G-Bar News A Publication of the Greenville County Bar

Transcription

1 G-Bar News A Publication of the Greenville County Bar Christine Gantt-Sorenson Jack D. Griffeth V. Clark Price William T. Clarke Travis V. Olmert President President-Elect Secretary Treasurer Editor PRESIDENT S ARTICLE By Christine Gantt-Sorenson If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants. Isaac Newton ( ) As many of you already know, long-time attorney and Greenville Bar member Leo Hill passed away unexpectedly on April 21, The Greenville Bar extends our deepest sympathies to his family, including Judge Gary Hill, son of Leo Hill. Greenville Bar Member Brian Murphy ed me upon learning of Leo Hill s passing, stating, [i]n our entire careers, we encounter few giants like Leo Hill in our time. We have lost our way if we do not go all out to recognize their contributions. His point being duly noted, I set out to gather comments from some of the members of the Bar and share them with you in memory of a pillar in our legal community. Jeff Merriam described Leo Hill as the Dean of the Bar when acknowledging Mr. Hill as the 2006 recipient of the DuRant Distinguished Public Service Award. Jeff went on to say, Leo is among the very best lawyers in our state and is recognized as preeminent in many fields. He has been a leader of the Bar having served as President of the State Bar and was instrumental in the formation of the legal services agencies and the South Carolina Public Defenders system. Leo has been practicing law in Greenville for over 50 years. I first met him 30 years ago when I came to Greenville to begin my practice. From the first time I met him I have been struck by how much he enjoys the practice of law. That enthusiasm continues until this day. To Leo the practice of law is not just a way to earn a livelihood, it is an honorable and proud way of life. He is the ever zealous advocate, but has the wonderful ability to disagree without being disagreeable. I think any lawyer who has had a case with Leo will say that he or she learned something about the law, and maybe a little bit about themselves. We would all do well to try to emulate Leo s zest for the law and his love of life. 227h edition May/June 2010 UPCOMING EVENTS June 8-10: Introductory Mediation Training June 30: 1st Annual Family Social July 21: Summer Luncheon w/ President Smolla December 8: Christmas Party Inside this issue: 1st Annual Family Social Law Week Thank You 2 3 Brian Murphy described Leo Hill thusly: The story has been told of the English socialite who, on separate occasions, had the opportunity to dine with two legendary former prime ministers: William Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli. When asked to compare the experiences, she remarked: "When I was with Mr. Gladstone, I was convinced that he was the most fascinating person in the world. With Mr. Disraeli, I was convinced that I was the most fascinating person in the world." Leo Hill not only shared Disraeli s gift but, more importantly, he never reserved it for socialites or persons of prominence. He was just that way with everyone. Mr. Hill could always tell a story to make you laugh, but he never told a war story to illustrate how skillful or clever he was. He didn t drop names, or ever try to best you in a conversation. His only desire, it seemed, was to know how you were doing and to learn more about you. (Continued on page 2) Summer Luncheon Save the Date 3 Guest Article 4 Verdicts 5 Upstate Mediation Announcement Meet a Few New Lawyers 5 6 Announcements 7 Available Office Space 8

2 Page 2 (Continued from page 1) Mr. Hill received every professional honor imaginable during this life. He long ago achieved more than most of us could hope to in several lifetimes. Yet, he never wanted to stop serving. And happily, for newer generations of lawyers, he never stopped sharing his gift. Chip Price said of Leo Hill, Leo was truly the real deal -great lawyer, good friend to all, always willing to help young attorneys, and always had a hugely bright smile on his face. Leo was ALWAYS kind and civil to everyone whether attorney, litigant, court employee, or whomever. Thank you from the entire Greenville Bar to Mr. Leo Hill for his contributions to our legal community. He clearly set an example for all of us to emulate in our daily lives as well as our law practices. Mr. Hill certainly clearly understood the value of service to others. Leo Hill will not be forgotten, as this exceptional commentary regarding his character from his fellow Greenville Bar members indicates. 1st Annual Greenville Bar Association Family Social Bring your family and enjoy a night with friends, food and baseball!! June 30 6:30 pm until end of game Greenville Drive s Fluor Field $7 per person (includes game ticket, dinner and beverages) Please RSVP to Melinda by June 23 at gbarnews@charter.net or and specify how many adults and how many children will be in your party. (Children will receive a special treat)

3 THANK YOU!!!! Page 3 Thank you to the Emily Whitney, Chair of Law Week Committee, and her committee, Cameron Bozzie Boggs, William M. Wilson, II, Karen Crane, Monty Desai, Dan Farnsworth, Jr., and Zandra Johnson, for making Law Week 2010 such a success. Thank you to the committee members, led by Bozzie Boggs, who organized this year s Frank Eppes Memorial Golf Tournament. SPECIAL THANKS TO THIS YEAR S PLATINUM SPONSOR, THE DICK JAMES LAW FIRM!! This event raised $2900 for The Samaritan House! I think that is the largest amount ever raised at this event! Thank you also to the attorneys who volunteered for the Wills Clinic at Senior Action. This was a service event that was revived this year and 32 seniors were assisted: Julie Anders, Maggi Fields Bailey, Clark Price, Jason Halliburton, Verne McGough, Ron Barbare, David Hartman, John Devlin, Jr., David Yokel, Seth Swan, Karen Crane, Bill Lee, Bill Clarke, Beth Des Jardins and Sara Henry SAVE THE DATE: JULY 21, NOON SUMMER LUNCHEON Honoring Summer Interns and Law Clerks with Furman University s New President Rodney A. Smolla as our speaker Need a Mediator? Call Carolina Mediation Services James C. Williams Jr Retired S.C. Circuit Court Judge Let my experience work for you 1703 Keowee Lakeshore Drive Seneca, S.C jwiljrj@netscape.net 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

4 Guest Article by William T. Clarke The Greenville County legal landscape has changed once again, and it is now official. Greenville s Johnny Mack Brown, who has been a part of the legal scene in this community for approximately 43 years, has left the office of United States Marshall. This past Friday, April 2, a group of well-wishers, including a number of federal employees, said their fond goodbye s. The Greenville County Bar joins them in saluting him on his career in law enforcement and wishing him well in his retirement. Johnny Mack s roots in this community go way back. A graduate of U.S.C., he played football at Greenville High, and was All-State and a member of the Shrine Bowl team his senior year. Many lawyers in this area were not even born when Johnnie Mack began working as a state probation and parole agent in Later, in 1968, he took a position as an investigator in the Greenville County Solicitor s office. Back then, or perhaps we should say way back then, the Solicitor s job was a part-time position. The solicitor at the time was Tommy Thomason. Pete Partee was the assistant solicitor, and Sandra Hattaway was the legal secretary. Page 4 Johnny Mac was the Circuit Court investigator and John Linder was the County Court investigator (Yes, there was a County Court back then!) and the five of them were the whole show. When Tommy Thomason left the solicitor s position, Johnny Mac stayed to work with Tom Greene for a year or two, then left to work with Tommy Thomason at Love, Thornton, Arnold and Thomason, where he worked for a year as a legal investigator after which he returned to the solicitor s office and started the pretrial program, around He was with the solicitor s office for about two years, after which he ran for sheriff in He served in that capacity for 24 years. During that time he was elected 6 times, 4 of them unopposed. Around 1982 he received his Masters Degree, in criminal justice, from USC. He has served as president of the S.C. Sheriff s Association and in 1993 as President of the National Sheriff s Association. In November 2002 he was appointed to serve as United States Marshall, and has served admirably.

5 Page 5 Verdicts Caption: South Carolina Human Affairs Commision on behalf of Verlesia L. Nelson vs. Dennis Leon Moses and L & J Properties Case No CP Cause of Action: Sexual Harassment in Rental Property Attorney for Plaintiff: Octavia Wright Attorney for Defendant: Brandt Rucker Verdict for the plaintiff $550 actual damages, $2500 punitive damages Caption: Melissa Johnson vs. Carmen Kellett Case No CP Cause of Action: Malicious Prosecution Attorney for Plaintiff: Steve Henry Attorney for Defendant: Kraig Pringle Verdict for the plaintiff $100 on the claim of Abuse of Process and $650 on the claim of Malicious Prosecution Caption: David F. Good Jr. vs. Helen R. Charbonneau Case No CP Cause of Action: Wreck Attorney for Plaintiff: Randy Chambers Attorney for Defendant: Wilson Sheldon Verdict for the defendant Caption: Keshonda Michell Harley vs. City of Greenville Case No CP Cause of Action: Wreck Attorneys for Plaintiff: Wallace Lightsey, Rita Barker Attorneys for Defendant: Howard Boyd, Matt Whitehead Verdict for the defendant Caption: Melinda L. Drake vs. Ronald Labonte as personal representative of the estate of Phyllis Geraldine Althenn- Labonte Case No CP Cause of Action: Wreck Attorneys for Plaintiff: Rodney Pillsbury, Randy Helmly Attorney for Defendant: Wilson Sheldon Verdict for the plaintiff in the amount of $500 Caption: Oscar Shaw vs. Advance Auto Parts Case No CP Cause of Action: Assault/Slander/Liable Attorney for Plaintiff: Charles Griffin Attorney for Defendant: Scott Humphrey Verdict for the defendant Caption: Gloria J. Phillbeck as Personal Representative of the Estate of Cathy Darlene Sanders vs. Greenville County Sherriff Steve Loftis Case No CP Cause of Action: Personal Injury Attorneys for Plaintiff: Dan Farnsworth, Dan Farnsworth, Jr. Attorney for Defendant: Rusty Harter Verdict for the defendant UPSTATE MEDIATION CENTER OFFERS TRAINING By order of the SC Supreme Court, all civil jury cases filed in Greenville County Magistrate Court must be mediated prior to scheduling for trial (this will begin in July, 2010). The Upstate Mediation Center (UMC) will provide volunteer mediators at no charge to the litigants or the courts for the first 12 months of the program, thanks to a grant from the Hollingsworth Funds. In anticipation of the launch of this program, the UMC is offering Introductory Mediation Training. This 24-hour course, open to attorneys, paralegals, and other interested parties, will be held June 8, 9, & 10 from 8:30AM until 4:30PM. Tuition is $300 for participants who agree to volunteer for UMC and $350 for all others. To register and for more information, visit the UMC website at The Upstate Mediation Center is a non-profit organization established in 1999 to offer a voluntary alternative to adversarial means of resolving disputes through the use of mediation. The UMC relies on volunteer mediators and accepts a variety of cases, including referrals from local courts, as well as disputes involving neighborhoods, communities and other matters. The mission of the UMC is to resolve conflicts and to nurture peace by restoring and strengthening family, business, and community relationships. Contact: Diane Smock, Executive Director, Upstate Mediation Center, (864) Cleveland St., Suite 204, Greenville, SC dsmock@upstatemediation.com

6 Page 6 Meet a Few New Lawyers... In an effort to introduce new 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! Allison Moon Allison Moon practices on her own at M. Allison Moon LLC, Attorney at Law. Her practice areas include General, Probate, Trust, Estates, Corporate Law, Civil Litigation, and Contracts. Allison is from Greenville, SC and received her law degree from the University of South Carolina in She majored in English and Film/Television at the University of Notre Dame. Her hobbies include reading to her 2 year old, cooking experiments, going to the lake in the summer with her family, watching college football in the fall and going to watch live music. What Allison likes most about the practice of law is that she is constantly learning. Everyday there is a new issue to explore and wrap her head around. Allison also enjoys talking to people and hearing about their lives, so new client meetings and depositions are always the highlight of her day. You can Allison at MAllisonMoon@gmail.com Baker Cleveland Baker Cleveland is an assistant solicitor at the 13 th Circuit Solicitors Office at the Pickens County courthouse where he practices criminal prosecution. Baker is from Easley, SC and received his law degree from the University of South Carolina in He majored in Mechanical Engineering at Clemson University. His hobbies include boating and working on cars. What Baker likes most about the practice of law is being involved with real people and serving the heart of his home community. He also enjoys the variety that comes with criminal law, being on his feet in the court room, and the freedom and opportunity he has to be creative in serving justice. You can Baker at bcleveland@greenvillecounty.org Kyle Andrew Hougham Kyle Andrew Hougham is an associate at Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A. where he practices Workers Compensation. Kyle is from Walcott, Iowa and received his law degree from Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law in He majored in Finance at the University of Iowa. His hobbies include golfing, boating, hunting, traveling, reading, college sports and following the Iowa Hawkeyes. What Kyle likes the most about the practice of law is it is constantly changing. Kyle enjoys the challenge he faces everyday as he helps to solve new and exciting issues for each of his clients. You can Kyle at khougham@gwblawfirm.com Malinda McAleer Pennington Malinda McAleer Pennington is on her own at McAleer Pennington Law Firm, LLC where she practices Bankruptcy Law. Malinda is from Greenville, SC and received her law degree from the University of South Carolina in She majored in Philosophy at Furman. Her hobbies include riding on the Swamp Rabbit Trail with her husband and their tandem, gardening and remodeling. Malinda only recently started practicing law but has already received a satisfying call from a client who she helped get weatherization of her mobile home and a new heat pump. Yes, the first meeting was a little long but the extra call to the utility was worth it! Her favorite thing about practicing law is getting results! You can Malinda at Malinda@McAleerPennington.com Suzy Boulware Cole Suzy Boulware Cole is a shareholder at Collins & Lacy, PC where she practices Workers Compensation. Suzy is from Sumter, SC and received her law degree from the University of South Carolina in She majored in Public Relations also at the University of South Carolina. Her hobbies include playing with her puppy, Nora, and following Gamecock athletics. Her favorite part of practicing law is working with the lawyers on the other side of her cases. Suzy says the workers compensation bar is small and congenial, which fosters a great sense of camaraderie. You can Suzy at scole@collinsandlacy.com 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

7 Announcements Nineteen Nexsen Pruet attorneys have been named to the 2010 list of South Carolina Super Lawyers. The two from the Greenville office are Grant Burns (Employment & Labor) and Tom Stephenson (Employment Litigation Defense). Three Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP attorneys have been selected by their peers to the 2010 list of South Carolina "Super Lawyers" in three practice areas: William H. Foster (Employment & Labor); Timothy Madden (Family Law); and A. Marvin Quattlebaum Jr. (Business Litigation). In addition, Greenville Managing Partner A. Marvin Quattlebaum Jr. was among the top 10 attorneys receiving the highest point totals in the nomination, research, and blue ribbon review process. Also, Greenville Partner Charles S. Verdin IV appears on the publisher's Web site in the "Star Search" category for a "high degree of peer recognition or professional competence" in estate planning and probate and tax. The law firm of McAngus Goudelock & Courie, LLC is pleased to announce that an attorney from their Greenville office, Anne Hodges has been named by South Carolina Super Lawyers magazine as a top attorneys in South Carolina for Hodges received her law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law and practices workers compensation defense in the firm s Greenville office. Eleven Turner Padget attorneys have been included in the 2010 edition of Super Lawyers of South Carolina including Eric K. Englebardt from the Greenville office. Englebardt received the award in General Litigation. The law firm of Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A. announced the firm has been selected for inclusion in the 2010 edition of Chambers USA, Leading Lawyers for Business. In addition, two of the firm s shareholders, Arthur L. Howson, Jr. and Daniel B. White, were chosen as leading business attorneys in their fields. Howson, who has over 30 years of experience practicing in the areas of real estate, banking, and business and commercial law, was chosen as a Chambers USA Leader in the field of Real Estate. White, a former President of the South Carolina Bar, was chosen as a Chambers USA Leader in the field of commercial litigation. He has over 30 years of experience practicing in the areas of business and commercial litigation, products liability and pharmaceutical litigation. Page 7 Fifteen McNAIR LAW FIRM, P.A. attorneys have been selected for inclusion in South Carolina Super Lawyers Attorneys included from its GREENVILLE OFFICE are Ronald E. Cardwell (Environmental; Environmental Litigation; Administrative Law), Rita M. McKinney (Employment & Labor; Business Litigation; Health Care) and James K. Price (Business/ Corporate; Banking; Real Estate). The law firm of Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A. announced that James M. Dedman, IV, an Associate with the firm, was awarded the South Carolina Bar Young Lawyers Stars of the Quarter Award for outstanding service and leadership throughout the This award is given to those members who have unselfishly devoted their valuable time to serve on a committee. Dedman focuses his practice in the areas of tort and personal injury and transportation litigation. He received his B.S. from the University of Texas in 1998 and his J.D. from the Baylor University School of Law in B. Allen Clardy and David W. Hartman announce the opening of The Clardy Law Firm, P.A., focusing on personal injury law, located at 517 Laurens Road, Greenville, SC 29607, (864) Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP attorney Zandra L. Johnson has been re-elected to the South Carolina Bar Association House of Delegates. Johnson, who will represent the 13th Judicial District, will serve her second two-year term beginning July 1, Johnson s service as a member of the House of Delegates includes assisting in the establishment of policy for the SC Bar. At Smith Moore Leatherwood, Johnson focuses her practice on commercial defense litigation, including products liability, professional negligence, real estate litigation and premises liability. The law firm of Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A. announced that seven Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A. attorneys have been selected for inclusion in South Carolina Super Lawyers 2010: W. Howard Boyd, Jr.( Business Litigation); H. Mills Gallivan (Alternative Dispute Resolution); C. Stuart Mauney (Alternative Dispute Resolution); Phillip E. Reeves (Insurance Coverage); T. David Rheney (Insurance Coverage); Daniel B. White (Personal Injury Defense: Products) and Ronald K. Wray II (Business Litigation). In addition three Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A. attorneys are ranked in Corporate Counsel Super Lawyers 2010: H. Mills Gallivan (Alternative Dispute Resolution); C. Stuart Mauney (Alternative Dispute Resolution) and Daniel B. White (Personal Injury Defense: Products). The following Smith Moore Leatherwood attorneys, identified by the practice area listed by Super Lawyers, were named South Carolina Super Lawyers for 2010: William L. Dennis (Estate Planning & Probate, Employee Benefits/ERISA, Tax); Steve E. Farrar (Business Litigation, Professional Liability: Defense, Insurance Coverage); Michael J. Giese (Business Litigation); F. Marion Hughes (Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor (Continued on page 8)

8 (Continued from page 7) Rights, Business Litigation); Tod J. Hyche (Estate Planning & Probate, Tax) and Kurt M. Rozelsky (Transportation/Maritime, Personal Injury Defense: Products, Civil Litigation). Horton, Drawdy, Ward & Jenkins, P.A. announces that Joseph M Jenkins, Jr. has become Of Counsel to the firm. The firm further takes pleasure in announcing that Richard N. Tapp, P.A. has joined the firm as Of Counsel and the firm name has been changed to Horton, Drawdy, Ward, Mullinax & Farry, P.A. The firm is still located at 307 St., Greenville, SC Mailing address, phone and fax remain the same at P.O. Box 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 Page , Greenville, SC 29603, (864) , (864) The law firm of Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A. announced today that TJ Hadley has joined the firm as an Associate. Tanisha J. (TJ) Hadley received her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Southern California in In 2009, she received her J.D. from the Emory University School of Law where she was a member of the Black Law Students Association, the Emory Alternative Dispute Resolution Society and the Lamar Inn of Court. Hadley currently practices in GWB s Workplace Practices group focusing on workers compensation. 3 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: