Top Litigation Lawyers Near Me in Columbia Area

“[L]iterally relied on [] as an expert on construction law and related matters,” clients describe Mike as an “excellent litigator and trusted counselor” and “someone who is looking out for your interests and not his own.”. Mike’s practice focuses on business disputes and commercial and civil litigation, with a substantial portion devoted to construction law. Mike also helps clients limit risk by reviewing and scrutinizing documents and contracts before issues arise.. Mike regularly represents clients throughout central Maryland in a broad range of business and construction matters, including contract claims, fraud, and business torts, creditor rights litigation, estate disputes, and construction claims. Clients often retain Mike before suit is filed to evaluate potential outcomes and mitigate any possible risk. He has represented majority and minority business owners in business breakups, employers and employees in non-compete, trade secret and fiduciary litigation, and contractors and subcontractors in mechanics liens, bond claims and bid protests.

Reid M. Weinstein was born in New Hyde Park, New York and raised in North Brunswick, New Jersey.  He attended the University of Maryland where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Civicus Living and Learning Program, an academic citation program centered around the concept of fostering a civil society.  Mr. Weinstein graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Government and Politics and a secondary major in Criminology and Criminal Justice.  After college, he attended the University of Maryland School of Law in Baltimore.  During law school, Mr. Weinstein was part of the Moot Court Board, an appellate advocacy group comprised of students with a demonstrated ability in appellate brief writing and oral argument. He also clerked at a highly regarded civil litigation firm in Montgomery County, Maryland.. After law school, Mr. Weinstein served as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert A. Greenberg in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.  Following the clerkship experience, he entered private practice at a well respected regional law firm in Washington, D.C. and handled insurance defense matters in the context of automobile tort liability, products liability, premises liability, professional malpractice, landlord/tenant, and workers' compensation cases.  After two years, Mr. Weinstein joined a law firm in Howard County, Maryland where he practiced civil litigation with an emphasis on automobile, assault/battery, defamation, property damage, slip and fall, and subrogation matters.. Prior to founding his own firm, Mr. Weinstein served as in-house counsel for an insurance company where he litigated numerous personal injury, personal injury protection, insurance coverage, subrogation, and underinsured/uninsured motorist claims throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia.  Mr. Weinstein has successful jury trial experience and has tried many cases before members of the bench.. Mr. Weinstein is licensed to practice law in Maryland and the District of Columbia. He is also barred in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.  Mr. Weinstein is a proud member of the Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and Maryland State Bar Associations.

Mr. Gerrald practices primarily in the fields of civil litigation and appeals, professional liability defense, and insurance coverage, along with collections, construction law, real estate, and church law. He regularly defends complex civil cases--particularly those alleging negligence or professional malpractice--and handles appeals thereof at all levels of state and federal courts in South Carolina. His defense clients include lawyers, accountants, doctors, and other professionals. He advises and represents insurance carriers regarding coverage and bad faith issues. Churches and other nonprofits often call upon him to advise them on a variety of issues ranging from incorporation to abuse reporting to parliamentary procedure. He also handles collection and bankruptcy matters for finance and development companies.. Mr. Gerrald is licensed to practice and has appeared in the state courts of South Carolina, the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States. He has been commissioned as a Blackstone Fellow and Allied Attorney by the Alliance Defending Freedom and is a member of the South Carolina Bar, the Richland County Bar Association, DRI (formally Defense Research Institute), the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance, the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association, the Professional Liability Underwriting Society, and Christian Legal Society.. Mr. Gerrald serves as a Legislative Liaison for DRI, with his findings being published every four weeks in the e-mail newsletter The Voice. He has drafted several articles for the South Carolina Baptist Convention and is a contributor to the South Carolina chapter of Fifty State Construction Lien and Bond Law (a publication of Aspen Publishers). He is a Fellow of the inaugural class of the South Carolina Legal Writing Academy and has been selected to the Rising Stars list published by South Carolina Super Lawyers magazine.. Mr. Gerrald received a B.A. in political science and religious studies from the University of South Carolina in 2003 and a J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2007. During college, he worked in the Washington office of then-Congressman Jim DeMint. During law school, he interned for the North Carolina Family Policy Council in Raleigh. He also received various honors and awards in law school, including the CALI Excellence for the Future Award, and he was a member of the South Carolina Law Review, the Order of the Wig and Robe, and the Order of the Coif. He also earned a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of South Carolina in 2007.. In addition to his practice, Mr. Gerrald enjoys spending time with his family, reading, studying theology, and participating in endurance sports. He has finished numerous 5Ks, a 10K, and a half marathon in addition to ten triathlons, including the Washington D.C. Triathlon and the Ironman 70.3 Augusta. He is also an avid collegiate sports fan—particularly of South Carolina football and baseball—a children's Sunday School teacher, and a youth soccer coach. He serves on the board of Bethany Christian Services of Columbia, and he and his family attend Grace Point Church in Irmo, South Carolina.

Mr. Fellner is an associate attorney with Nagle & Zaller, P.C.  He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in History and Spanish in 2002.  After working as an Americorps volunteer teacher in an impoverished area of San Diego, he earned a his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2005.. While he was in law school, Mr. Fellner was a member of the Law Review, and worked as a legal assistant for Professor Shaun P. Martin.  He was also an active member of the Legal Clinic, assisting low-income individuals with legal issues, worked on the staff of the law school magazine The Advocate, and worked as a student assistant in the Legal Research Center.  During law school, Mr. Fellner also clerked for the litigation law firm of Winet, Patrick and Weaver.. Mr. Fellner has been admitted to practice law in Maryland since 2006, and he has zealously represented clients in civil and criminal disputes in courts throughout the state.  His experience ranges across many fields of law, including personal injury, insurance litigation, community association law, criminal felony and misdemeanor defense, bankruptcy, immigration, family law, and more.  In addition, Mr. Fellner is admitted to practice law in Washington, DC, where he has litigated civil and criminal matters since 2007.. Mr. Fellner represents clients in the areas of community association law, construction law, civil litigation, criminal/DUI defense, real estate, zoning/land use, corporate law, contracts, commercial law, creditors' rights/collections, immigration, and more.. Contact Mr. Fellner today at or  for a free, no obligation consultation.

Mr. Bayne’s practice focuses on workers’ compensation defense.He received his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he was inducted into the John Belton O’Neall Inn of Court. He holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and sociology from Baylor University. Prior to joining MG&C, Mr. Bayne served as law clerk to the Honorable G. Thomas Cooper, Jr.Mr. Bayne is a member of the Defense Research Institute, the SC Bar Association and the Richland County Bar Association. He also serves as an adjunct faculty advisor for the USC School of Law Mock Trial Program.

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.

Maryland employment lawyer with extensive experience counseling and representing both employees and employers. Jamaal Stafford recevied his JD from the University of Virginia School of Law and is licensed to practice law in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Louisiana. He handles cases relating to discrimination, wrongful termination, sexual harrassment, and other employment matters.

Mark D. Chappell, Jr. concentrates in the areas of personal injury, premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, products liability, nursing home abuse and neglect, commercial motor vehicle accidents, and intellectual property disputes. Mark is a 2010 graduate of Wofford College and previously worked as a Banker in Charleston, South Carolina before beginning law school. Mark is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and was admitted to practice in 2015. As a law student, he was actively involved in the Student Bar Association, President of the South Carolina Association for Justice – South Carolina School of Law Chapter, Clerked for the South Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee, and a Captain of the School of Law’s Mock Trial team, where he competed nationwide. Mark received the 2015 Luther M. Lee Scholarship, awarded annually by the Dean and faculty of the University of South Carolina – School of Law to a third year student who possesses academic excellence, integrity, and leadership.

Kenesha A. Raeford, a highly skilled attorney specializing in the small business sector and government contracts industry, has become a trusted advisor due to her passion for the law and unwavering commitment to excellence. Recognizing the intricate legal needs of small businesses, Kenesha is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support and advocating for small business owners, ensuring the success and ability of their businesses to thrive.

John T. is a shareholder of Gallivan, White & Boyd, a firm with five offices in two states.  John T. has an active trial practice with extensive experience in commercial litigation, legal malpractice, bad faith litigation and product liability.  He has been recognized for inclusion in six categories of Best Lawyers in America, and received the honor of a South Carolina Top 25 Super Lawyer.  He is also recognized in Chambers USA and Benchmark Litigation.. John T. is President of the International Association of Defense Counsel, Immediate Past President of the South Carolina Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and a past President of the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association.

Jocelyn Newman joined Richardson Plowden in 2007 as an associate in the Columbia office. She focuses her practice in general litigation.. Ms. Newman graduated from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1999, making the Dean’s List. She earned her Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law, Washington, D.C., in 2004, where she was a Merit Scholar.. Prior to joining Richardson Plowden, Ms. Newman was an assistant solicitor in the Fifth Judicial Circuit solicitor’s office, in Columbia, SC. Prior to that, she served as a judicial law clerk to The Honorable G. Thomas Cooper, Jr., of the South Carolina Circuit Court in Columbia. Additionally, Ms. Newman completed legal internships with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Foundation Litigation and the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights, and a judicial internship with The Honorable Reggie B. Walton, U.S. District Court, all of which took place in Washington, D.C.

In 2008 I graduated from the University of Miami's School of Law and immediately moved to South Carolina to practice criminal law.  Within my first two years of practice I argued before the Supreme Court of South Carolina and helped to change the law in South Carolina to the benefit of my clients.  After an additional five years of practice with larger firms and many more cases, I decided to open the Truluck Law Firm.  I am at all times committed to the practice of law and it is my goal to provide responsive representation to keep my client's informed of their options throughout the legal process.

I have been practicing law since 1995. My focus of practice is in litigation, family law, and criminal law.  I have been both a criminal defense attorney and a prosecutor.. I have tried over 100 cases before juries.  As a prosecutor, I have prosecuted crimes ranging from driving offenses to capital murder.  I worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Boone County for ten years where I was the first assistant for five.. While working as a Special Prosecutor for the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, and as a Boone County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, I handled many high profile cases that have been featured on such programs as 48 Hours, Snapped, Discovery Channel and CourtTV.. ?id=7272762n. ?id=1701973. I know firsthand how difficult the court system can be for families. For several years I specialized in prosecuting crimes committed against children. My experience handling these types of cases enabled him to work closely with families and court personnel always striving to do what was in the best interest of the child.

I grew up in Aiken, South Carolina.  I moved to Columbia, South Carolina to attend the University of South Carolina Honors College, where I majored in Marine Science.  Immediately after college, I was accepted into the University of South Carolina School of Law.  During law school I began working with Davidson & Lindemann law firm, and was hired as an associate by the firm following graduation.  In 2013 I made parter at Davidson & Lindemann.  In January 2018 we renamed the firm Davidson, Wren & Plyler, PA.. I still live in Columbia with my wife (Kristi), our sons (Dylan and Deacon) and our daughter (Delaney).. My practice is focused on civil litigation.  Being in the Courtroom is something I truly enjoy, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to assist clients with the litigation process.. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, working out, running, playing guitar, and taking on challenges that test me both physically and mentally.

Graham Newman‘s work has focused on commercial class actions, contractual litigation, insurance bad faith, and products liability in both state and federal court. His trial court victories have included a $14.5 million insurance bad faith verdict, an $8 million class action judgment, and a $4.75 million products liability verdict. Graham has briefed numerous appeals before the South Carolina Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and United States Supreme Court. He has also argued four cases before the South Carolina Court of Appeals and one case before the South Carolina Supreme Court. Graham joined Chappell Smith & Arden, P.A. in June of 2014, buttressing the firm’s already formidable litigation practice. In addition to practicing law, Graham teaches an undergraduate legal course through the University of South Carolina Honors College and serves on several boards and committees dedicated to the improvement of the judicial system.

Chase started Keibler Law Group to help individuals who suffered catastrophic injuries and businesses involved in complex litigations.  We stop injustice and get you the most compensation for you case with creative, aggressive, and effective advocacy.. Chase is licesned in both South Carolina and North Carolina and represents plaintiffs in state and federal courts.  He has a diverse litigation practice, handling matters related to truck and car accidents, wrongful death, federal antitrust cartels, unfair trade practice, complex commercial and business litigation, and insurance disputes.  Chase is a proven trial attorney having represented clients in both bench and jury trials.. Chase graduated cum laude and Order of the Wig and Robe from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he served as the Senior Articles Editor of the South Carolina Law Review and as a Judicial Extern for Judge Michelle Childs in the District of South Carolina.. When not serving his clients, Chase enjoys traveling with his family, playing hockey, and working with his hands.

Chad Johnston is an attorney with Willoughby & Hoefer, P.A., in Columbia and has a general business and administrative litigation practice, encompassing the representation of water, sewer, and electric utilities, state and local governmental entities, corporate entities, as well as individual and institutional securities and investment mismanagement litigation.  In addition to general litigation, Mr. Johnston’s practice extends across the spectrum of representation, from front-end environmental permitting, contract and economic development issues, to the handling of post-litigation appeals.. A native of Frankfort, Kentucky, Mr. Johnston holds a B.A. from Wofford College in French and Intercultural Studies for Business with German.  Following Wofford, Mr. Johnston completed the joint JD/IMBA program (German Track) at the University of South Carolina School of Law and Moore School of Business.. Prior to joining Willoughby & Hoefer, Mr. Johnston served as law clerk to the Honorable Kaye G. Hearn, Justice of the Supreme Court of South Carolina, for three years, encompassing Justice Hearn’s final two years as Chief Judge of the South Carolina Court of Appeals and first year as a Justice on the Supreme Court.. Mr. Johnston is a member of the South Carolina and Richland County Bars.  He is a past graduate of the Leadership Academy of the South Carolina Bar, is the current Chair-Elect of the Bar’s Environment and Natural Resources Section, and has been active in the Young Lawyers Division as past Chair of the Courthouse Keys Program.  Outside of the legal world, Mr. Johnston is a graduate of Leadership Columbia, is a frequent participant and presenter with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s Environmental Tech Committee, has been a longtime Board Member of the Palladium Society, an affiliate organization of the Historic Columbia Foundation, and is a member of the Columbia Rotary Club.

Caleb graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in 2010.  Caleb represents clients in many industries, including construction, real estate, banking and agriculture.  He advises clients of all sizes on litigation and transactional issues and frequently appears before the City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, the Board of Adjustment, as well as state and federal trial and appellate courts.  Caleb is a member of the Sunrise Southwest Rotary Club, Columbia Ducks Unlimited Committee, Columbia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is co-chair of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s Agribusiness & Bioscience Committee. Caleb is a graduate of the 2015 Leadership Columbia program, was named a Missouri Lawyers’ Weekly “Up and Coming” Lawyer in 2015 and was selected by the Columbia Business Times for inclusion in the 2016 “20 under 40” class.  Caleb has given many presentations on real estate, land use and zoning issues.

A former F-16 fighter pilot, Tally serves her clients with a special blend of tenacity, shrewdness, and creativity. As the firm’s senior female litigation partner, her broad experience includes representing plaintiffs and defendants in complex matters in the areas of aviation law, commercial and securities litigation, copyright litigation, qui tam and whistleblower lawsuits, civil and voting rights litigation, and unfair trade practices. Admitted to practice in D.C. and Maryland as well as South Carolina, she has represented clients in corporate defense/white collar criminal matters and internal investigations, and she handles appeals before the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. A magna cum laude graduate of Princeton University and the University of Virginia School of Law, Tally was the first female fighter pilot in the South Carolina Air National Guard and is a veteran of three combat tours over Iraq. She is based in our Columbia, SC office and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force Reserves.