CORPORATE/M&A: BAND 1
Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd PA*
McNair Law Firm PA*
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP*
Nexsen Pruet, LLC*
Wyche, P.A.*
CORPORATE/M&A: BANKING & FINANCE: BAND 1
Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd PA*
McNair Law Firm PA*
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP*
Nexsen Pruet, LLC*
Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC*
HAYNSWORTH SINKLER BOYD PA
The Firm: With more than 30 corporate attorneys spread across five South Carolina offices, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd is a strong presence in the state. Supported by the strength of its banking practice, the firm’s corporate group is particularly recognized for its bond work, municipal transactions and tax-exempt finance work. A range of national clients, such as Sonoco, Synalloy and Piggly Wiggly, look to the firm for corporate advice.
Sources say: “This firm is truly exceptional, particularly when it comes to bond work and municipal transactions.”
Key Individuals in Greenville:
Kathleen McKinney (BAND 1, CORPORATE/M&A: BANKING & FINANCE) is considered “one of the premier bond lawyers in the state” and is well known for her tax-exempt financing work.
MCNAIR LAW FIRM PA
The Firm: McNair’s broad-based corporate group is one of the strongest in the state and is complemented by an effective banking practice. The firm has eight offices in South Carolina and has extensive corporate expertise, especially in the key areas of bonds, municipal transactions and tax-exempt finance. The firm has recently been acting for energy clients in major matters.
Sources say: “A strong local practice with a high level of sophistication.”
NELSON MULLINS RILEY & SCARBOROUGH LLP
The Firm: Nelson Mullins has four offices and over 60 corporate attorneys in South Carolina. Clients appreciate the firm’s deep bench and extensive resources. It is particularly noted for its representation of large banks and financial institutions and it often represents several of the state’s community banks, such as Palmetto Bank.
Key Individuals in Greenville:
Neil Grayson (BAND 1, CORPORATE/ M&A: BANKING & FINANCE; BAND 2, CORPORATE/M&A) heads the firm’s financial services group and has extensive experience in bank formations, securities offerings and traditional M&A work. He is “well known as a banking expert, with extensive experience handling regulatory issues.”
John Jennings (BAND 3, CORPORATE/M&A) is a well-regarded banking expert. He was heavily involved in the firm’s work on the Palmetto Bank recapitalization.
NEXSEN PRUET, LLC
The Firm: This firm operates an efficient and effective corporate practice. Its South Carolina team, composed of 18 corporate and 12 finance attorneys, has a thriving practice representing some of the region’s largest clients. Clients appreciate that the firm offers the expertise and quality of a national firm with the cost-effectiveness and regional knowledge of a local one. It has recently concluded a multimillion-dollar agribusiness facility acquisition and begun work on a wind turbine project with Clemson University. The firm counts several insurers, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield and Continental American Insurance, among its corporate client base.
Sources say: “The group knows the ins and outs of South Carolina, is well connected and represents great value for money.”
WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC
The Firm: This impressive regional firm devotes a large part of its corporate practice to the representation of banks and creditors. With offices throughout the Southeast, including a large base in Greenville, it frequently acts for Bank of America, BB&T and Wells Fargo. Clients appreciate the firm’s deep bench of attorneys and extensive regional resources. The firm employs several of the state’s most respected and seasoned attorneys, and sources complimented the firm on its strong focus on talent development and investment in top to bottom quality.
Sources say: “Very knowledgeable and quick to utilize the considerable resources available within the firm.”
Key Individuals in Greenville:
Allen Grumbine (band 2, Corporate/M&A) receives unreserved praise from clients and peers. A skilled and seasoned corporate attorney, he is described as “an excellent technician who not only has big ideas, but also the skill to translate them into action.”
Elizabeth Temple (band 3, Corporate/M&A) has a strong corporate practice and focuses on securities law and public company work. BNC Bancorp and MidCountry Financial are long-standing clients.
WYCHE, P.A.
The Firm: This well-regarded local firm has 11 corporate attorneys with strong market credentials. Companies ranging from The South Financial Group to Span-America Medical Systems and Delta Apparel turn to the firm for ongoing corporate counsel. Clients value the personal service, breadth of experience and sizable resources that the firm can bring to bear on corporate matters.
Sources say: “Exclusively staffed by top-notch, well-trained lawyers - they practice law at the highest level.”
Key Individuals in Greenville:
Cary Hall (band 2 Corporate/M&A) is a senior member of the firm and specializes in tax law. Clients describe him as “one of the smartest attorneys in Greenville for nonprofit and endowment law” and commend him for his “ability to think of creative solutions.”
Eric Amstutz (band 3 Corporate/M&A) has 30 years of experience and acts as head of the corporate group. He is admired for his “incredible focus and unrelenting commitment to his clients.”
CORPORATE/M&A: BAND 2
Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP*
Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC*
SMITH MOORE LEATHERWOOD LLP
The Firm: This solid regional player has a strong team of 12 corporate attorneys in its Greenville office. It particularly excels in midmarket transactions, and the firm has experience representing large domestic and foreign lenders. The firm provides regular legal counsel for RBC Bank, Azalea Capital and Canal Insurance.
Key Individuals in Greenville:
Richard Few (band 3 Corporate/M&A) focuses his practice on strategic and tax planning and commercial and public financings.
WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC
(See description under Corporate M&A: Banking & Finance: Band 1)
Other Notable CORPORATE/M&A Practitioners in Greenville
Kevin Hendricks (band 3 Corporate/M&A) of entrepreneurs law group, llc recently left Wyche to start his own practice, where he primarily represents startups and middle-market companies.