LITIGATION: GENERAL
Commercial: Band 1
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP*
Nexsen Pruet, LLC*
Wyche, P.A.*
NELSON MULLINS RILEY & SCARBOROUGH LLP
The Firm: This team is praised for the depth and breadth of its experience and skill. It represents large national clients, including pharmaceutical companies, software developers and automobile manufacturers, in a diverse range of cases. Clients commend the team’s geographical reach, with four offices in the state.
Sources say: “A major force in the region with impressive resources and effective litigators.”
NEXSEN PRUET, LLC
The Firm: Nexsen Pruet has a stellar reputation throughout the Carolinas, and its litigation practice is among the strongest in the state. It has an extensive depth of resources, with 54 lawyers spread across five cities in South Carolina. The team represents some of the region’s largest clients in a wide range of matters including antitrust, IP and insurance litigation.
Sources say: “An incredible team of respected lawyers with impressive depth of experience.”
Key Individuals in Greenville:
William Wilkins (BAND 1, LITIGATION, GENERAL COMMERCIAL) has a renowned white-collar crime practice. He is a former Fourth Circuit judge, and has an exceptional reputation among his peers as “a first-rate attorney” who is “a delight to work with.”
Thomas Stephenson (BAND 1, LITIGATION, GENERAL COMMERCIAL) is described by peers as “the number-one mediator in South Carolina: he balances keen intellect with a tremendous sense of humor.” He is considered the go-to lawyer in the state for alternative dispute resolution, particularly with regard to employment and construction matters.
WYCHE, P.A.
The Firm: This accomplished practice is particularly commended for its breadth of expertise. It has recently represented clients in an IP dispute, personal injury litigation, shareholder class action and bankruptcy proceedings. It has 18 litigators in its Greenville and Columbia offices, and for a relatively small local firm, it has impressive geographical reach. Clients include Frank Betz Associates, TD Bank and Milliken & Company.
Sources say: “The lawyers are some of the brightest people I’ve ever worked with - and also some of the most pleasant.”
Key Individuals in Greenville:
Wallace Lightsey (BAND 1, LITIGATION, GENERAL COMMERCIAL) is a respected commercial litigator who devotes a large part of his practice to IP, patent and media litigation. He recently successfully defended a Charleston newspaper in a significant defamation case.
Henry Parr (BAND 2, LITIGATION, GENERAL COMMERCIAL) practice centers around complex civil litigation, particularly securities, class actions and antitrust matters. Peers say: “He has established an excellent reputation in this area.” Recently, he defended the South Financial Group in a class action.
Troy Tessier (BAND 3, LITIGATION, GENERAL COMMERCIAL) is the co-leader of the group and his practice covers general civil litigation matters. Peers say: “The depth of his practice is extensive.” He is particularly well regarded for his work on copyright infringement, product liability and securities cases.
Litigation: General Commercial: Band 2
Gallivan, White & Boyd, PA*
Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd PA
McNair Law Firm PA*
Sowell Gray Stepp & Laffitte LLC
Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC*
GALLIVAN, WHITE & BOYD, PA
The Firm: Gallivan, White & Boyd has been based in Greenville for over 60 years and has an established reputation in commercial litigation. The team has developed particular expertise in the areas of transportation and toxic tort, and represents a variety of clients, including healthcare providers, real estate developers and financial institutions.
Sources say: “The lawyers are not afraid to bring cases to court - and judging by the number of cases they try, it’s clear they have the confidence of their clients.”
Key Individuals in Greenville:
Daniel White (BAND 2, LITIGATION, GENERAL COMMERCIAL) is recommended by clients for “his analytical skill and excellent trial presence.” A large part of his practice is devoted to product liability and personal injury litigation, where he “inspires confidence in clients.” He and
Howard Boyd (BAND 2, LITIGATION, GENERAL COMMERCIAL) are representing Norfolk Southern Corporation and Norfolk Southern Railway Company in a major series of class actions and individual personal injury cases. Boyd is commended for his depth of experience in complex class actions.
HAYNSWORTH SINKLER BOYD PA
The Firm: Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd has a significant footprint in the state, with five offices in South Carolina. The litigation practice is particularly noted for its work in complex business litigation, where the team is bolstered by the firm’s elite banking and corporate groups. Don Sellers is a primary contact for his firm’s litigation practice. He concentrates on complex commercial disputes.
MCNAIR LAW FIRM PA
The Firm: McNair has impressed sources with its depth of resources and range of expertise. In particular, sources highlight tax, bankruptcy and healthcare litigation as areas of strength.
Sources say: “A solid law firm with a team of experienced litigators. It has a real presence in the state and a very broad practice.”
WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC
The Firm: Womble Carlyle is new to the rankings having recently merged with the prestigious Charleston law firm Buist Moore Smythe McGee. The combined team has deep local roots and a thriving business litigation practice that works closely with the firm’s corporate and real estate groups, and is able to handle a broad range of disputes for an impressive list of regional clients.
Sources say: “The team has the breadth of experience and regional expertise needed for effective and affordable representation.”
Key Individuals in Greenville:
Samuel Outten (BAND 3, LITIGATION, GENERAL COMMERCIAL) has more than 25 years of trial experience, particularly in the areas of professional negligence and product liability. “He is a top-notch attorney who deserves recognition,” says one interviewee.
Litigation: General Commercial: Band 3
Pratt-Thomas Walker PA
Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP*
Turner, Padget, Graham & Laney, P.A.
Young Clement Rivers LLP
SMITH MOORE LEATHERWOOD LLP
The Firm: Smith Moore Leatherwood continues to impress with its strong team of litigators. Many of the area’s largest financial institutions and construction companies look to the team for representation, including Palmetto Bank, Matrix Construction and Triangle Construction. The team is also well known for its representation of healthcare providers in high-profile malpractice suits.
Sources say: “This firm is experienced and dependable, no matter the issue.”
Key Individuals in Greenville:
Steven Farrar (BAND 3, LITIGATION, GENERAL COMMERCIAL) brings an “impressive natural skill to the courtroom,” say sources. He has particular expertise in professional and product liability cases.
Michael Giese (BAND 3, LITIGATION, GENERAL COMMERCIAL) is an “extremely capable and experienced litigator” and has recently represented Level One, Palmetto Bank and MassMutual in a series of complex cases.
OTHER NOTABLE GENERAL COMMERCIAL LITIGATION PRACTITIONERS IN GREENVILLE
Carl Muller (BAND 3, LITIGATION, GENERAL COMMERCIAL) recently left Wyche, P.A. to establish his own legal office. He has an excellent reputation and a broad litigation practice. Recent highlights include First Amendment litigation, healthcare disputes and bankruptcy proceedings.