Top best E Lawyers in Columbia | 2040 available

Melinda grew up in the greater Columbia, South Carolina area where she currently resides. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina and graduated from Charlotte School of Law with honors (cum laude). While in law school she was inducted into the prestigous Order of the Crown (honor society) and received a merit scholarship.  After law school, Melinda spent over eight years at a public interest law firm practicing family law. Melinda was the head family law attorney and was recognized as Attorney of the Year in 2016 while employed at that law firm.. Melinda has extensive experience advocating for clients in the family courts who were victims of domestic violence.  Melinda has received specialized training from the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) on domestic violence and custody cases.  She has handled simple and uncontested matters as well as high conflict cases.  She has helped clients with divorce, custody, visitation, child support, adoption, birth certificate issues and separation agreements.. Melinda has completed the South Carolina family law mediation course and has mediated many custody and divorce cases with simple and complex issues. Melinda is most proud of the complex work she did on an international parental kidnapping case which resulted in the federal court ordering that the child be returned to Melinda's client.  She has also represented clients at the South Carolina Court of Appeals.. Melinda is a member of the South Carolina Bar and licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for South Carolina.  She has served as the chairman of the Richland County Bar’s Public Interest Committee.  She was elected as a Legal Elite in family law in 2020 and 2021.. Note: Any results the endorsed lawyer or law firm may achieve on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.

Meetesh Patel is the founder and managing attorney of Consilium Law. He has been practicing business law in the Baltimore/Washington, DC metro area since 2001.. Meetesh utilizes his 19 plus years of experience as an entrepreneur with technology-enabled start-up experience to counsel small business and corporate clients on corporate and business law matters such as business formation and structuring, contract drafting, drafting and negotiating technology transfer and licensing agreements, trademark and copyright protection, employment agreements, joint ventures and strategic alliances, and reviewing and drafting private placement documentation for financings, corporate restructurings, mergers and acquisitions and other related matters.. As an entrepreneur, Meetesh has more than 18 years of technology-enabled, start-up experience. Among his achievements, he is credited with leading development of the world’s first-of-a-kind technology capable of generating electricity on see-through glass windows, leading the invention and prototyping of novel roadway-embedded systems for generating electricity from the movement of vehicles and leading the development and commercialization of game changing, environmentally friendly, nanotechnology-based water treatment and purification systems. Under Meetesh’s leadership, each of these companies established strategic plans, built engineering teams, bolstered their public images, gained investor confidence, raised seed capital, monetized intellectual property and formed strategic partnerships to help reach markets and realize accelerated growth.. Meetesh represents clients in a broad range of industries including information technology, software development, venture capital, scientific research and development, medicine, banking, management consulting, hospitality, real estate development, import-export, professional sports, and the arts.. In addition to his legal practice, Meetesh currently serves as managing director of Strategic Edge, a strategic consulting and venture advisory focused on helping early stage ventures in developing successful strategies for commercializing their products and services.. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from American University’s Washington College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science with an emphasis in International Relations from the University of Maryland College Park. Meetesh is a licensed member of the Maryland State Bar and the District of Columbia Bar.

Matthew's practice focuses on civil litigation, and he has participated in cases involving shareholder and minority owner oppression, consumer protection, voting rights and election protests, commercial and real estate law, copyright infringement, insurance bad faith, employment law, medical malpractice, personal injury, and product's liability. His experience includes jury trials, bench trials, agency hearings and contested cases, preliminary motions and injunctions, dispositive motions, class action certification determinations, mediations, arbitrations, and appeals. Matthew is based in our Columbia, SC office.

Mark is a trial lawyer who handles all aspects of personal injury claims including but not limited to car accidents, trucking and tractor trailer accidents, slip/fall claims, trip/fall claims, motorcycle accidents, premises liability, negligent security, traumatic brain injuries, wrongful death and medical malpractice.  Mark is licensed to practice law in South Carolina and in Florida.. If you have been injured in a car accident, truck accident or suffered an injury due to someone else's negligence, I am here to fight for you and get you the compensation that you deserve. Justice begins here.

Marjorie Lewis graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in 1994 where she was a member of the Law Review. She is a member of the Construction, Real Estate and Employment Law Sections of the Missouri Bar and is a member of the Boone County Bar Association (President 2016-2017).  Marjorie provides representation in construction, real estate, employment, business, land use and other matters and acts as general counsel for various businesses. She has successfully represented clients in federal and state court litigation matters, including acting as lead counsel during trial and in subsequent appeals. She further represents clients in front of the City Council, Board of Adjustment and Planning and Zoning Commission. She is a licensed real estate broker and has been a speaker on employment and real estate issues.

Marc is dedicated to his clients. His practice focuses on injury and wrongful death matters. Marc takes pride in providing aggressive and effective representation on behalf of each of his clients. He goes above and beyond to ensure that his clients understand their rights and are treated like extended members of the firm's family.. Prior to opening the Marc Brown Law Firm, attorney Marc Brown worked for a national law firm defending large corporations and insurance companies. He has experience working on both sides of a case, and he knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims and what they look for when deciding to increase the amount of money they are willing to pay as a settlement. Marc brings the experience and resources of a larger firm to his smaller, more personalized and accessible firm.. In addition to serving his clients in the courtroom, Marc enjoys serving his community. He serves as a board member of both the Children’s Trust of South Carolina and Communities in Schools of the Midlands. He also serves as a Steering Committee member for United Way of the Midlands’ Young Leaders Society.

Malia Parnell is an unwavering advocate for Missouri families and injury victims, guiding them through the challenging personal issues they face and protecting them through strategic and ethical legal strategies. She approaches every family law and personal injury case with a genuine concern and dedication for the best interests of her clients, whether they have suffered in a car accident or have children caught in the middle of a divorce.

Madelyn practices Personal Injury, Workers Compensation, Employment Law, and Civil Litigation throughout South Carolina, including Columbia, Richland, Lexington, Kershaw, Orangeburg, and Rock Hill.. Any result our firm may achieve on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.

Luke’s primary focus is strategic and complex transactions, including capital raising transactions, corporate governance matters, mergers and acquisitions, business transactions, and joint ventures/strategic alliances. Luke’s clients include private companies, as well as individuals.

Luke Shealey graduated from The University of South Carolina with a B.A. in 2001. After clerking for two years at a major Columbia law firm Luke decided to pursue the practice of law. Mr. Shealey graduated law school in Boston, Massachusetts from the New England School of law. While there he was elected to the Student Bar Association and invited to write for one of the school’s several journals.. In 2006 Luke moved back to Columbia, SC and began working as an Assistant Public Defender, where he would diligently represent indigent clients on criminal cases for almost seven years. Mr. Shealey was a tireless advocate for his clients, and for the majority of his time as a public defender he represented only the most serious crimes. Mr. Shealey has taken countless cases to trial with exceptional results, earning an uncanny amount of not guilty verdicts to include murder, all levels of assault, domestic violence, kidnapping and driving under the influence cases. Luke was a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, GA in 2008, and in 2012 he taught trial advocacy to the inaugural class of the South Carolina Defense College. In 2013 Mr. Shealey was appointed to his first death penalty case. He and the other team members were tasked with literally trying to save this man from execution by the State of South Carolina. In 2015 Mr. Shealey and the other members of the team were able to secure a life sentence for their client. Mr. Shealey has trained in the Colorado Method of Captial Voir Dire at the Colorado School of Law and also in death penalty defense at the Santa Clara University School of Law. Mr. Shealey is a member of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and active within his community. Mr. Shealey strives to provide powerful representation, and his vast courtroom experience allows him to achieve maximum results for his clients.. Mr. Shealey is admitted to practice in all South Carolina State and Federal Courts.

Licensed SC attorney doing real estate closings in the Midlands for Refinances, purchases, and sales.

Lauren is the principal attorney at Oliver Leffler Law, and focuses on family law, estate planning, estate administration, and guardianship. She is a skilled negotiator and litigator, and is trained in numerous alternative dispute resolution methods, including collaborative law, mediation, and Parent Coordination.. Prior to joining the firm, Lauren worked for several law firms throughout Maryland handling trusts and estates matters. In addition to her legal experience, Lauren served several U.S. Government agencies including The White House, U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This experience allows Lauren to lend a unique perspective to handling her client's complex issues.. Lauren works with her clients to facilitate long-lasting resolutions for families in crisis. This includes individuals who are contemplating marriage, separation, or divorce, as well as those who seek modifications in their child support, alimony, or other collateral obligations. While the goal is to resolve complex issues without going to court, in some cases that is simply not possible and in those cases, Lauren advocates zealously for her clients’ interests in court.. In working with clients to prepare or review their estate plans, Lauren works with closely with clients to plan for a potential future incapacity and death. This often includes utilizing various estate planning instruments to achieve the clients' objectives, including a last will and testament, trust agreement, durable powers of attorney, and an advance medical directive. Lauren’s comprehensive approach to estate planning contemplates the individual needs of her clients, including any death tax implications their estate may have, the need to preserve and manage assets for future generations, and ensure the overall dispositive goals are reached. Lauren also assists families with special needs children who may need to set up specific trust mechanisms to protect that child’s inheritance while maximizing the availability of public benefits.. During the probate process, Lauren represents clients in various roles, including Personal Representatives, beneficiaries, and creditors. Lauren’s combines her compassion for helping families through their darkest days with her skills in resolving inter-familial disputes to help minimize potential conflicts that could arise during the estate administration process. Lauren has assisted many individuals throughout the state of Maryland to help finalize their loved one’s final affairs.. For families who are struggling with a loved one who is no longer able to manage their own affairs, Lauren provides legal advice and representation in the guardianship process. Lauren draws on her experience and skills to demonstrate the need for a guardianship, and provides her clients the personal attention they need to help them through this process.. Lauren resides in Ellicott City with her husband, daughter, three step-children, and two dogs. When not helping clients, she enjoys painting, traveling, and yoga.

Landon Miller focuses his practice in the fields of DWI defense, alcohol and drug offenses, traffic violations, general criminal defense matters, and personal injury matters. Landon grew up in Raymore, Missouri, and understands the unique dynamic of Missouri. After graduating Ray-Pec high school, Landon joined the United States Marine Corps Reserves. While in the Marine Corps, Landon recieved a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia College. He went on to the University of Missouri School of Law where he earned a Juris Doctorate. While in law school, Landon became rule 13 certified and practiced as an assistant prosecutor in Cass County. Landon also competed on the law school mock trial teams with such success that the law school asked that he coach the future teams. In his first year of coaching, his team won the TYLA regional competition and advanced to the the national competition. He is currently an active member of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.. Landon has handled over a hundreds of cases and strives for the best possible result for his clients in every case. When he is not able to secure a dismissal or favorable outcome through negotiation, Landon is not afraid to take the fight into the courtroom. Landon's prior experience working for the Cass County Prosecuting Attorney and coaching at the law school has provided him with a thorough understanding of both sides of a case allowing a more comprehensive approach to each case he evaluates.

Kristian Cross is an associate with Collins & Lacy practicing in Workers' Compensation and Retail / Hospitality / Entertainment law. In addition to her position on the South Carolina Bar Workers’ Compensation Committee, Kristian serves on the executive board of Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands. Kristian received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina, where she served as the Secretary of the Student Bar Association, as well as the Academic Assistance Program Property Tutor. During law school, she also served as a law clerk for Collins & Lacy and another local firm.  Prior to joining Collins & Lacy in 2010, Kristian worked as an attorney for a Columbia-based firm practicing in the areas of business, commercial and insurance litigation.

Kerri is a personal injury attorney who focuses her practice on automobile wrecks, wrecks involving tractor trailers, nursing home negligence and abuse, slip and falls, and medical malpractice. She has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of her clients. Born and raised in North Augusta, South Carolina, Kerri attended the University of South Carolina for her undergraduate and law degree where she graduated cum laude both times. Upon graduating from law school, Kerri was a staff attorney for the South Carolina Court of Appeals. She then spent six years on the defense side of personal injury litigation defending large corporations and businesses. During that time, she learned the complex process of how insurance companies adjust claims and value cases, which she now uses to the advantage of her clients.

Kenneth M. Suggs, a principal in the firm of Janet, Jenner & Suggs, has been a tireless champion of consumer legal rights for nearly 40 years. Known for his advocacy in the areas of medical malpractice, product liability and business litigation, he has been recognized nationally as one of the nation’s finest trial lawyers.. As head of the firm’s Business Litigation Division, Mr. Suggs has won judgments and verdicts for business clients wronged by major corporations, including a win for a $1 billion company against a Fortune 500 corporation. As a leader in the firm’s medical malpractice area, he has sought and won justice for many, ranging from infants who suffered severe birth injuries to families who lost loved ones due to dangerous prescription drugs.. Kenneth Suggs has held a broad range of leadership positions in many organizations devoted to law and education, including President of the American Association for Justice (formerly the American Association of Trial Lawyers) from 2005-2006. In 2012, he was named Best Lawyers ® Lawyer of the Year–Product Liability, Columbia, SC.  In 2009 he was recognized as South Carolina Super Lawyer’s® Top Point Getter and has been listed among Best Lawyers in America® for more than 10 years in the areas of mass torts, medical malpractice, personal injury and product liability litigation.. Mr. Suggs has received numerous honors including inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs, Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs 2014. He was named the Best Lawyers’ 2014 Columbia, SC Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs “Lawyer of the Year”. Mr. Suggs has been named to Maryland Super Lawyers each of the past six years. He has been honored with the American Association for Justice Harry Philo and President’s Awards and the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association Founders Award, both in 2007, and the American Bar Association’s Torts and Insurance Practice Section’s “Pursuit of Justice” award in 2008.. Mr. Suggs is the 2006 recipient of the “Advocate of the Year” award presented by the South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center. He also attained recognition as a Fellow of the National College of Advocacy. He served as President of the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association in 1981, and currently serves on its Board of Governors and Legislative Committee; the Advisory Board for Best Lawyers in America; and the Executive Committee of the Lawyers Committee for the National Center for State Courts.. Kenneth Suggs served as president of the Richland County Bar Association in 1999 and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He has also served as a member of the US District Court Advisory Committee and was a co-draftsman of the South Carolina Rules of Evidence, later adopted by the South Carolina Supreme Court.. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1975, and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Clemson University in 1968. He currently serves on the Clemson University President’s Advisory Committee. Before attending law school, he served in the United States Navy, including two years in the Vietnam War.

Kelly is a trial lawyer with experience in corporate, health care, privacy, and information technology law. Kelly is known for providing strategic guidance through complex business and regulatory issues and offering practical insight on matters involving health information exchanges, electronic medical records, vendor agreements, and data privacy. Kelly's practice areas include health care law, commercial litigation, and medical related litigation. She regularly advises business owners, non-profit boards, and health care clients on employment issues, acquisitions, corporate transactions, vendor agreements, Stark and anti-kickback laws, HIPAA, HITECH, health information technology, and patient privacy issues.

Kayla Welch is a long-time resident of Columbia and attended Stephens College, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Psychology and later graduating summa cum laude with a second degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana Wesleyan University. Kayla joined Columbia Family Law Group as a law clerk in 2019 and began working as an attorney after graduating from the University of Missouri, Columbia School of Law. Kayla joined Van Matre Law Firm in January 2024. While in law school, Kayla participated in the Innocence Project Clinic working to investigate appellate criminal cases on the grounds of actual innocence, served as an Associate Managing Editor on the Journal of Dispute Resolution, and published her article: Restorative Justice: An Alternative Dispute Resolution Approach to Criminal Behavior.. While completing her education, Kayla spent more than five years honing her advocacy skills in Juvenile Court while volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children. This experience allowed her to work with other family law attorneys, Guardians ad Litem, juvenile officers, and social workers to learn how to effectively pursue the best interests of children in various cases.. As an adoptee herself, Kayla understands the personal and significant impact on individual family members when a family case is filed and has a passion for helping her clients obtain the best outcome for their families. During her time working in the legal field, Kayla has gained experience preparing financial agreements and settlements, child custody and support agreements, and adoption filings. Now, she works to help clients on matters involving Divorce, Modification, Child Custody, Child Support, Guardianships, Adoptions, and Juvenile cases.

Joshua Plaxen is a partner at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. Since joining the firm in 2015, Joshua focuses his practice on personal injury, Social Security Disability and workers' compensation claims.. Joshua graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, and graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2012 magna cum laude. He was also inducted into the Heuisler Honor Society for finishing in the top ten percent of his class. During law school, Joshua served on the Executive Board of the University of Baltimore Law Review.

Joseph “Joe” Wideman, Jr., joined the Atkins Law Firm in the spring of 2019. Prior to coming to Atkins Law Firm, Joe spent roughly three years with one of the Carolinas’ leading workers’ compensation defense firms representing businesses and insurance companies. It didn’t take Joe long to realize that he wanted to make the switch to representing injured workers. It’s among the best decisions he has ever made. Joe has found a niche where he can use his knowledge and drive to help people who have been hurt on the job and feels blessed to have the opportunity to put his talents to use.. Joe was born and raised in Belton, South Carolina and comes from a long-line of working-class folks. From a young age, Joe has always been very competitive and very driven. He also strongly believes in the power of paying it forward. Joe cites his parents and many strong mentors in his life for giving him the tools necessary for success. The first male in his family to attend college, Joe played Division I football and was a team captain for two years while at Presbyterian College “PC”. Joe graduated from PC in 2013 with a major in Business Management and Accounting. Since graduating from PC, Joe continues to serve his alma mater and currently is a member of the Young Alumni Board and holds a board position for the Midlands Alumni Chapter here in Columbia. After graduating from PC, Joe pursued his legal education at the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he graduated in 2016. While in law school, Joe proudly served as President of the Honorable Matthew J. Perry Chapter of the Black Law Student Association “BLSA”. He also served as the National Financial Secretary for the National Black Law Student Association “NBLSA”. He spends a lot of his free time mentoring others as a way to give back to the community.. When he isn’t practicing law or volunteering, Joe is a fitness fanatic! He spends much of his free time working out or competing. When Joe isn’t at the gym, he enjoys cooking and spending time with his Fiancée, Antonia, and their two fur-babies, Daisy and LuLu, as well as spending time with friends and family. Perhaps one of his greatest joys is finding a good deal—the man is not afraid to clip a coupon. He also loves sports—especially football.

Jordan concentrates his practice in real estate matters, including real estate transactions, title issue resolution, contract review and drafting, and related business matters, such as LLC formation.. Jordan is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration- Finance and Real Estate and a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law. While in law school, Jordan served as a Staff Member for the Real Property Trust and Estate Law Journal, founded and became President of the Real Estate Law Society, served on the Graduate Student Finance Committee, was a Student Attorney for the Non-Profit Organizations Clinic, and received CALI awards in Real Estate Transactions, Legal Research and Writing, Advanced Evidence, and Liberty Seminar. Jordan served as a Law Clerk at Rogers Townsend, where he went on to become an Associate Attorney.  He is now proudly an Attorney at Blair Cato located in the Vista area of Columbia, South Carolina.. Jordan is licensed to practice law in South Carolina and North Carolina.

John represents both plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal court. He has a diverse litigation practice, handling matters related to the False Claims Act, health care, personal injury, and construction litigation among others. He also represents governmental clients, such as county and state governments, and private clients before governmental bodies. John has been certified as a mediator since 2005 and serves by appointment of the South Carolina Supreme Court as a member of the Commission on Lawyer Conduct. John, who is based in our Columbia, SC office, is also a member of the Wyche Executive Committee.. As an advocate for his clients and friends, John has appeared in publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek Magazine, and People Magazine. He has also appeared on national television shows including Larry King Live, MSNBC, Fox News, Anderson Cooper 360, and Good Morning America.

John Paschal Meadors is the criminal defense attorney for MBA, practicing primarily  in Columbia, Lexington, Camden, Orangeburg, Aiken and Newberry counties.. He received his B.A. from Wofford College in 1983, where he served as Student Body President.  John received his J.D. from the University of South Carolina in 1987 and was admitted to the South Carolina Bar.  He was admitted to the United States District court in 1995.. Mr. Meadors has spent over 28 years practicing criminal law in the courtrooms of this State.  He served as an Assistant Solicitor, First Assistant Solicitor and Deputy Solicitor for the Fifth Judicial Circuit for twenty-three years.  He has served as an Assistant Attorney General in the State Grand Jury Division for over five years, where he handled major drug conspiracies throughout the State. He was also appointed a Special Assistant United States Attorney.  Governor Sanford appointed him to the Child Fatality Review Board which he served on for 8 years.. John has been a speaker at numerous Continuing Legal Education courses and received the 2005 Ernest F. Hollings Award for Excellence in State Court Prosecution.  He has handled thousands of criminal cases including over 100 murder cases.  He has been representing clients for MBA for over 5 years.. John is married and has four children.  He is a member of Shandon United Methodist Church and   the Camden Rotary Club.  He is a member of the Richland County Bar Association and  the Kershaw County Bar Association.. If you are facing criminal charges in the Camden, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Columbia, or Aiken, South Carolina, area, please contact the criminal defense team at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, P.A. today.. Any result our firm may achieve on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.

John L. Warren III's practice focuses on personal injury, wrongful death, products and pharmaceutical liability, premises liability, medical malpractice, criminal defense, and appellate litigation.. John received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of South Carolina Honors College.  He then earned his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Elon University School of Law, where he served on the Elon Moot Court Board and the editorial board of the Elon Law Review.  John was also nominated to the Order of Barristers in recognition of his excellence in written and oral advocacy, and earned several awards for receiving the highest grade in Civil Procedure, Evidence, and Legal Writing.  In addition, John has published several legal articles on election law, constitutional law, and the judicial process.. During college and law school, John worked as a legal assistant and law clerk for Simmons Law Firm, where he gained valuable experience in various civil, criminal, and appellate matters.  Following his graduation from law school, John served for two years as a law clerk to the Honorable John W. Kittredge at the South Carolina Supreme Court.  During his clerkship, John gained experience in diverse areas of the law and obtained unique insight on the South Carolina appellate courts.. When not practicing law, John enjoys hunting, camping, and spending time outdoors with his black lab Brandeis.

John is a former Boone County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and Assistant Attorney General for the State of Missouri. As an Assistant Prosecutor, John established a reputation as an aggressive trial attorney, successfully trying both misdemeanor and felony cases.. John’s practice focuses on representing clients in both criminal and civil litigation, including minor in possession/driving while intoxicated, personal injury, family law and divorce, business litigation, landlord/tenant and administrative law. John is a graduate of the University of Missouri. He received his law degree from Stanford Law School.