G-Bar News A Publication of the Greenville County Bar

Transcription

1 G-Bar News A Publication of the Greenville County Bar Jack D. Griffeth V. Clark Price William T. Clarke Courtney C. Atkinson Travis V. Olmert President President-Elect Secretary Treasurer Editor PRESIDENT S ARTICLE By Jack D. Griffeth A G-BAR/ S.C. BAR FOUNDATION Atta Boy to Steve Henry!! On January 31, 2011, I received a telephone call that began like this. Jack, this is Steve Henry. We have done what we need to, and we do not need your money anymore. I have never had many conversations start off that way but Steve, who is very active in a number of programs involved in the Law in Action arena, called me to tell me (since I am a Board Member on the South Carolina Bar Foundation), I would want to know he had accomplished two of the jailhouse projects he had begun. He also wanted to thank the South Carolina Bar Foundation for a little bit of funding that it had given to these projects and to tell me they would not be requesting additional funds in our next funding cycle. 236th edition April 2011 UPCOMING EVENTS April 28: Family Social at the Zoo May 3: Blood Drive May 4: Law Week Luncheon Anyone who knows me knows of my interest in and dedication to the South Carolina Bar Foundation. The South Carolina Bar Foundation is the South Carolina Bar Association s charitable arm. It is critical to our profession that we each understand and support our Bar Foundation. The Foundation funds many organizations here in Greenville like South Carolina Legal Services, the Upstate Mediation Center, and Law in Action all wonderful programs that help people who need it the most. As a profession, we benefit from the services provided by Bar Foundation grantees. The two projects that Steve was talking about were the 30-day Detention project and the City and Magistrate s Court project. With the cooperation of a number of officials, especially including Judge Ned Miller and Judge Robin Stilwell, and some grant money from the South Carolina Bar Foundation, Steve worked to shorten the detainee time necessary for prisoners in the detention center. Folks who were in the detention center facing only a 30 day sentence would sometimes have to wait 60 days or more to get a hearing. With the cooperation of the Court and Steve s hard work, these folks are now released, even if still awaiting trial, on the 30 th day at the latest. The other project involved getting appointed legal counsel for folks who have been charged with offenses in the Magistrate s Court and the City Court. Everyone reading this article knows that I am clueless about criminal law, but I m advised that the United States Supreme Court has extended the right to counsel in these smaller courts of record. Due to Steve s efforts and the cooperation of several other folks, Greenville County is probably the only county in our state where this mandate is actually carried out. There is no commendation that I know of that the Greenville Bar Association has to offer other than to give our thanks to Steve for his diligence and hard work. As you know Steve has already received the Tommy Thomason Award, which is the highest award that the Greenville County Bar Association can give. I know well what makes the Greenville County Bar Association the best in the state, if not the nation. It is the dedicated service of a lot of people like Steve Henry, who work hard often behind the scenes, often without reward to make sure that all of our South Carolinians have access to (Continued on page 2) May 5: Law Week Golf Tournament May 6: First Responder Will Clinic May 24, 2011: Judges Reception (Steak & Lobster Cookout) Inside this issue: Diversity Luncheon 2 Family Night at the Zoo 2 Law Week 3 Golf Tournament 4 Announcements 5 Verdicts 6 Meet a Few Young Lawyers Available Office Space 7 8

2 236th edition Page 2 (Continued from page 1) justice. Consequently, I know of nothing else to do than to give, on behalf of the Greenville Bar Association, an Atta Boy Award which comes with a pat on the back, a hand shake and a heartfelt thanks to Steve in his work. Please join me in complimenting Steve. Call him, him, drop him a note, take him a bottle of wine (I have) but be sure to tell him thanks! For the other folk out there that also deserve a little credit and praise for service to our profession, please let me know. Film at 11 Did you attend our March Diversity Luncheon? We were approved for 0.5 hours of CLE credit!!! CLE # *Please note that this is NOT ethics credit. Check out our new President s blog at: BRING YOUR FAMILY And join the GREENVILLE COUNTY BAR At our 1st Annual Family Night at the Zoo Thursday April 28 5:30-8:00 pm Only $10 per family Includes admission to the Zoo, dinner provided by Chick-fil-A, beverages (including kid friendly drinks along with beer and wine) and a stuffed animal for children Please RSVP no later than April 25 to Melinda at gbarnews@charter.net or with how many will be attending in your family and how many children Payment can be sent to GCBA, PO Box 10145, Greenville, SC *Please note that the GCBA has a 48 hour cancellation policy on all our events.

3 236th edition Page LAW DAY: The Legacy of John Adams from Boston to Guantanamo Schedule of Events Tuesday May 3 Blood Drive 8:30 am 12 noon & 1 pm-4 pm Greenville County Courthouse First Responder Wills Clinic Simple Wills Only No Expertise in Estate Law Needed Wednesday May 4 Law Week Luncheon 12 Noon Poinsett Club Food drive to benefit Samaritan House Thursday May 5- Golf Tournament Lunch at 11 am Shotgun start at 12 Noon Greenville Country Club Friday May 6 Wills Clinic 9 am 1pm County Square for EMS 9 am 3pm Fire Services Division Conference Room at the Carolina First Center for Firefighters As part of our Law Day celebration this year, the South Carolina Bar and Greenville County Bar Association will hold a Wills Clinic for First Responders in the Greenville area. Volunteers are needed to write simple wills for this local heroes. Clinics will be held on Friday May 6. One clinic will be at County Square for EMS workers from 9 am to 1 pm. Another clinic will be held for firefighters at the Fire Services Division Conference Room at the Carolina First Center from 9 am to 3 pm. If you can volunteer for an hour or two, please contact Jason Halliburton at Jason@HalliburtonLaw.com or The Greenville County Bar is seeking nominations for the Paul B. Wickensimer Award (formerly the Liberty Bell Award) Each year the Greenville County Bar recognizes a nonattorney for outstanding community service during Law Week. Last year the Liberty Bell Award was renamed in honor of Paul B. Wickensimer, our Clerk of Court, for his outstanding contribution to our community. Criteria: The Nominee has (1) promoted a better understanding of the rule of law, (2) encouraged greater respect for the law and Courts; or (3) contributed to good government in the community. Submissions: Submit nominations in writing no later than April 8th to Em il y W hitne y at ewhitney@devlinparkinson.com or P.O. Box 10145, Greenville, SC The Paul B. Wickensimer Award will be presented at the Law Week Luncheon on May 4, 2011 Law Week Luncheon May 4, noon Poinsett Club $20 per person Speaker: Judge Gary Hill Honoring the winner of the Paul B. Wickensimer Award, the winners of the Law Day Essay Contest and Those attorneys who have practiced for 45 years Please bring canned food items to be donated to Samaritan House Make reservation by Friday April 29 to gbarnews@charter.net or and mail payment to GCBA, PO Box 10145, Greenville, SC *Please note that the GCBA has a 48 hour cancellation policy on all our events.

4 236th edition Page 4 ANNUAL JUDGE EPPES MEMORIAL LAW WEEK GOLF TOURNAMENT THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011 GREENVILLE COUNTRY CLUB RIVERSIDE COURSE (239 Byrd Blvd.) Shotgun start 12 noon (Lunch provided beginning at 11:00 a.m.) Teams $ Individuals: $ Special Sponsorship Levels Available -Platinum Level $ one team entry -commemorative plaque -hole sponsorship -special recognition at tournament -special recognition in G-Bar newsletter -Gold Level $ one team entry -commemorative plaque -hole sponsorship -Hole Sponsorship $ CALL BOZZIE BOGGS ( ) OR DAN FARNSWORTH, JR. ( ) PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT SAMARITAN HOUSE COMMUNITY FOOD BANK

5 236th edition Page 5 Announcements Stephen Fulton Shaw, upstate attorney and author of the book, South Carolina Gun Law, hosted the 2nd Annual South Carolina Gun Law & Ethics Seminar in Mauldin on February 18th. The seminar attracted 65 attorneys from across the state including municipal and magistrate judges as well as prosecutors and a low country Sheriff. Featured speakers included BATFE Special Agent David Sanford and Grassroots GunRights VP, Dr. Robert Butler, and Stephen Fulton Shaw. Monahan & Moses, LLC announces that Cort Flint has joined the firm. Cort Flint is a registered patent attorney with 35 years of experience in the field of intellectual property law, which includes work in private practice in Greenville, SC and as an examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Mr. Flint was also a member of the Greenville County Council for two terms. Prior to entering the field of law, Cort Flint worked as an engineer in the U.S. space program, under Werner von Braun. Monahan & Moses practices in the field of patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. J. Bennett ( Ben ) Mullinax has been recognized by South Carolina Lawyers Weekly with its 2011 Leadership in Law Award. This annual distinction is given to attorneys who, through their local community involvement and professional accomplishments, have successfully worked to better the legal profession. Mr. Mullinax focuses his practice on all aspects of intellectual property law. He has extensive experience in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications, preparation of legal opinions regarding infringement, validity, and enforceability of patents. Gallivan, White and Boyd, P.A., a law firm headquartered in Greenville, S.C., is pleased to announce that it has opened an office in Charlotte and that J. Jared Simms has joined the firm as an associate. He will continue his practice with Gallivan, White & Boyd s workers compensation team, which focuses exclusively on the defense of employers, insurance carriers, self-insured corporations, third party administrators, and claims servicing agencies. The law firm of Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A. announced that Howard Boyd has been elected as Chairman of the Greenville County United Way Board of Trustees. Boyd has a long history of leadership with the United Way of Greenville County, including serving as Vice-Chair of the Board in 2010 and Campaign Chair in He also serves as Chair of the Upcountry History Museum Board of Directors and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Blue Ridge Council of Boy Scouts. South Carolina Lawyers Weekly has presented Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A. attorney Howard Boyd with a 2011 Leadership in the Law award in recognition of his outstanding professional accomplishments, leadership and community involvement. Boyd was one of only 15 South Carolina attorneys to receive a Leadership in Law Award this year. Winning attorneys were nominated by peers and colleagues and selected by the publisher and staff of South Carolina Lawyers Weekly. Turner Padget Graham & Laney, P.A. is pleased to announce that 11 of the firm s shareholders have been named by Super Lawyers magazine as top attorneys in South Carolina for The Greenville-based shareholders honored are Eric K. Englebardt in General Litigation and William E. Shaughnessy in Workers compensation. The Greenville office of Smith Moore Leatherwood is pleased to announce that six of its attorneys have been named by South Carolina Super Lawyers magazine as top attorneys in Overall, 32 Smith Moore Leatherwood attorneys were honored as Super Lawyers and 13 attorneys were honored as Rising Stars. The Smith Moore Leatherwood attorneys honored as Super Lawyers 2011 in South Carolina are: William L. Dennis (Estate Planning and Probate, Employee Benefits/ ERISA, Tax); Steven E. Farrar (Business Litigation, Professional Liability: Defense, Insurance Coverage); Michael J. Giese (Business Litigation); F. Marion Hughes (Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights, Business Litigation); J. Tod Hyche (Estate Planning and Probate, Tax); and Robert D. Moseley, Jr. (Transportation/Maritime, Insurance Coverage) Four Collins & Lacy, P.C. attorneys have been named to the 2011 list of South Carolina Super Lawyers. Joel W. Collins, (Continued on page 6) CARING COMMITTEE If you know of an attorney who is ill, has surgery, has a death in the family, has a baby or has some other event in their life, please notify the Caring Committee at gbarnews@charter.net Estate Administration Services 607 Abbey Road Easley, SC Phone: Cell: Fax: ammestates@bellsouth.net Ann Marie Minerva Paralegal LEGAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROBATE PROCEEDINGS ANCILLARY PROCEEDINGS SMALL ESTATE PROCEEDINGS

6 236th edition Page 6 Announcements Cont. (Continued from page 5) Jr., Stanford E. Lacy, Gray T. Culbreath and Jack D. Griffeth were among those attorneys recently selected for inclusion in the publication. Super Lawyers is a listing of attorneys who are recognized by their peers and have a high degree of professional achievement. Fourteen McNair Law Firm, P.A. attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion in South Carolina Super Lawyers In its Greenville Office are Ronald E. Cardwell Environmental, Weyman C. Carter - Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights, Rita M. McKinney - Employment & Labor, and James K. Price - Business/Corporate. Three Greenville-based Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP attorneys have been selected by their peers to the 2011 list of South Carolina "Super Lawyers" in three practice areas: William H. Foster (Employment & Labor), Timothy E. Madden (Family Law), A. Marvin Quattlebaum, Jr. (Business Litigation). Also, A. Marvin Quattlebaum, Jr. was among the top 25 attorneys receiving the highest point totals in the nomination, research, and blue ribbon review process. Twenty-six Nelson Mullins attorneys were selected from 11 practice areas throughout South Carolina. SAVE THE DATE May 24, 2011 Steak and Lobster Cookout Judges Reception YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!!!! There are 1,436 licensed attorneys in Greenville County. Of those, only 46 have registered with the SC Bar s Pro Bono Program to accept pro bono case referrals. The current number of pro bono cases vastly exceeds the number of attorneys willing to help. As a result, it has become extremely difficult to find representation for clients within our community who have legitimate legal issues and concerns who cannot otherwise afford an attorney. If you are interested in learning more about the Pro Bono Program and how you can get involved, please contact Ella S. Barbery at ebarbery@roecassidy.com or for more information. Without your help, the Pro Bono Program cannot succeed. Check out our new President s blog at: Verdicts Caption: JAAAT Technical Services, LLC vs. Oscar J. Boldt Construction Company, and St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company (Arbitration) Cause of Action: Breach of Contract Attorney for Plaintiff: John R. Devlin, Jr Attorney for Defendant: John E. Cuttino Arbitration Award for Plaintiff $775, Caption: Shirley Long as parent and Guardian ad Litem for the minor, Brady Lynn Coake vs. John Eapton IV Case No CP Cause of Action: Wreck Attorney for Plaintiff: Josh Christian, Harold Christian Attorney for Defendant: Paul Hammack, Alex Timmons Verdict for defendant Fleming Smith LLC Kathy Fleming, Accountant Guaranteed Accounting Solutions All documents prepared in accordance with SC Code of Laws Proven Court Experience flemingkatherines@gmail.com Available to discuss your accounting needs at your convenience on your schedule!

7 236th edition Page 7 Meet a Few Young Lawyers... In an effort to introduce young lawyers to the Greenville Bar, please enjoy the following profiles. Please contact these lawyers and welcome them to Greenville, take them to lunch or send them some extra work! You can Cory Ezzell, GYL Vice President, at cezzell@gwblawfirm.com with any questions or input. If you would like to be featured in upcoming newsletters then (1) make sure you are a member of Greenville Young Lawyers and on our list and (2) be one of the first members to show up at our next GYL event. Sarah Batson Wyche Burgess Freeman & Parham, P.A. Sarah is enjoying her first year as an associate with Wyche, where she practices Commercial Litigation and Corporate Planning. After graduating from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2009, she completed a clerkship with Judge Dennis Shedd on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Prior to that, she was a business major at USC s Darla Moore School of Business. Sarah loves to catch a yoga class or go walking or hiking with her husband Ryan, friends, and her golden retriever. She has a great time working with bright, experienced lawyers and learning the secrets to their success, and she has recently been enjoying putting some of these learned strategies into practice. You can Sarah at sbatson@wyche.com. Adam Walker Breaux McDonnell & Associates, P.A. Adam is an Associate Attorney with McDonnell & Associates, P.A. His areas of practice include real estate, family law, civil litigation and criminal law. Before joining McDonnell & Associates, P.A., Adam worked for Huron Consulting Firm. He graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2008, after graduating from Clemson University in 2004 with a degree in Marketing. Adam enjoys soccer, running, reading and spending time with family and friends. Adam likes the variety of issues you are exposed to in practicing law and also the opportunity to meet and work with so many fascinating members of the bar. He feels very passionate about the opportunity to give back to the community that practicing law affords him and strives to do so in his day to day practice. You can Adam at adam.breaux@mcdonnelllawfirm.com Sloan P. Ellis Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor s Office Sloan is an Assistant Solicitor in the Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor s office in Greenville where he is a member of the white collar crimes unit. Before joining the Solicitor s Office, he practiced white collar criminal defense with former United States Attorney E. Bart Daniel in Charleston, and then with former Chief Judge Billy Wilkins at Nexsen Pruet in Greenville. Sloan was born and raised in Due West, SC, and graduated from Presbyterian College in 2005 with a degree in Business Administration. He graduated from the Charleston School of Law in He enjoys traveling, sharing a great meal with friends, and salt water fishing. His favorite thing about practicing law is being able to work everyday with the smart, talented lawyers in the Solicitor s Office and the defense bar. He can be reached at sellis@greenvillecounty.org or (864) Please save the date for the next Greenville Young Lawyers Club event: Wednesday, May 4 th 5:30 7:30 NOSE DIVE 116 South Main Street Planned by Lynsey Kmetz, GYLC secretary GYLC is a division of the Greenville Bar and is a separate group from the South Carolina Young Lawyers. Please contact Adam Breaux, our Treasurer, at Adam.breaux@mcdonnelllawfirm.com if you are interested in joining GYLC. We hold monthly events that are free to our members and it is a great opportunity to get to know other young lawyers. Membership is $60/year and discounted to $40/year for attorneys working in the public sector. Please contact me if you have any questions or ideas for a GYL event, and look for us on Facebook!

8 236th edition Page 8 Available Office Space 1619 East North Street: Large office space with private bathroom. All other amenities are shared, i.e., furnished conference room, waiting area, kitchen, public bathroom, parking. Other amenities may include shared phone system and high speed internet if lesee so chooses. Rent is negotiable. This space is perfect for a solo practitioner. For more information please contact Tesa at Office Space Available in Fully Renovated House at 114 Whitsett Street. Large Office and Secretarial Office with use of two conference rooms. Also included: Waiting and reception services, Avaya Phone System, Networked High Speed Copier/Fax/Scanner, Networked Encrypted Server, High Speed Internet, Stocked Refrigerator and parking. Please call for more details. For Lease. 119 Manly Street across from Bilo Center, in Pettigru Historic District square feet, 9 rooms, library conference room in carefully historic restorated 1925 residence ideal for a law office. In excellent condition and up to date. Adjoining parking for nine cars. Kitchen area. Contact owner John M. Dillard For Rent: 522 N. Church St., DOWNTOWN GREENVILLE. One story building with ample office space and parking conveniently located behind Bi-Lo Center. $1300 /month. Includes cleaning, utilities, telephone system with receptionist and conference rooms. Contact John Abdalla at or abdallalaw@yahoo.com for additional information. For Rent: New suites $1,000-1,200 monthly or singles $450/225 ft up. Reception, kitchenette, bath, covered and front porch, parking, ground level or main. Location: W. Stone Avenue at Wilton Street near to Downtown Greenville or Second Floor Suite located at 204 Lavina Ave. Space includes 4 rooms and a bathroom. Call for more information. Office Space for Rent at 1425 Augusta Street. First floor. Approximately 2,000-sq. ft. Space includes 5 rooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen area and use of conference room. Ample parking. Contact Gina at administrative offices (8 x 12) for $300 each and 2 executive offices (13 x 20) for $500 each. Monthly rent includes utilities, use of conference room, kitchen/break room, internet and ample parking. 707 East North Street (between LEC and the Bi-Lo Center) - several size offices available with option to access conference rooms, break room and work room. Contact Manning Culbertson for additional information Office space for rent. $ per month (includes heat and air). Approximately 900 square feet, divided into 4 separate offices. The space for rent is the entire upstairs floor of a law office. If interested call Office space is located on Woodruff Road in the Woodruff Rd. Corporate Center. Downtown Office Space Available at 109 East North Street. Spacious office with its own secretarial work area and use of reception area, two conference rooms, small library and private parking. Has the ability for some sharing of phone system, a networked computer system and copier/scanner/fax services. Ideal for an attorney looking for a change or to start a practice with an opportunity for a possible successor interest in an established practice concentrated in real estate. Call to learn more. Office space for lease: Large office with secretarial work area available on Poinsett Highway, north of Cherrydale Shopping Center. Included are receptionist, waiting area, use of two furnished conference rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, ample parking, and utilities. Potentially included are computer(s), PCLaw software, high speed internet, copiers, and fax machine. Rent is negotiable. Please contact Robbie Childs or Sue at for more information. Office space for rent. Prestigious downtown location. One office, with access to two conference rooms, break room and common area. All utilities, except phone included. Shared reception. $1,000 a month. Please respond to: P.O. Box 10296, Greenville, SC Two Offices for Rent. Utilities included but not telephone. 644 E. Washington Street, Greenville, SC. Contact: Executive Offices for Lease. Three executive offices available with large shared conference, break room and reception area. Additional secretarial space available on 2nd level. Located at the intersection of Williams and Pettigru St diagonally across from the Poinsett Club. Lease all or individually. Sizes range from sq. ft. For information please call N. Church Street: Large office space w/ ample parking adjoining building. - $500 per month. Closed to Courts and perfect for solo practitioner. Shared areas include reception, library/conference, bathrooms, and kitchenette. Additional secretarial and use of high-speed copier/fax/scanner, network encrypted server, high speed Internet, and some office furniture are available and negotiable. Call for more details or to arrange an inspection.