practice in the areas of Technology, Intellectual Property and Corporate Mergers and Acquisitions. Mr. Mills received his engineering degree with honors from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1988. As a Management Consultant for seven years, he specialized in software design, development, implementation and integration. He earned his law degree from the University of Richmond Law School, graduating first in his class magna cum laude in 1999. He was an Associate at McCandlish Kaine, P.C. in Virginia for a year before joining the Wyche firm in 2000. Mr. Mills is a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 30. Wyche, Burgess, Freeman & Parham, P. A., with offices in Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina, is the South Carolina member of Lex Mundi, the world� s leading association of independent law firms. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2612 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2612&page=31 Address : 3710 Landmark Drive, Suite 400P.O. Box 8057 ,, Phone : 803-799-9091, City : Columbia http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=101 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=101&page=18 Address : 1611 Devonshire DriveSecond Floor, P.O. Box 8568, Phone : 803-806-8222, City : Columbia http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=576 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=576&page=19 Address : P.O. Box 2285, Phone : 803-254-4190, City : Columbia To better reflect Home Works' geographic coverage, the Board of Directors changed the name Home Works of South Carolina, Inc. to Home Works of America, Inc. in October 2006 and on May 15, 2007 W. Cliff Moore, III of Ellis, Lawhorne & Sims, P.A. in Columbia, became the Chairman of the Board. Cliff Moore graduated from The Citadel in 1980 with a B.A. and from University of South Carolina School of Law in 1983, with a J.D. Cliff serves on the South Carolina Bar's Nominating Committee, has been a member of the House of Delegates since 1994, is a past chair of the Bar's Pro Bono Committee and the Access to Justice Committee. Cliff has also served on the Bar's Access to Justice Committee for more than two decades and has been recognized for his service on two occasions with Pro Bono Service Awards. Cliff also invests time in the community. As part of his volunteer work, for more than 20 years, he has been involved in youth activities through the Columbia Kiwanis Club. Since 2003, Cliff has led youth groups on home repair missions with Home Works. Since 1996, Home Works has repaired more than 1,000 homes of the elderly and disadvantaged in Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Zorritos, Peru. Conveying hope to the homeowners has been made possible due to over 14,000 adult volunteers from around the United States. To better reflect Home Works' geographic coverage, the Board of Directors changed the name Home Works of South Carolina, Inc. to Home Works of America, Inc. in October 2006 and on May 15, 2007 W. Cliff Moore, III of Ellis, Lawhorne & Sims, P.A. in Columbia, became the Chairman of the Board. Cliff Moore graduated from The Citadel in 1980 with a B.A. and from University of South Carolina School of Law in 1983, with a J.D. Cliff serves on the South Carolina Bar's Nominating Committee, has been a member of the House of Delegates since 1994, is a past chair of the Bar's Pro Bono Committee and the Access to Justice Committee. Cliff has also served on the Bar's Access to Justice Committee for more than two decades and has been recognized for his service on two occasions with Pro Bono Service Awards. Cliff also invests time in the community. As part of his volunteer work, for more than 20 years, he has been involved in youth activities through the Columbia Kiwanis Club. Since 2003, Cliff has led youth groups on home repair missions with Home Works. Since 1996, Home Works has repaired more than 1,000 homes of the elderly and disadvantaged in Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Zorritos, Peru. Conveying hope to the homeowners has been made possible due to over 14,000 adult volunteers from around the United States. The South Carolina Bar Young Lawyer� s Division� s Justice Jam 2007 was awarded First Place for Service to the Public by the Young Lawyer� s Division of the American Bar Association for the fiscal year 2006-07. Ellis Lawhorne� s Genevieve Nissen served as the Justice Jam committee chair last year and has graciously accepted the position for the fiscal year 2008-09. Justice Jam raised over $3,000 for the South Carolina Bar� s Pro Bono Program, which offers legal services to the indigent. Stay tuned for details about Justice Jam 2008! The South Carolina Bar Young Lawyer� s Division� s Justice Jam 2007 was awarded First Place for Service to the Public by the Young Lawyer� s Division of the American Bar Association for the fiscal year 2006-07. Ellis Lawhorne� s Genevieve Nissen served as the Justice Jam committee chair last year and has graciously accepted the position for the fiscal year 2008-09. Justice Jam raised over $3,000 for the South Carolina Bar� s Pro Bono Program, which offers legal services to the indigent. Stay tuned for details about Justice Jam 2008! Ellis, Lawhorne & Sims, P.A., has named long-time South Carolina businessman Thomas J. Little, Jr., as the firm� s new executive director, effective July 30. Little brings more than 30 years of administrative and executive-level managerial experience in the financial services industry to Ellis Lawhorne, which complements the firm� s business-related clientele. Most recently, he served as chief human resources executive and was a member of the management operating committee for NetBank, Inc., formerly Resource Bancshares Mortgage Group, Inc. Little also served as a senior vice president of human resources for Wachovia Bank of South Carolina. In his new role at Ellis Lawhorne, Little will implement the firm� s strategic plan as well as oversee day-to-day operations. ‽Tommy is an exceptional addition to our firm,” says Ellis Lawhorne managing shareholder Bill McElveen. ‽His management expertise goes beyond that of a traditional law firm. Tommy is well known throughout South Carolina� s business community and his position is part of our commitment to improve our client services and grow strategically within the market.” A Columbia native, Little earned his bachelor of arts degree in behavioral sciences at the University of South Carolina. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Graduate School of Business Administration Young Executives Institute. Currently he serves as chairman of the board of directors of the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation. He has served on numerous committees for the South Carolina Bankers Association, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the Affordable Housing Study Committee, and on the board of directors of the Columbia Urban League. Little has held leadership positions at the state and national level of the Society for Human Resource Management and in 1994 was recognized as the South Carolina Human Resource Professional of the Year. Ellis, Lawhorne & Sims, P.A., has named long-time South Carolina businessman Thomas J. Little, Jr., as the firm� s new executive director, effective July 30. Little brings more than 30 years of administrative and executive-level managerial experience in the financial services industry to Ellis Lawhorne, which complements the firm� s business-related clientele. Most recently, he served as chief human resources executive and was a member of the management operating committee for NetBank, Inc., formerly Resource Bancshares Mortgage Group, Inc. Little also served as a senior vice president of human resources for Wachovia Bank of South Carolina. In his new role at Ellis Lawhorne, Little will implement the firm� s strategic plan as well as oversee day-to-day operations. ‽Tommy is an exceptional addition to our firm,” says Ellis Lawhorne managing shareholder Bill McElveen. ‽His management expertise goes beyond that of a traditional law firm. Tommy is well known throughout South Carolina� s business community and his position is part of our commitment to improve our client services and grow strategically within the market.” A Columbia native, Little earned his bachelor of arts degree in behavioral sciences at the University of South Carolina. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Graduate School of Business Administration Young Executives Institute. Currently he serves as chairman of the board of directors of the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation. He has served on numerous committees for the South Carolina Bankers Association, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the Affordable Housing Study Committee, and on the board of directors of the Columbia Urban League. Little has held leadership positions at the state and national level of the Society for Human Resource Management and in 1994 was recognized as the South Carolina Human Resource Professional of the Year. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=697 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=697&page=20 Address : 1300 Pickens Street, Phone : 803-252-5817, City : Columbia http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1317 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1317&page=21 Address : P.O. Box 12519, Phone : 803-779-2300, City : Columbia The law firm of McAngus Goudelock & Courie, LLC is pleased to announce that members Hugh McAngus, Rusty Goudelock, Scott Garrett, Steve Benjamin, Doc Morgan, and Jack Holmes have been selected by their peers as among the best attorneys in their respective fields of practice in the 2008 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Mr. McAngus graduated from the University of the South, and received his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He has concentrated his practice in the area of workers' compensation law for more than thirty years. Mr. Goudelock graduated from The Citadel with a degree in business administration and obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He practices in the areas of workers' compensation and employment law. Mr. Garrett graduated from Western Carolina University and is a cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law. He concentrates his practice in the area of workers' compensation law. Mr. Benjamin graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in political science, and received his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He practices in the areas of governmental relations law, business litigation, municipal finance, procurement, and administrative and regulatory law. Mr. Morgan graduated from The Citadel, and he received his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He practices in the areas of insurance law, personal injury, arson and insurance fraud, bad faith, premises liability, products liability, and health care law. Mr. Holmes graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Business Administration, and he obtained his Juris Doctorate from the College of William and Mary. He concentrates his practice in the are of workers' compensation law. The law firm of McAngus Goudelock & Courie, LLC is pleased to announce that members Hugh McAngus, Rusty Goudelock, Scott Garrett, Steve Benjamin, Doc Morgan, and Jack Holmes have been selected by their peers as among the best attorneys in their respective fields of practice in the 2008 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Mr. McAngus graduated from the University of the South, and received his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He has concentrated his practice in the area of workers' compensation law for more than thirty years. Mr. Goudelock graduated from The Citadel with a degree in business administration and obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He practices in the areas of workers' compensation and employment law. Mr. Garrett graduated from Western Carolina University and is a cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law. He concentrates his practice in the area of workers' compensation law. Mr. Benjamin graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in political science, and received his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He practices in the areas of governmental relations law, business litigation, municipal finance, procurement, and administrative and regulatory law. Mr. Morgan graduated from The Citadel, and he received his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He practices in the areas of insurance law, personal injury, arson and insurance fraud, bad faith, premises liability, products liability, and health care law. Mr. Holmes graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Business Administration, and he obtained his Juris Doctorate from the College of William and Mary. He concentrates his practice in the are of workers' compensation law. McAngus Goudelock & Courie, LLC is pleased to announce that Ike Johnson has joined the firm as a member of the Greenville office. He practices in the area of litigation including criminal defense, personal injury, business tort, products liability, premises liability, and insurance coverage. Ike received his Bachelors degree from the University of South Carolina in 1981, and his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1986. He is a former Assistant Solicitor for the Eighth and Thirteenth Judicial Circuits. In the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Ike was a violent crimes prosecutor and was the first prosecutor to serve as advisor and liaison to all law enforcement agencies in Greenville County. He is also a former Assistant United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina. As a federal prosecutor he prosecuted violent crimes and narcotics cases. Ike is a graduate of Leadership Greenwood. He serves as a member of the South Carolina Board of Optometry. Ike is also a board member of the Urban League of the Upstate, and Communities in Schools of Greenville County. He is a member of the Greenville County Chamber of Commerce. Ike is admitted to practice in the South Carolina Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. McAngus Goudelock & Courie, LLC is pleased to announce that Ike Johnson has joined the firm as a member of the Greenville office. He practices in the area of litigation including criminal defense, personal injury, business tort, products liability, premises liability, and insurance coverage. Ike received his Bachelors degree from the University of South Carolina in 1981, and his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1986. He is a former Assistant Solicitor for the Eighth and Thirteenth Judicial Circuits. In the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Ike was a violent crimes prosecutor and was the first prosecutor to serve as advisor and liaison to all law enforcement agencies in Greenville County. He is also a former Assistant United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina. As a federal prosecutor he prosecuted violent crimes and narcotics cases. Ike is a graduate of Leadership Greenwood. He serves as a member of the South Carolina Board of Optometry. Ike is also a board member of the Urban League of the Upstate, and Communities in Schools of Greenville County. He is a member of the Greenville County Chamber of Commerce. Ike is admitted to practice in the South Carolina Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. McAngus Goudelock & Courie, LLC is pleased to announce that Lori Jones has joined the firm� s Raleigh office. She concentrates her practice in the area of civil litigation including the areas of personal injury defense, construction litigation, and insurance coverage disputes. Lori received her Bachelor of Science degree in zoology and Bachelor of Arts in multi-disciplinary studies from North Carolina State University where she was a Thomas Jefferson Scholar. She continued her graduate education at North Carolina State University where she received her Master of Zoology degree. Lori graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law. While in law school, she served on the North Carolina Law Review. Lori also was on the National Moot Court Team. She is licensed to practice in both state and federal courts in North Carolina. Lori is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys, and the Defense Research Institute. McAngus Goudelock & Courie, LLC is pleased to announce that Lori Jones has joined the firm� s Raleigh office. She concentrates her practice in the area of civil litigation including the areas of personal injury defense, construction litigation, and insurance coverage disputes. Lori received her Bachelor of Science degree in zoology and Bachelor of Arts in multi-disciplinary studies from North Carolina State University where she was a Thomas Jefferson Scholar. She continued her graduate education at North Carolina State University where she received her Master of Zoology degree. Lori graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law. While in law school, she served on the North Carolina Law Review. Lori also was on the National Moot Court Team. She is licensed to practice in both state and federal courts in North Carolina. Lori is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys, and the Defense Research Institute. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1561 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1561&page=22 Address : 607 Briarwood DriveSuite 4 ,, Phone : 843-361-2552, City : Myrtle Beach http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2038 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2038&page=36 Address : P.O. Box 14731901 Main Street, 17th Floor , Bank of America Bui, Phone : 803-254-2200, City : Columbia http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2410 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2410&page=25 Address : 5000 Thurmond MallSuite 320, Phone : 803-254-2238, City : Columbia The United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit just issued its opinion in the long-pending hours of service matter. The Court struck down the 11-hour rule and the 34-hour restart rule. Current driver rules will remain in effect for approximately 52 days, until the court order becomes effective. After this date, the maximum amount of driving time will be 10 hours (and the 34 - hour restart is no longer in effect). The rules regarding 14 hours of total work/driving time and time spent in sleeper berth rules remain unchanged. The United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit just issued its opinion in the long-pending hours of service matter. The Court struck down the 11-hour rule and the 34-hour restart rule. Current driver rules will remain in effect for approximately 52 days, until the court order becomes effective. After this date, the maximum amount of driving time will be 10 hours (and the 34 - hour restart is no longer in effect). The rules regarding 14 hours of total work/driving time and time spent in sleeper berth rules remain unchanged. Young Clement Rivers, LLP is honored to serve the family of one of Charleston's fallen firefighters. Attorneys at our firm are working with his family--a cousin and three minor children--to settle his affairs. We expect to complete the probate application process this week. Young Clement Rivers, LLP is honored to serve the family of one of Charleston's fallen firefighters. Attorneys at our firm are working with his family--a cousin and three minor children--to settle his affairs. We expect to complete the probate application process this week. Governor Mark Sanford signed into law the workers' compensation reform bill which many businesses and consumers view as a measure aimed at curbing recent business insurance cost increases harmful to both businesses and consumers. The bill makes significant changes in South Carolina Workers� Compensation law and will affect how we, as lawyers handle workers� compensation claims. Some of the more important aspects of the bill include a stricter standard for proving medical causation, the addition of the shoulder and hip to the list of ‽scheduled members,” and the gradual abolishment of the Second Injury Fund Governor Mark Sanford signed into law the workers' compensation reform bill which many businesses and consumers view as a measure aimed at curbing recent business insurance cost increases harmful to both businesses and consumers. The bill makes significant changes in South Carolina Workers� Compensation law and will affect how we, as lawyers handle workers� compensation claims. Some of the more important aspects of the bill include a stricter standard for proving medical causation, the addition of the shoulder and hip to the list of ‽scheduled members,” and the gradual abolishment of the Second Injury Fund http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2618 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2618&page=26 Address : 717 C Front Street, Phone : 843-527-3281, City : Georgetown http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=746 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=746&page=27 Address : P.O. Box 1449, Phone : 864-271-1592, City : Greenville http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=647 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=647&page=28 Address : P.O. Box 87, Phone : 864-242-6440, City : Greenville http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1398 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1398&page=29 Address : 300 North Main Street, Phone : 864-271-1300, City : Greenville ATLANTA �" February 1, 2006 �" Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. (Ogletree Deakins) is pleased to announce that six attorneys from the firm have been named shareholders. Brian D. Black, John C. Glancy, Matthew K. Johnson of the firm� s Greenville, South Carolina office, James H. Fowles, III of the firm� s Columbia, South Carolina office, Cheryl M. Stanton of the firm� s Morristown, New Jersey office, and Alicia Sienne Voltmer of the firm� s Dallas, Texas office were all voted shareholders at the firm� s Annual Shareholders Meeting this past weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. With the addition of these six attorneys, Ogletree Deakins now has almost 170 shareholders nationwide. Ranked as the nation� s third largest labor and employment law firm, Ogletree Deakins has more than 300 lawyers in 24 office locations across the country. In addition to handling labor and employment law matters, the firm has thriving practices focused on business immigration, employee benefits, and workplace safety and health law. Brian D. Black practices primarily in the field of employee benefits and joined Ogletree Deakins by way of the Haynsworth Baldwin Johnson & Greaves merger in September 2004. He received his undergraduate degree from George Mason University and his law degree from Washington and Lee University School of Law. James H. Fowles, III is experienced in employment and general litigation matters, union campaigns, collective bargaining and related matters for employers in multiple jurisdictions and industries. He received his undergraduate degree from the United States Naval Academy and his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. John C. Glancy has been with the firm eight years and focuses his practice on labor and employment law, including employee relations and related federal and state litigation. He received his undergraduate degree, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of South Carolina and his law degree, with honors, from the University of Florida. Matthew K. Johnson practices primarily in the fields of employment litigation and labor law. He joined Ogletree Deakins in the fall of 2004 after working in a general civil litigation practice. He received his undergraduate degree from Rhodes College and his law degree from the University of Memphis. Cheryl M. Stanton defends employers in state and federal courts against allegations of race, age, sex, and disability discrimination and harassment. She also represents employers in ERISA litigation and labor arbitrations. She received her undergraduate degree from Williams College and her law degree from The Law School at the University of Chicago. Alicia Sienne Voltmer represents clients in all aspects of labor and employment law including counseling employers on employment issues such as FMLA compliance, termination, drug testing, and unemployment claims. She received her undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University and her law degree from the California Western School of Law. For more information, please contact Karen Gonzales, communications manager, at 210-277-3606 or visit www.ogletreedeakins.com. ATLANTA �" February 1, 2006 �" Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. (Ogletree Deakins) is pleased to announce that six attorneys from the firm have been named shareholders. Brian D. Black, John C. Glancy, Matthew K. Johnson of the firm� s Greenville, South Carolina office, James H. Fowles, III of the firm� s Columbia, South Carolina office, Cheryl M. Stanton of the firm� s Morristown, New Jersey office, and Alicia Sienne Voltmer of the firm� s Dallas, Texas office were all voted shareholders at the firm� s Annual Shareholders Meeting this past weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. With the addition of these six attorneys, Ogletree Deakins now has almost 170 shareholders nationwide. Ranked as the nation� s third largest labor and employment law firm, Ogletree Deakins has more than 300 lawyers in 24 office locations across the country. In addition to handling labor and employment law matters, the firm has thriving practices focused on business immigration, employee benefits, and workplace safety and health law. Brian D. Black practices primarily in the field of employee benefits and joined Ogletree Deakins by way of the Haynsworth Baldwin Johnson & Greaves merger in September 2004. He received his undergraduate degree from George Mason University and his law degree from Washington and Lee University School of Law. James H. Fowles, III is experienced in employment and general litigation matters, union campaigns, collective bargaining and related matters for employers in multiple jurisdictions and industries. He received his undergraduate degree from the United States Naval Academy and his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. John C. Glancy has been with the firm eight years and focuses his practice on labor and employment law, including employee relations and related federal and state litigation. He received his undergraduate degree, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of South Carolina and his law degree, with honors, from the University of Florida. Matthew K. Johnson practices primarily in the fields of employment litigation and labor law. He joined Ogletree Deakins in the fall of 2004 after working in a general civil litigation practice. He received his undergraduate degree from Rhodes College and his law degree from the University of Memphis. Cheryl M. Stanton defends employers in state and federal courts against allegations of race, age, sex, and disability discrimination and harassment. She also represents employers in ERISA litigation and labor arbitrations. She received her undergraduate degree from Williams College and her law degree from The Law School at the University of Chicago. Alicia Sienne Voltmer represents clients in all aspects of labor and employment law including counseling employers on employment issues such as FMLA compliance, termination, drug testing, and unemployment claims. She received her undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University and her law degree from the California Western School of Law. For more information, please contact Karen Gonzales, communications manager, at 210-277-3606 or visit www.ogletreedeakins.com. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1794 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1794&page=30 Address : 550 South Main StreetSuite 400 ,, Phone : 864-255-5400, City : Greenville Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC today announced that Burley Mitchell has been appointed to the Board of Trustees for the new Charlotte School of Law. Charlotte School of Law (CharlotteLaw) is a new, student-centered law school offering full-time and flexible day and evening part-time programs beginning in August 2006. CharlotteLaw is committed to a mission with an educational model that is focused on the highest academic standards and student success. CharlotteLaw is part of the InfiLaw System, a consortium of independent, community-based law schools that is making legal education more responsive to a changing legal profession. The InfiLaw mission is to launch student-centered, American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law schools that graduate students with the skills of second-year law associates. ""I'm very honored to be appointed to the Board of Trustees for this new educational institution,"" Mitchell said. ""I look forward to serving along with some very esteemed legal and professional individuals to help guide and build on the foundation of this new school."" Mitchell joined Womble Carlyle during 1999 and is a member of the firm's Government Relations Practice Group. Prior to joining Womble Carlyle, he served as chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. Before his 17 year tenure on the N.C. Supreme Court, Mitchell was a judge in the N.C. Court of Appeals, secretary of the N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, district attorney in Wake County and assistant N.C. attorney general. He has served as a member of the Governor's Crime Commission since 1977 and chaired the Governor's Advisory Board on Prisons and Punishment. In 2004, Mitchell was honored with the Citation for Distinguished Public Service from the North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry (NCCBI). Mitchell currently serves on the Board of Trustees of North Carolina State University and also serves on the Board of Directors for Raleigh's North State Bank. Mitchell is a former president of the NC State Alumni Association Board of Directors, and was named the University's Outstanding Alumnus for 1990. Charlotte School of Law is governed by a regional Board of Trustees and The InfiLaw System National Policy Board. Both boards include national and international authorities in law, education, government and business. These leaders provide counsel on the strategic direction and long-term plans for the InfiLaw System of independent law schools, and help develop best practices for all of the law schools. The Board of Trustees is chaired by the Honorable Shirley Fulton, former North Carolina Superior Court Judge, and the National Policy Board is chaired by Dennis Archer, past president of the American Bar Association. Other Board members with whom Mitchell will serve include: Henry Ramsey Jr., dean of Howard University School of Law; Richard A. Matasar, dean and president of New York Law School; Arthur J. Gallagher, president of Johnson & Wales University Charlotte Campus; and Leigh Taylor, dean emeritus and professor of law emeritus at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles. Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC today announced that Burley Mitchell has been appointed to the Board of Trustees for the new Charlotte School of Law. Charlotte School of Law (CharlotteLaw) is a new, student-centered law school offering full-time and flexible day and evening part-time programs beginning in August 2006. CharlotteLaw is committed to a mission with an educational model that is focused on the highest academic standards and student success. CharlotteLaw is part of the InfiLaw System, a consortium of independent, community-based law schools that is making legal education more responsive to a changing legal profession. The InfiLaw mission is to launch student-centered, American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law schools that graduate students with the skills of second-year law associates. ""I'm very honored to be appointed to the Board of Trustees for this new educational institution,"" Mitchell said. ""I look forward to serving along with some very esteemed legal and professional individuals to help guide and build on the foundation of this new school."" Mitchell joined Womble Carlyle during 1999 and is a member of the firm's Government Relations Practice Group. Prior to joining Womble Carlyle, he served as chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. Before his 17 year tenure on the N.C. Supreme Court, Mitchell was a judge in the N.C. Court of Appeals, secretary of the N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, district attorney in Wake County and assistant N.C. attorney general. He has served as a member of the Governor's Crime Commission since 1977 and chaired the Governor's Advisory Board on Prisons and Punishment. In 2004, Mitchell was honored with the Citation for Distinguished Public Service from the North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry (NCCBI). Mitchell currently serves on the Board of Trustees of North Carolina State University and also serves on the Board of Directors for Raleigh's North State Bank. Mitchell is a former president of the NC State Alumni Association Board of Directors, and was named the University's Outstanding Alumnus for 1990. Charlotte School of Law is governed by a regional Board of Trustees and The InfiLaw System National Policy Board. Both boards include national and international authorities in law, education, government and business. These leaders provide counsel on the strategic direction and long-term plans for the InfiLaw System of independent law schools, and help develop best practices for all of the law schools. The Board of Trustees is chaired by the Honorable Shirley Fulton, former North Carolina Superior Court Judge, and the National Policy Board is chaired by Dennis Archer, past president of the American Bar Association. Other Board members with whom Mitchell will serve include: Henry Ramsey Jr., dean of Howard University School of Law; Richard A. Matasar, dean and president of New York Law School; Arthur J. Gallagher, president of Johnson & Wales University Charlotte Campus; and Leigh Taylor, dean emeritus and professor of law emeritus at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles. When Supreme Court Justices asked counsel in oral argument of Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway v. White whether an ‽adverse employment action” could be something as simple as not inviting an employee to lunch, the discussion seemed to highlight how petty some retaliation claims have become. It was, therefore, a surprise when a unanimous court concluded that virtually anything may be enough to form a basis for a federal court case. Sheila White was the only woman working in the Maintenance of Way department at BNSF� s Tennessee Yard. She had been hired based in part on her previous experience operating forklifts, but her job title was ‽track laborer,” a physically demanding assignment encompassing a variety of tasks. From the beginning, White was assigned to operate the only forklift in the yard because another employee, Ellis, elected to forego forklift duties in order to receive higher per diem pay on a ‽mobile crew.” Forklift operation was White� s primary, but not sole, duty. Less than three months after she began work, White complained that her foreman, Bill Joiner, ‽had repeatedly told her that women should not be working in the Maintenance of Way department” and had ‽made insulting and inappropriate remarks to her in front of her male colleagues” on two occasions. (Joiner admitted this was so; he had never supervised a woman and believed women should not work on a railroad.); Joiner was suspended for ten days and ordered to attend a sexual-harassment training session. When this outcome of her complaint was communicated to White, she was also informed that she was being removed from forklift duty because of co-worker complaints that ‽a more senior man should have the less arduous and cleaner job of forklift operator.”; Ellis, who had been one of the complainants, resumed the forklift duties because he was the only other employee qualified to do so. Two weeks later, White filed her first EEOC charge, claiming that the reassignment of her duties was both sex discrimination and retaliation for her complaint about her supervisor. Two months thereafter, she filed a second retaliation charge with EEOC, asserting; she had been placed under ‽surveillance” with her daily activities being monitored. Three days after the EEOC mailed the charge to BNSF, White and her new foreman, Percy Sharkey, disagreed about whether White could ride with him on a trip to a work site in Arkansas; White insisted she was entitled to ride with Sharkey due to her seniority. Sharkey reported the incident to higher management, and White was immediately suspended without pay due to ‽insubordination.” White filed a grievance through her collective bargaining representative, resulting in her reinstatement and back pay for the 37 days she had been suspended. Notwithstanding this ‽make-whole” remedy, White filed a third retaliation charge with the EEOC. All of these events, from White� s first complaint to her third charge, occurred in less than four months. A federal court jury in Tennessee awarded White $43,500.00 in compensatory damages, including $3,250 in medical expenses, for the retaliatory conduct of changing her job responsibilities and suspending her for 37 days without pay. A three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit, in a 2-1 decision, reversed the result below and found in favor of BNSF, following which the full 13-judge court upheld the verdict below but strongly disagreed as to the appropriate standard to apply. The majority of the 13 judges, using the same test for retaliation as that which applies to a disparate treatment discrimination case, held that a plaintiff in a retaliation case must show an ‽adverse employment action,” defined as a ‽materially adverse change in the terms and conditions” of employment. BNSF sought Supreme Court review, pointing to conflicts between federal appellate courts concerning two issues:; (1); must action claimed to be retaliatory be ‽employment or workplace related,” and (2); how harmful must this action be to constitute retaliation? The Court reached three sweeping conclusions: Retaliation Claims Are Broader than Discrimination Claims. The provisions of Title VII which forbid retaliation aren� t limited to employment�"related conduct.; Anything which might dissuade employees from complaining about discrimination is against the law; the two examples the Court gave are the FBI� s refusal to investigate death threats by a person toward an FBI agent and his wife, and filing false criminal charges against an employee. Cases dealing with employment discrimination in general are therefore not controlling. Anything which might chill employee complaints to EEOC is enough to trigger statutory protection. ‽Harm” Doesn� t Always Involve Money. Although attempting to stress that ‽material” adversity is necessary as a basis for a retaliation claim, because courts must ‽filter out complaints attacking �~the ordinary tribulations of the workplace,� ” and warning that a discrimination charge creates no immunity from ‽those petty slights and minor annoyances that often take place at work”, the Court makes it clear that the circumstances will determine whether retaliation exists; ‽context matters.” Schedule changes are important to mothers of young children; excluding an employee from ‽a weekly training lunch” could deter that person from complaining about discrimination. But context focuses on the impact the retaliatory act would have on a reasonable person who is similarly situated to the plaintiff �" which may mean that in the scheduling example the zone of comparison is limited to reasonable mothers of small children. One Plus One Makes $43,500 �" Plus Attorneys� Fees and Costs. Given the first two conclusions, the train followed those tracks to its inevitable destination:; The reassignment of duties within a single job classification was ‽materially adverse,” and the fully-remedied suspension was nonetheless retaliatory because ‽White and her family had to live 37 days without income,” a time period including the Christmas holidays, and White ‽obtained treatment for her emotional distress.” Case closed. There are numerous lessons to be learned from the White decision; not all of them are obvious: Separate functional responsibilities. The pivotal figure in the White scenario was the department head in that facility, Roadmaster Marvin Brown. Brown, along with HR Manager Cathy McGee, interviewed White for her job. (The; Court simply stated that Brown hired White.); Brown assigned White to operate the; forklift. Brown received the complaint that White had been treated differently from male employees by Joiner, her foreman. (McGee investigated the complaint, but this isn� t mentioned by the Court.); Brown removed White from the forklift assignment and gave it back to Ellis. Brown received the complaints from White� s co-workers before White complained about Joiner but he did not remove White from the forklift until after her complaint. Brown was the target of White� s second charge, which contended he had placed her under surveillance and checked on her daily activities. The EEOC mailed a copy of the second charge to Brown three days before her suspension for insubordination. Brown made the determination that White had been insubordinate based on a statement from White� s new foreman, Sharkey. ; Brown was involved in every aspect of BNSF� s dealing with White for the entire period in question. This is a recipe for disaster. Allowing a manager who has been accused of discrimination to continue to deal with the accuser on a day-to-day basis cannot help but create tension and an environment in which further complaints will flourish. It is, therefore, critical that employers ensure that complaints are presented to an objective party. Don� t weigh the merits of the underlying complaint. The White decision stresses that the court will look at the employer� s reaction to a complaint in determining whether the employer was out of bounds, without worrying about whether the complaint had merit. Complaints to the EEOC are presumed to be made in good faith; whether or not the employer believes a charge to be frivolous, it should be extremely careful in taking any adverse action, no matter how slight, which could later be argued to be retaliatory. While you may be able, somewhere down the road, to contend successfully that your reaction was warranted or that the charge was objectively meritless, such an approach can be guaranteed to produce yet more charges. The filing of a grievance under a union contract takes on a separate form of protection, that provided by §8(a)(4) of the National Labor Relations Act. Again, even a foolhardy grievance should be treated as serious, with the saving grace that the union may well adopt a more reasonable attitude toward the grievance than you would expect from an EEOC investigator. Finally, true ‽internal” complaints presented through a ‽chain of command” or through a special complaint procedure should be dealt with in a manner which is objectively fair. Think of principle, not principal. It is readily apparent that the jury verdict in White� s favor, even when added to the 37 days of back pay her union got for her, would have cost BNSF far less than the attorney� s fees, expenses, time and trouble devoted to litigating this case through to the Supreme Court. BNSF probably believed this was a ‽no harm, no foul” case, and that the courts would conclude that White had not been injured. But the Supreme Court� s resolution of the issue means that non-monetary claims can be litigated, with the real exposure to the employer being the potential for paying the plaintiff� s attorney� s fees and costs in addition to paying to defend itself. Moreover, following the Civil Rights Act of 1991, all sorts of compensatory damages, expert witness fees and the like may be borne by a losing defendant. Add to that the prospect of potentially crippling litigation costs in cases where email and other electronic communications are at issue and you have a threatening landscape indeed. Look at the facts again:; The employee worries about getting her job back and ‽obtains treatment for emotional distress.” Apparently that� s all it takes �" and anyone can claim worry and seek treatment. In practice, it may not be that easy, but plaintiffs� attorneys have already begun to contend that the bar is so low as to be nonexistent. CONCLUSION We predict that the implications of the White decision will not be resolved for years to come. Trial courts may be reluctant to dismiss cases on summary judgment no matter how little is at stake. Unique factual situations will be dealt with case-by-case until a set of standards eventually emerges. Until that time, dealing with ‽squeaky wheels” in the workplace will entail extremely careful maintenance; policies, internal complaint procedures, disciplinary actions, evaluations, and every aspect of the employment relationship will need to be scrutinized to minimize exposure to retaliation claims. Supervisory training will take an even more crucial role in risk avoidance. If you have further questions about this topic or related topics, please feel free to contact the Labor & Employment Practice Group at Womble Carlyle. When Supreme Court Justices asked counsel in oral argument of Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway v. White whether an ‽adverse employment action” could be something as simple as not inviting an employee to lunch, the discussion seemed to highlight how petty some retaliation claims have become. It was, therefore, a surprise when a unanimous court concluded that virtually anything may be enough to form a basis for a federal court case. Sheila White was the only woman working in the Maintenance of Way department at BNSF� s Tennessee Yard. She had been hired based in part on her previous experience operating forklifts, but her job title was ‽track laborer,” a physically demanding assignment encompassing a variety of tasks. From the beginning, White was assigned to operate the only forklift in the yard because another employee, Ellis, elected to forego forklift duties in order to receive higher per diem pay on a ‽mobile crew.” Forklift operation was White� s primary, but not sole, duty. Less than three months after she began work, White complained that her foreman, Bill Joiner, ‽had repeatedly told her that women should not be working in the Maintenance of Way department” and had ‽made insulting and inappropriate remarks to her in front of her male colleagues” on two occasions. (Joiner admitted this was so; he had never supervised a woman and believed women should not work on a railroad.); Joiner was suspended for ten days and ordered to attend a sexual-harassment training session. When this outcome of her complaint was communicated to White, she was also informed that she was being removed from forklift duty because of co-worker complaints that ‽a more senior man should have the less arduous and cleaner job of forklift operator.”; Ellis, who had been one of the complainants, resumed the forklift duties because he was the only other employee qualified to do so. Two weeks later, White filed her first EEOC charge, claiming that the reassignment of her duties was both sex discrimination and retaliation for her complaint about her supervisor. Two months thereafter, she filed a second retaliation charge with EEOC, asserting; she had been placed under ‽surveillance” with her daily activities being monitored. Three days after the EEOC mailed the charge to BNSF, White and her new foreman, Percy Sharkey, disagreed about whether White could ride with him on a trip to a work site in Arkansas; White insisted she was entitled to ride with Sharkey due to her seniority. Sharkey reported the incident to higher management, and White was immediately suspended without pay due to ‽insubordination.” White filed a grievance through her collective bargaining representative, resulting in her reinstatement and back pay for the 37 days she had been suspended. Notwithstanding this ‽make-whole” remedy, White filed a third retaliation charge with the EEOC. All of these events, from White� s first complaint to her third charge, occurred in less than four months. A federal court jury in Tennessee awarded White $43,500.00 in compensatory damages, including $3,250 in medical expenses, for the retaliatory conduct of changing her job responsibilities and suspending her for 37 days without pay. A three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit, in a 2-1 decision, reversed the result below and found in favor of BNSF, following which the full 13-judge court upheld the verdict below but strongly disagreed as to the appropriate standard to apply. The majority of the 13 judges, using the same test for retaliation as that which applies to a disparate treatment discrimination case, held that a plaintiff in a retaliation case must show an ‽adverse employment action,” defined as a ‽materially adverse change in the terms and conditions” of employment. BNSF sought Supreme Court review, pointing to conflicts between federal appellate courts concerning two issues:; (1); must action claimed to be retaliatory be ‽employment or workplace related,” and (2); how harmful must this action be to constitute retaliation? The Court reached three sweeping conclusions: Retaliation Claims Are Broader than Discrimination Claims. The provisions of Title VII which forbid retaliation aren� t limited to employment�"related conduct.; Anything which might dissuade employees from complaining about discrimination is against the law; the two examples the Court gave are the FBI� s refusal to investigate death threats by a person toward an FBI agent and his wife, and filing false criminal charges against an employee. Cases dealing with employment discrimination in general are therefore not controlling. Anything which might chill employee complaints to EEOC is enough to trigger statutory protection. ‽Harm” Doesn� t Always Involve Money. Although attempting to stress that ‽material” adversity is necessary as a basis for a retaliation claim, because courts must ‽filter out complaints attacking �~the ordinary tribulations of the workplace,� ” and warning that a discrimination charge creates no immunity from ‽those petty slights and minor annoyances that often take place at work”, the Court makes it clear that the circumstances will determine whether retaliation exists; ‽context matters.” Schedule changes are important to mothers of young children; excluding an employee from ‽a weekly training lunch” could deter that person from complaining about discrimination. But context focuses on the impact the retaliatory act would have on a reasonable person who is similarly situated to the plaintiff �" which may mean that in the scheduling example the zone of comparison is limited to reasonable mothers of small children. One Plus One Makes $43,500 �" Plus Attorneys� Fees and Costs. Given the first two conclusions, the train followed those tracks to its inevitable destination:; The reassignment of duties within a single job classification was ‽materially adverse,” and the fully-remedied suspension was nonetheless retaliatory because ‽White and her family had to live 37 days without income,” a time period including the Christmas holidays, and White ‽obtained treatment for her emotional distress.” Case closed. There are numerous lessons to be learned from the White decision; not all of them are obvious: Separate functional responsibilities. The pivotal figure in the White scenario was the department head in that facility, Roadmaster Marvin Brown. Brown, along with HR Manager Cathy McGee, interviewed White for her job. (The; Court simply stated that Brown hired White.); Brown assigned White to operate the; forklift. Brown received the complaint that White had been treated differently from male employees by Joiner, her foreman. (McGee investigated the complaint, but this isn� t mentioned by the Court.); Brown removed White from the forklift assignment and gave it back to Ellis. Brown received the complaints from White� s co-workers before White complained about Joiner but he did not remove White from the forklift until after her complaint. Brown was the target of White� s second charge, which contended he had placed her under surveillance and checked on her daily activities. The EEOC mailed a copy of the second charge to Brown three days before her suspension for insubordination. Brown made the determination that White had been insubordinate based on a statement from White� s new foreman, Sharkey. ; Brown was involved in every aspect of BNSF� s dealing with White for the entire period in question. This is a recipe for disaster. Allowing a manager who has been accused of discrimination to continue to deal with the accuser on a day-to-day basis cannot help but create tension and an environment in which further complaints will flourish. It is, therefore, critical that employers ensure that complaints are presented to an objective party. Don� t weigh the merits of the underlying complaint. The White decision stresses that the court will look at the employer� s reaction to a complaint in determining whether the employer was out of bounds, without worrying about whether the complaint had merit. Complaints to the EEOC are presumed to be made in good faith; whether or not the employer believes a charge to be frivolous, it should be extremely careful in taking any adverse action, no matter how slight, which could later be argued to be retaliatory. While you may be able, somewhere down the road, to contend successfully that your reaction was warranted or that the charge was objectively meritless, such an approach can be guaranteed to produce yet more charges. The filing of a grievance under a union contract takes on a separate form of protection, that provided by §8(a)(4) of the National Labor Relations Act. Again, even a foolhardy grievance should be treated as serious, with the saving grace that the union may well adopt a more reasonable attitude toward the grievance than you would expect from an EEOC investigator. Finally, true ‽internal” complaints presented through a ‽chain of command” or through a special complaint procedure should be dealt with in a manner which is objectively fair. Think of principle, not principal. It is readily apparent that the jury verdict in White� s favor, even when added to the 37 days of back pay her union got for her, would have cost BNSF far less than the attorney� s fees, expenses, time and trouble devoted to litigating this case through to the Supreme Court. BNSF probably believed this was a ‽no harm, no foul” case, and that the courts would conclude that White had not been injured. But the Supreme Court� s resolution of the issue means that non-monetary claims can be litigated, with the real exposure to the employer being the potential for paying the plaintiff� s attorney� s fees and costs in addition to paying to defend itself. Moreover, following the Civil Rights Act of 1991, all sorts of compensatory damages, expert witness fees and the like may be borne by a losing defendant. Add to that the prospect of potentially crippling litigation costs in cases where email and other electronic communications are at issue and you have a threatening landscape indeed. Look at the facts again:; The employee worries about getting her job back and ‽obtains treatment for emotional distress.” Apparently that� s all it takes �" and anyone can claim worry and seek treatment. In practice, it may not be that easy, but plaintiffs� attorneys have already begun to contend that the bar is so low as to be nonexistent. CONCLUSION We predict that the implications of the White decision will not be resolved for years to come. Trial courts may be reluctant to dismiss cases on summary judgment no matter how little is at stake. Unique factual situations will be dealt with case-by-case until a set of standards eventually emerges. Until that time, dealing with ‽squeaky wheels” in the workplace will entail extremely careful maintenance; policies, internal complaint procedures, disciplinary actions, evaluations, and every aspect of the employment relationship will need to be scrutinized to minimize exposure to retaliation claims. Supervisory training will take an even more crucial role in risk avoidance. If you have further questions about this topic or related topics, please feel free to contact the Labor & Employment Practice Group at Womble Carlyle. Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC, today announced that Richard D. (Rick) Jordan has joined the firm\'s Intellectual Property Practice Group as a member in the Tysons Corner office. Jordan, a registered patent attorney with degrees in biology and chemical engineering, has worked as a chemical and environmental engineer and as a patent examiner. Jordan has an extensive background in patent prosecution and counseling. Jordan will work closely with the lawyers in Womble Carlyle� s new office in Wilmington, Del., which is exclusively devoted to intellectual property litigation. ‽Womble Carlyle has lawyers in the chemical engineering and biotech areas who are among the most impressive at any major firm,” said Jordan. ‽My role at the firm will be to help the firm build on its existing chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotech patent practice and thus to help effect one of the firm� s major strategic goals.” Jordan is a 1991 graduate of the George Mason University School of Law. He also holds a B.A. in chemical engineering from Louisiana State University (1982). and a B.A. in biology from the University of Texas (1977). Before getting his law degree, he worked as a chemical and environmental engineer for the Placid Refining Co. in Port Allen, La., and as a patent examiner and patent agent. Jordan joins Womble Carlyle from the Washington, D.C. office of Shook Hardy & Bacon, where he had been a partner since 2004. Before that, he practiced at Morrison & Foerster, where he was a partner, and at Crowell & Moring. He also worked in the 1990s for the Exxon Chemical Co. as an in-house technology and patent attorney. ‽We are very excited to welcome Rick to Womble Carlyle and the Tysons office,” said Dan Mackesey, managing member of the office. ‽We expect him to be a real leader in building our patent capabilities in this office and the firm generally.” Jordan is a member of the District of Columbia and Virginia bars. He began work at Womble Carlyle on May 22, 2006. He can be via email or via phone at (703) 394-2262. Womble Carlyle� s Tysons Corner office has embarked on an aggressive strategy aimed at becoming the premier corporate and transactional counsel for technology companies in Northern Virginia as well as the premier technology-related litigation firm in the region. Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC, today announced that Richard D. (Rick) Jordan has joined the firm\'s Intellectual Property Practice Group as a member in the Tysons Corner office. Jordan, a registered patent attorney with degrees in biology and chemical engineering, has worked as a chemical and environmental engineer and as a patent examiner. Jordan has an extensive background in patent prosecution and counseling. Jordan will work closely with the lawyers in Womble Carlyle� s new office in Wilmington, Del., which is exclusively devoted to intellectual property litigation. ‽Womble Carlyle has lawyers in the chemical engineering and biotech areas who are among the most impressive at any major firm,” said Jordan. ‽My role at the firm will be to help the firm build on its existing chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotech patent practice and thus to help effect one of the firm� s major strategic goals.” Jordan is a 1991 graduate of the George Mason University School of Law. He also holds a B.A. in chemical engineering from Louisiana State University (1982). and a B.A. in biology from the University of Texas (1977). Before getting his law degree, he worked as a chemical and environmental engineer for the Placid Refining Co. in Port Allen, La., and as a patent examiner and patent agent. Jordan joins Womble Carlyle from the Washington, D.C. office of Shook Hardy & Bacon, where he had been a partner since 2004. Before that, he practiced at Morrison & Foerster, where he was a partner, and at Crowell & Moring. He also worked in the 1990s for the Exxon Chemical Co. as an in-house technology and patent attorney. ‽We are very excited to welcome Rick to Womble Carlyle and the Tysons office,” said Dan Mackesey, managing member of the office. ‽We expect him to be a real leader in building our patent capabilities in this office and the firm generally.” Jordan is a member of the District of Columbia and Virginia bars. He began work at Womble Carlyle on May 22, 2006. He can be via email or via phone at (703) 394-2262. Womble Carlyle� s Tysons Corner office has embarked on an aggressive strategy aimed at becoming the premier corporate and transactional counsel for technology companies in Northern Virginia as well as the premier technology-related litigation firm in the region. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=100084 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=100084&page=34 Address : P.O. Box 1792, Phone : 843-216-9000, City : Mount Pleasant Plaintiffs' litigation firm Motley Rice LLC announced today that a jury in Baltimore Circuit Court has found General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) liable in the death of three former Bethlehem Steel plant workers. All three died of lung cancer that the plaintiffs argued was caused in part by the brakes on overhead crane and mill motors at the Sparrows Point mill. The jury awarded more than $3.9 million dollars to the families. "As co-counsel for the victims' families, we are very pleased that the jury recognized General Electric's responsibility to these families for the asbestos-lined brake products it sold," stated Fritz Jekel, a Motley Rice attorney who tried the case. Motley Rice co-counseled with The Law Offices of Peter Nicholl of Maryland on this case. General Electric Company (GE) is a diversified industrial corporation. It is engaged in developing, manufacturing and marketing a variety of products for the generation, transmission, distribution, control and utilization of electricity. It is headquartered in Fairfield, CT. Plaintiffs' litigation firm Motley Rice LLC announced today that a jury in Baltimore Circuit Court has found General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) liable in the death of three former Bethlehem Steel plant workers. All three died of lung cancer that the plaintiffs argued was caused in part by the brakes on overhead crane and mill motors at the Sparrows Point mill. The jury awarded more than $3.9 million dollars to the families. "As co-counsel for the victims' families, we are very pleased that the jury recognized General Electric's responsibility to these families for the asbestos-lined brake products it sold," stated Fritz Jekel, a Motley Rice attorney who tried the case. Motley Rice co-counseled with The Law Offices of Peter Nicholl of Maryland on this case. General Electric Company (GE) is a diversified industrial corporation. It is engaged in developing, manufacturing and marketing a variety of products for the generation, transmission, distribution, control and utilization of electricity. It is headquartered in Fairfield, CT. Mount Pleasant, SC (July 13, 2007) - The world's largest trial bar, the American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America), will present Motley Rice LLC co-founding attorney, Ron Motley, with the David S. Shrager President's Award on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at the association's Annual Convention being held at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, Illinois. The Shrager Award is given to an American trial lawyer who is consistently in the forefront of litigation by creatively and ingeniously using litigation to safeguard and protect American consumers and the civil justice system. For more than three decades, Motley has been a driving force of major complex litigation. His groundbreaking efforts achieved several critical breakthroughs in justice for asbestos victims, including occupational and household exposures. Motley spearheaded the historic litigation against the tobacco industry, serving as lead trial counsel for 28 states which resulted in the largest settlement in the history of civil litigation. Currently, Motley continues to advance cutting-edge litigation as lead counsel for more than 6,500 family members and survivors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, designed to bankrupt terrorism and seek justice against al Qaeda's financiers. He is also focused on tainted tissue litigation efforts, serving as co-lead on the tainted tissue MDL and leading Motley Rice's team that represents victims of an alleged body harvesting scheme. David Shrager was an accomplished trial lawyer specializing in complex civil litigation. Throughout his life, he worked to protect the rights of injured victims, representing consumers, healthcare workers and individuals, earning the reputation of ?a lawyer who always tried to help people.? A former President of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (now the American Association for Justice), Shrager also served as chair of several of the association's committees. He is also a founding member of Trial Lawyers for Public Justice. AAJ established the David S. Shrager President's Award in 2006 in honor of Shrager's lifelong dedication to the legal profession. About American Association for Justice (AAJ) 1050 31st Street NW, Washington, DC, 20007 AAJ promotes justice and fairness for injured persons, defends the constitutional right to trial by jury, and strengthens the civil justice system through education and disclosure of information critical to public health and safety. With 52,000 members worldwide, AAJ provides lawyers with the information and professional assistance they need to serve clients successfully and protect the democratic values of the civil justice system. Mount Pleasant, SC (July 13, 2007) - The world's largest trial bar, the American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America), will present Motley Rice LLC co-founding attorney, Ron Motley, with the David S. Shrager President's Award on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at the association's Annual Convention being held at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, Illinois. The Shrager Award is given to an American trial lawyer who is consistently in the forefront of litigation by creatively and ingeniously using litigation to safeguard and protect American consumers and the civil justice system. For more than three decades, Motley has been a driving force of major complex litigation. His groundbreaking efforts achieved several critical breakthroughs in justice for asbestos victims, including occupational and household exposures. Motley spearheaded the historic litigation against the tobacco industry, serving as lead trial counsel for 28 states which resulted in the largest settlement in the history of civil litigation. Currently, Motley continues to advance cutting-edge litigation as lead counsel for more than 6,500 family members and survivors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, designed to bankrupt terrorism and seek justice against al Qaeda's financiers. He is also focused on tainted tissue litigation efforts, serving as co-lead on the tainted tissue MDL and leading Motley Rice's team that represents victims of an alleged body harvesting scheme. David Shrager was an accomplished trial lawyer specializing in complex civil litigation. Throughout his life, he worked to protect the rights of injured victims, representing consumers, healthcare workers and individuals, earning the reputation of ?a lawyer who always tried to help people.? A former President of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (now the American Association for Justice), Shrager also served as chair of several of the association's committees. He is also a founding member of Trial Lawyers for Public Justice. AAJ established the David S. Shrager President's Award in 2006 in honor of Shrager's lifelong dedication to the legal profession. About American Association for Justice (AAJ) 1050 31st Street NW, Washington, DC, 20007 AAJ promotes justice and fairness for injured persons, defends the constitutional right to trial by jury, and strengthens the civil justice system through education and disclosure of information critical to public health and safety. With 52,000 members worldwide, AAJ provides lawyers with the information and professional assistance they need to serve clients successfully and protect the democratic values of the civil justice system. Attorney Marlon Kimpson of Motley Rice LLC, one of the nation's largest plaintiffs' law firms, has been named to the Advisory Board of the Peggy Browning Fund. As a board member, Kimpson will serve the non-profit organization's mission to provide law students with diverse, challenging and educational work experiences within the practice area of workers' rights and labor law. As an advocate for union workers, Kimpson has been involved with labor organizations in the local community as well as on a national level. He frequently represents Motley Rice at union meetings and conferences, addressing occupational disease issues as well as the increasing problem of securities fraud involving pension funds. "Marlon's commitment to labor unions shows his personal dedication to the current issues affecting these groups," said Motley Rice attorney Ann Ritter. "His involvement with the Peggy Browning Fund is a great example of how young attorneys can continue to serve this public." The Peggy Browning Fund is celebrating ten years of educating law students about employment law. Established in memory of Margaret A. Browning, a prominent labor attorney and member of the National Labor Relations Board under President Bill Clinton, the fund hosts an annual National Law Students Workers' Rights Conference. In 2007, the Peggy Browning Fund will support a 39 different fellowships, including employment with international labor unions and community-based groups. The Peggy Browning Fund Advisory Board consists of General Counsel from several international and national labor unions as well as representatives from private firms. The group meets quarterly at the AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. Kimpson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College and spent five years in commercial banking before receiving a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1999. He began working with Motley Rice attorneys in 2000. A 2004 recipient of Charleston's Forty Under 40 award, Kimpson also serves on the Palmetto Project Board of Directors. He is a Member of the Carolina Youth Development Center Board and was named to the University of South Carolina Board of Visitors as a Presidential Appointee in 2006. Attorney Marlon Kimpson of Motley Rice LLC, one of the nation's largest plaintiffs' law firms, has been named to the Advisory Board of the Peggy Browning Fund. As a board member, Kimpson will serve the non-profit organization's mission to provide law students with diverse, challenging and educational work experiences within the practice area of workers' rights and labor law. As an advocate for union workers, Kimpson has been involved with labor organizations in the local community as well as on a national level. He frequently represents Motley Rice at union meetings and conferences, addressing occupational disease issues as well as the increasing problem of securities fraud involving pension funds. "Marlon's commitment to labor unions shows his personal dedication to the current issues affecting these groups," said Motley Rice attorney Ann Ritter. "His involvement with the Peggy Browning Fund is a great example of how young attorneys can continue to serve this public." The Peggy Browning Fund is celebrating ten years of educating law students about employment law. Established in memory of Margaret A. Browning, a prominent labor attorney and member of the National Labor Relations Board under President Bill Clinton, the fund hosts an annual National Law Students Workers' Rights Conference. In 2007, the Peggy Browning Fund will support a 39 different fellowships, including employment with international labor unions and community-based groups. The Peggy Browning Fund Advisory Board consists of General Counsel from several international and national labor unions as well as representatives from private firms. The group meets quarterly at the AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. Kimpson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College and spent five years in commercial banking before receiving a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1999. He began working with Motley Rice attorneys in 2000. A 2004 recipient of Charleston's Forty Under 40 award, Kimpson also serves on the Palmetto Project Board of Directors. He is a Member of the Carolina Youth Development Center Board and was named to the University of South Carolina Board of Visitors as a Presidential Appointee in 2006. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1720 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1720&page=35 Address : 17 East Calhoun Street, Phone : 803-775-1263, City : Sumter http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=88 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=88&page=37