Announcements

Charleston County Probate Updated Creditor’s Notice Selection Form

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The Charleston County Bar newsletter is a quarterly must-read for over 1750 of the area's legal professionals. Can you think of a better advertising venue for your business? For information on placing your ad in our next newsletter, please contact Julie Holzel at 843-881-6666 or secretary@charlestoncountybar.org

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Please note that Bar newsletter accepts ads from businesses serving the legal community but not from law firms or practicing attorneys.

THE ROAD AHEAD: USING COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE TO DRIVE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
LMASE Invites Public to Attend Business Development Luncheon

The Legal Marketing Association Southeastern Chapter (LMASE) Charleston City Group is hosting Christina R. Fritsch, the President and Business Development / Technology Consultant of Clients First Consulting, on May 28, 2013. The interactive informational session will provide attendees with a business development roadmap to help steer them in the right direction and accelerate their business development efforts.

Fritsch started Clients First Consulting, a consulting firm dedicated to law firm business development and the business development technology that supports it, and has been assisting clients in achieving their business goals for more than 12 years. Her focus is on building relationships, exceeding clients' expectations, delivering value and providing superlative client service.

LMASE members as well as non-members are welcome to attend, and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit is pending. The luncheon is from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Sermet's Downtown located at 276 King St., Charleston, SC 29401. The cost is $30 for LMASE members and $40 for non-members, and reservations may be completed online. The registration deadline is May 24, 2013.

For questions or more information, contact Sarah Murray at SaMurray@wcsr.com or (843) 576-5539.

Peace after Divorce Workshops

Divorce not only hurts, it changes everything. Let your divorcing and divorced clients know that they can discover practical strategies for navigating the winds of divorce while receiving peer-support in a Christian environment. Peace after Divorce Workshops, offered by several area churches, meet weekly for two hours for eight weeks. Most charge $30 which includes the eight-week workshop and the book, "Peace after Divorce: Choosing Concrete Actions Rooted in Faith." More information or register online at http://www.peaceafterdivorce.com/ or email info@afterdivorceministries.com. Next workshop starts July 9, 2013 at Grace United Methodist Church, 1601 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. 843-766-1621. NOTE: Add Peace after Divorce website and email address to your contact manager for easy reference. Contact Person: Renee Smith Ettline, 843-224-2381.

The Charleston Division

BRIDGE PROGRAM

A Federal Drug Court

Inspired by the joint desire of our local Judiciary, U.S. Attorney's Office, and Federal Defender's Office, to put in process evidence based practices to combat the revolving door of recidivism, Charleston was tasked with piloting the design and implementation of a Federal Drug Court. The mission of a drug court is to play a significant role in ending the abuse of drugs and alcohol and related criminal activity.

Drug courts promote recovery and community safety through a coordinated response to substance abusing and addicted offenders. Realization of these goals required a team approach, including cooperation and collaboration of the judges, prosecutors, public defender's office, defense counsel, probation authorities, other corrections personnel, law enforcement, evaluators, an array of local service providers, and the greater community. State-level organizations representing law enforcement and criminal justice, vocational rehabilitation, education, and housing also have important roles to play.

The combined energies of these individuals and organizations can assist and encourage defendants to, on a voluntary basis, make a reciprocal effort which could ultimately change their lives.

Several months of conducting a significant amount of research, information gathering from successful state and federal drug courts across the country, and the collaboration of a cross-section of the key stake-holders who share a passion for the potential positive impact this may have, has been challenging yet fruitful. The process of identifying suitable candidates who meet the established criteria has begun.

We are pleased to announce that the District of South Carolina's first Federal Drug Court, entitled The BRIDGE Program, was established in the Charleston Division.

(843) 579-1529

To All Charleston County Bar Association Members:

Park & Go is pleased to announce a special rate of $6.00 per day for all members of the Charleston County Bar Association and their employees. The parking garage at the Charleston International Airport has raised their daily rate to $15.00 and their long term rate for the back lot is $8.00. Park & Go can get you to the front door of the airport in less time than it would take to find a space, park, get your bags and walk from the airport lot. We meet all flights no matter what time they arrive. We are conveniently located at 3621 W. Montague Ave, just.5 minutes from curbside check-in. If you need directions, please click here.

In order to take advantage of this offer just go to our website and click the green reservation tab at the top of the page. Under company name, enter CCBA and we will give you the special $6.00 rate. Its that simple! And if you forget, you can just show your business card on arrival and we will give you the same rate.

In our current economic situation every penny counts. Why pay more money for less convenience. Park & Go is truly the definition of a "No-Brainer"!

Conference Room Charleston Premieres

Downtown Conference Room Brings Economical Solution to Business Challenge

Conference Room Charleston is now downtown's solution to satellite meeting space. Located at 180 East Bay Street, 2nd Floor, (directly across from Magnolia's Restaurant) Conference Room Charleston offers a newly remodeled conference room and guest services area in a confidential and elegant setting for business or legal gatherings at a reasonable cost by the hour, half or full day.

Conference Room Charleston offers a 325-square foot conference room with seating for eight, convenient parking, an administrative assistant, Notary Public, in-office catering and a booking service for local restaurants, hotels and activities. For the Legal Community, Conference Room Charleston is the perfect space for downtown trial preparation and is just blocks from the "Fours Corners of Law." Lawyers will have access to an extra meeting space for Mediations and split groups, mediation services and referral services to arbitrators under Ad Hoc arbitration rules and Secretariat services of the Atlantic Arbitration Tribunal.

Contact Nike Kern at (843) 276-1013 for more information or conferenceroomcharleston@gmail.com to schedule meeting space.

ASSURANCE PROCESS SERVERS OF SC is now providing services for attorneys in Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties. Please contact Deanne Pace or Tom Duncan at 843-278-5588.

Thomas H. Duncan, a licensed SC Private Investigator is available to serve your needs in the Charleston and surrounding areas. 843-514-4257 or duncantom@bellsouth.net

Office space available at 764 St. Andrews Blvd. Minutes from downtown, easy access to Sam Rittenberg Blvd. (Hwy 7), Savannah Hwy (US 17), and I-26 (via Cosgrove Ave.). Conference/meeting room, high-speed Internet access. Contact Renee! C. Newman (rcn@bonllc.net) or Shirrese B. Brockington sbb@bonllc.net), (843) 571-5000.

Office space available to rent in Mt. Pleasant near Coleman Boulevard and Chuck Dawley. Available July 1, 2013. 2 or 3 spaces are available depending on your needs. The available sizes are approximately 14'x11', 16'x11', and 9'x11'. Included with the office space is use of kitchenette and restroom, minimal use of receptionist, minimal use of office equipment (fax/copier/scanner), water, electricity, shred and recycle service, bi-weekly cleaning and wireless internet. Use of the phone system is a possibility. Use of a conference room is available for a separate fee. Contact Theresa Brown: theresa@cothranlawoffice.com.

Office sharing space available - Faber Place Office Park, North Charleston

•o Class A, full service space - ample parking, utilities, nightly janitorial

•o Located near airport - easy access to I-526 - between Leeds Ave & Dorchester Road

•o 2 offices approx. 11'X11' plus 2 furnished staff cubicles

•o 2 conference rooms - large conference room perfect for depositions

•o Amenities include large well-appointed waiting room, fully equipped break room and IT room with copier/fax/scanner, postage meter, high speed internet, locked supply storage.

•o VoIP telephone system - can be customized

•o Share space with very active Social Security disability practice - potential source of clients for family court, consumer bankruptcy, or probate practice.

For more information, please call Rob Wendt 843-723-6555 or email rwendt@robertsonwendt.com

Lowcountry Aids Services Legal Clinic

Lowcountry Aids Services Legal Clinic is in its 18^th year. This is the only legal clinic run by volunteer lawyers in South Carolina for people living with AIDS. For the past number of years Charlie Bernstein, Evan Lackey, Suzanne Groff, Ashley Ameika, Bobby Phipps, David Hoyle, Sarah Pflug, Harry Hancock, Joe Jacumin, Allen Badger, Ann Hutto and Francis McCann have served as volunteer lawyers.

The Lowcountry Aids Services is on Meeting Street and the Clinic is held every second Wednesday of every month at 2:00 p.m. Volunteer lawyers are assigned only two afternoons a year for a total of four hours. A paralegal is present to assist the volunteer lawyer. General legal questions usually include wills, healthcare powers of attorney, durable powers of attorney, questions about domestic cases, landlord-tenant and general legal questions.

The Clinic is in need of additional volunteers. The rewards are worthwhile and the time commitment is minimal. The clients are appreciative. Please consider volunteering by calling Frank McCann at 577-4242 or e-mailing him at fxmccann@mccannlaw.net.

Theresa Wozniak Jenkins announce the opening of her new firm, Theresa Wozniak Jenkins, Attorney at Law, LLC, located at 1180 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, Suite 200, Charleston, South Carolina 29407. Tel. (843) 277-6991; Fax. (843) 628-1038; Email. theresa@wozjenkinslaw.com. Ms. Jenkins will continue to focus on general practice, domestic litigation, mediation and Guardian ad Litem work.

Richardson Plowden & Robinson, P.A. is pleased to announce the opening of its third office, located in Charleston, SC. With the opening of the 40 Calhoun Street location in Charleston, Richardson Plowden welcomes attorneys James H. Elliott, Jr. and Samia H. "Sam" Nettles to the Firm.The firm began operating out of Suite 220 within the Calhoun Street office complex on November 1. The 3,200 square-feet office space is conveniently located at the corner of Calhoun and East Bay Streets in downtown Charleston, allowing for easy access from Interstate 26. Convenient parking is available for clients, visitors and employees in the parking garage next door. The main office phone number is 843.805.6550.

Elliott focuses his practice in professional liability, construction law, products liability, and general civil litigation. Nettles focuses her practice in general litigation, construction law, land use, appellate law, historic preservation law, homeowners' associations, personal injury, and insurance defense.

Smith Moore Leatherrwood LLP announces the expansion of its Charleston litigation practice group with the addition of Mary B. Ramsay. A Charleston native, Ramsay is a graduate of the Charleston School of Law, cum laude, where she was a senior articles editor for the Federal Courts Law Review, and Wake Forest University, where she was a member of Lambda Pi Eta Communications Honor Society. She is a member of the South Carolina Bar and the Charleston County Bar, and previously served as a judicial law clerk under Judge Roger M. Young in the Circuit Court of South Carolina.

Turner Padget Graham & Laney has been named one of five "highly recommended" local litigation firms in South Carolina. Nine of our shareholders have been named "Local Litigation Stars." They are Wayne Byrd, Kenny Carter, Eddie Laney, Steve Ouzts, Thom Salane, Duvall Spruill, Tim St. Clair, John Wilkerson and Drew Williams. Benchmark Litigation, the definitive guide to America's leading litigation firms and attorneys, made the following comments about the firm.

Patent attorney joins Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd

Law firm's Charleston office welcomes Brisbin

Richard A. (Rick) Brisbin brings his experience to the law firm's intellectual property practice and government procurement practice. Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Brisbin counsels clients to obtain, protect, transfer, and enforce intellectual property rights.

He prepares and prosecutes patent applications for clients that operate in a wide range of technologies and industries, such as aerospace, healthcare, telecommunications, software, optics, automotive, energy, and semi-conductors. He also performs patentability determinations, negotiates and drafts business and licensing agreements, and assists clients regarding government procurement and intellectual property portfolio strategy.

Prior to joining the law firm, Brisbin practiced patent law at a patent firm in the Washington, DC area serving as outside patent counsel for a number of small firms and Fortune 100 firms. He has prepared over 150 patent applications in a broad spectrum of electrical, mechanical and software technology. He also has a professional background in engineering and executive management. He served as a Vice President of L-3 Communications, Inc., where he worked with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. He also held positions in electrical engineering and program management with the U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Brisbin received his J.D. from George Washington University in 1998. He graduated form Virginia Tech University with a B.S. in electrical engineering and State University of New York with a B.S. in physics, both in 1989.

Bell Carrington, LLC announces that John Q. Florence has joined the firm and is opening an office in Charleston located at 116 Church Street, Suite One, Charleston, SC 29401. Mr. Florence is a graduate of the College of Charleston Honors College and received his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law and an International Masters in Business Administration degree from the Moore School of Business. His practice will emphasize residential and commercial real estate transactions as well as general business matters.

Wilkes Law Firm, P.A. is pleased to announce that it has relocated its Charleston office to 200 Meeting Street, Suite 205, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401. The firm is now located in the heart of downtown Charleston, and continues to focus its practice in all areas of civil litigation, including professional liability defense, construction litigation and personal injury defense. Derek Newberry, formerly of the firm's Spartanburg office, now practices full-time in the new Charleston location. Mike Wilkes continues to work out of both the Spartanburg and Charleston offices.

Wilkes Law Firm, P.A., is pleased to announce that Elizabeth (Beth) Fritz Bailey will join the firm in its Charleston office in early September. Beth graduated with honors from the University of South Carolina Honors College in 1999 with a B.A. in Political Science, and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina in 2002. While pursuing her Juris Doctor, Beth was active in the Order of the Barristers, Moot Court and the ABA Real Property, Probate and Trust Journal. Following law school, Beth practiced with Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. in their Charleston office, and was an adjunct professor at the Charleston School of Law. She is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Charleston and active in the community including serving on the board of the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival ® and on the Board of Managers for the South Carolina Historical Society. Beth's practice at Wilkes Law Firm, P.A., will include all areas of civil litigation, including professional liability defense, construction litigation, commercial litigation and personal injury defense.

Finkel Law Firm LLC is pleased to announce that Leigh R. Bailey has become an associate of the firm located at 4000 Faber Place Drive, Suite 450, North Charleston, SC 29405. Tel. 843) 577-5460.

Sottile & Hopkins, LLC is pleased to announce that Katie Hinson Lewis has joined the firm as an associate attorney. She is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University and the University of South Carolina School of Law. Her practice will emphasize real estate, business transactions, and estate planning.

Altman & Coker, LLC is pleased to announce that William O. Sweeny IV has joined the firm. His practice will focus on civil litigation. Previously, he was with the South Carolina Department of Revenue. He received a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University, a MBA from the University of South Carolina, and a law degree from the University of South Carolina.

Phillip Florence, Jr. announces the opening of The Florence Law Group, LLC, located downtown Charleston at 285-A Meeting Street, Charleston, S.C. 29401. Tel. (843) 789-3107; Fax: (843) 789-3313; Email: phil@theflorencelaw.com.

Ayers Family Law, LLC, formerly the Law Office of Emily W. Ayers, LLC, announces that Ashley Simons Layton has become an associate of the firm, located at 135 King Street. (843) 628-2817. http://www.ayersfamilylaw.com/

The law firm of McAngus Goudelock & Courie is pleased to announce that Allison C. Nussbaum has joined the firm's Charleston, S.C. office. Her practice focuses on workers' compensation defense.

She received her law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where she was on the editorial board of the Real Property and Trust Journal. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mrs. Nussbaum is a regular speaker and presenter on workers' compensation topics, and she is a member of the Defense Research Institute, South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys' Association, Public Risk Management Association, South Carolina Bar Association and its Workers' Compensation Section, and the Charleston County Bar Association.

J. Benjamin Stevens and Jenny R. Moser announce that she has become a partner in The Stevens Firm, PA Family Law Center and she is merging her practice with that firm effective July 15, 2012. The firm will continue to be located at 1188 Asheville Highway, Spartanburg, SC 29303. Ms. Moser can be reached by telephone at (864) 598-9172, by facsimile at (864) 598-9264 or by email at jenny@spartanburglawyers.com.

Finkel Law Firm LLC is proud to announce that Gerald M. Finkel has been included in The Best Lawyers in America, 19^th Edition for his work in the practice areas of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law. This marks the 30^th year that Mr. Finkel has received this exclusive selection.

Motley Rice is proud to announce that the 2013 editions of both Benchmark Plaintiff, The Definitive Guide to America's Leading Plaintiff Firms & Attorneys and Benchmark Litigation, The Definitive Guide to America's Leading Litigation Firms & Attorneys have recognized the firm, as well as individual attorneys, in national and local rankings, highlighting the firm's diversity across practice areas varying from human rights and toxic tort to securities and product liability.

Motley Rice asbestos attorney Nathan Finch was selected as a "local litigation star" in the fifth annual edition of Benchmark Litigation, The Definitive Guide to America's Leading Litigation Firms & Attorneys for his work in Civil Litigation, Creditors' Rights and White-Collar Crime.

In Benchmark Plaintiff, The Definitive Guide to America's Leading Plaintiff Firms & Attorneys Motley Rice was ranked for the second consecutive year as a "Highly Recommended" local litigation firm in Rhode Island, South Carolina and Washington, D.C., and ranked nationally in both the Civil Rights/Human Rights and Mass Tort/Product Liability Tier 1 categories.

The following attorneys were individually selected as national and/or local "Litigation Stars":

National Rankings

• Kevin Dean: Mass Tort/Product Liability
• Jodi Westbrook Flowers: Civil Rights/Human Rights; Mass Tort/Product Liability
• Anne McGinness Kearse: Mass Tort/Product Liability
• Ronald Motley: Civil Rights/Human Rights; Mass Tort/Product Liability
• Joseph Rice: Mass Tort/Product Liability
• Mary Schiavo: Mass Tort/Product Liability

Local Rankings

• Kevin Dean: Product Liability (South Carolina)
• Nathan Finch: Product Liability, Securities (Washington, D.C.)
• Jodi Westbrook Flowers: Environmental, Human Rights, Mass Tort, Securities (South Carolina)
• Vincent Greene IV: Environmental, Medical Malpractice, Toxic Tort (Rhode Island)
• Rebecca M. Katz: Securities (New York)
• Anne McGinness Kearse: Mass Tort, Product Liability (South Carolina)
• Marlon Kimpson: Environmental, Mass Tort, Securities (South Carolina)
• Robert McConnell: Environmental, Toxic Tort (Rhode Island)
• Donald Migliori: Human Rights, Product Liability (Rhode Island)
• Ronald Motley: Human Rights, Product Liability, Securities, Toxic Tort (South Carolina)
• Vincent Parrett: Human Rights, Product Liability, Securities, Toxic Tort (South Carolina)
• Joseph Rice: Environmental, Mass Tort, Product Liability (South Carolina)
• Mary Schiavo: Mass Tort, Securities (South Carolina)

12 McNair Attorneys Designated as "Lawyer of the Year"

by The Best Lawyers in America® 2013

McNair Law Firm, P.A. is pleased to announce that twelve attorneys were selected by their peers as The Best Lawyers®' 2013 "Lawyer of the Year" within their respective practice areas and communities.

With areas of practice, those selected in McNair's Charleston office are:

Charleston, SC

•· J. Sidney Boone, Jr. - Real Estate Law

•· Susan Taylor Wall - Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants

Four Turner Padget Charleston Attorneys Named to 2013 Best Lawyers

Listed from the firm's Charleston office are:

• John K. Blincow, Jr., Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
• Elaine H. Fowler, Real Estate, Mergers & Acquisitions
• Michael G. Roberts, Health Care Law, Tax, Trusts & Estates
• John S. Wilkerson, Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants

51 McNair Attorneys Included in The Best Lawyers in America® 2013

With areas of practice, those selected in McNair's Charleston office are:

Charleston, SC

•· M. William Youngblood - Public Finance Law

MOTLEY RICE LAWYERS RECOGNIZED IN THE BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA

Eight attorneys from one of the largest U.S. plaintiffs' law firms selected

Mt. Pleasant Attorneys from Motley Rice LLC were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America^® 2013, the 19^th Edition. The Best Lawyers list is based on a national survey involving more than 4 million detailed evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers.

These Motley Rice members are listed by The Best Lawyers in America^® 2013 in the following categories:

• Fidelma L. Fitzpatrick: Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions- Plaintiffs
• Anne M. Kearse: Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions- Plaintiffs
• Robert J. McConnell: Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions- Plaintiffs
• Donald A. Migliori: Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions- Plaintiffs
• Ronald L. Motley: Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions- Plaintiffs; Personal Injury Litigation- Plaintiffs; Product Liability- Plaintiffs
• William H. Narwold: Litigation- Banking & Finance; Litigation- Mergers & Acquisitions; Litigation- Securities
• Joseph F. Rice: Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions- Plaintiffs
• Mary F. Shiavo:  Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions- Plaintiffs

Sixty-seven lawyers from Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd

recognized in Best Lawyers 2013

CHARLESTON, COLUMBIA, FLORENCE, GREENVILLE, & MYRTLE BEACH, SC, AND WASHINGTON, DC --- Sixty-seven lawyers from Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2013 (Copyright 2012 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).

The following attorneys in the Charleston office and specific practice areas include:

Charlton deSaussure, Jr. (2005) - Public Finance Law

Thomas C. (Tom) Hildebrand, Jr. (2010) - Litigation - Construction

Julie O. Medich (2009) - Corporate Law

Tara E. Nauful (2011) - Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Litigation - Bankruptcy

Bachman S. Smith III (2009) - Mediation

Elizabeth J.V. (Liz) Speidel* (2013) - Employment Law - Management

James H. Suddeth III* (2013) - Real Estate Law

David M. Swanson (2009) - Litigation - Real Estate; Real Estate Law

Elizabeth T. (Lisa) Thomas (2010) - Health Care Law

Joseph D. (Trey) Thompson III* (2013) - Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants

John H. Tiller (2011) - Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

John Paul Trouche (2003) - Public Finance Law

Nexsen Pruet Attorney Named to list of Top 250 Women in Litigation

Molly Cherry & Susi McWilliams Recognized

 Nexsen Pruet attorney Molly Hughes Cherry has been named as one of the Top 250 Women in Litigation by legal publishers Benchmark Litigation.

Cherry, a Member (partner) in the firm's Charleston office, is a Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law by the South Carolina Supreme Court and serves on the South Carolina Employment and Labor Law Specialization Advisory Board. She is an active member of the International Association of Defense Counsel, having served in numerous committee positions, and is on the board of directors of the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association.

11 Charleston Attorneys Named to the

2013 Edition of Best Lawyers®

Nexsen Pruet is proud to announce that 11 attorneys based in its Charleston office have been named to the 2013 edition of Best Lawyers®. Attorneys Cherie Blackburn, Molly Hughes Cherry, Paul Dominick, Stephen Groves, David Hawkins, Marvin Infinger, Neil Robinson, Mary Shahid, Thomas Tisdale, Brad Waring, and Stephanie Yarbrough received the designation from their peers.

In five categories, the firm has more attorneys listed than any other firm in Charleston.

• Top-Listed in Charleston, SC in Bet-the-Company Litigation with 2 attorneys.
• Top-Listed in Charleston, SC in Copyright Law with 1 attorney.
• Top-Listed in Charleston, SC in Economic Development Law with 1 attorney.
• Top-Listed in Charleston, SC in Labor Law - Management with 2 attorneys.
• Top-Listed in Charleston, SC in Litigation - Municipal with 1 attorney.

In all, 74 attorneys from the firm's eight offices in the Carolinas have been named to the 2013 list.

Turner Padget Graham & Laney, P.A. is pleased to announce that Elaine H. Fowler has been elected to serve as Secretary-Treasurer of the South Carolina Bar Foundation, which serves as the philanthropic arm of the South Carolina Bar. The mission of Foundation is to fund the advancement of justice by improving access to justice through civil legal aid, law related education for the public and improving the accountability and administration of the justice system.

Ms. Fowler has also been elected to serve another term as Chair of the Leadership Development Committee of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance for FY 2012-2013 and will again be serving on the Executive Committee of CRDA. CRDA is a private nonprofit organization formed to promote long-term economic development in the Charleston region by leading a global marketing effort to attract world-class businesses and talent and to facilitate new, high-value business investment within Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester Counties. Ms. Fowler is a resident in the Charleston office and is a member of the firm's Business Transactions Group. In addition to devoting much time to her legal career, she is committed to service in her community and, among other activities, serves as Vice-Chair of the Sullivan's Island Planning Commission.

Smith Moore Leatherwood Expands Charleston Real Estate Group with New Hire

Addition makes four new hires in six months

Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP has recently expanded its Charleston office with the addition of Matt Moore to the office's Commercial Real Estate Practice Group. Moore is the fourth addition in six months, following the arrival of Michael J. Hickerson, G.P. Diminich and Halsey Schreier to the Charleston office, which opened one year ago.

THREE NEW ASSOCIATES JOIN MOTLEY RICE PRACTICE GROUPS  

Motley Rice welcomes three new lawyers to its Mt. Pleasant, S.C., headquarters, Max N. Gruetzmacher (SC), P. Graham Maiden (SC) and Ann E. Rice Ervin (SC). Having varying educational and work backgrounds, each adds valuable experience to the firm's work representing consumers, investors, patients, victims of terrorism and other human rights abuses and those who have suffered due to corporate negligence and wrongdoing.

Gruetzmacher served as a contract attorney before joining the firm as an associate, representing large public pension funds, unions and other institutional investors in securities and consumer fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Prior to working with Motley Rice, he served as a legal intern with the Wisconsin Public Defender, Appellate Division, where he gained experience in criminal defense, legal research and brief writing. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Marquette University Law School and a member of the state bar of South Carolina and the Charleston County Bar Association.

Maiden represents the firm's clients in complex anti-terrorism and human rights matters. He previously served as a law clerk with Motley Rice, during which time he supported litigation on behalf of clients seeking to hold BP and other corporate defendants accountable for the 2010 Gulf Coast oil spill. A graduate of the College of Charleston and the Charleston School of Law, Maiden brings prior experience in legal research, writing and trial preparation to the firm in addition to business insight, having previously assisted a large real estate company with nationwide hotel and restaurant development. He is a member of the South Carolina Bar Association and Charleston Bar Association.

Rice Ervin focuses her practice on representing victims injured by allegedly harmful drugs and defective medical devices. She brings both a legal and a medical background to the firm's clients. After completing undergraduate and law studies at the University of South Carolina and University of South Carolina School of Law, Rice Ervin pursued a Master of Arts degree in Bioethics at New York University. She supported numerous bioethics-related research projects during her studies and also served as a law clerk for another plaintiffs' firm in New York, conducting legal research and analysis for complex environmental litigation. She serves as a Community Representative of MUSC's Ethics Committee and Ethics Consultation service and is a member of the American Association for Justice, South Carolina Association for Justice, Charleston County Bar Association and state bar of South Carolina.

Harvey & Vallini, LLC is pleased to announce that Amanda Morgan Blundy, formerly of McAngus Goudelock & Courie, LLC, has joined the firm as an Attorney in the Litigation Department. Her practice will be focused upon business litigation, construction, and commercial/professional liability. Amanda will primarily work in the firm's Mount Pleasant office, which is located at 497 Bramson Court, Suite 201, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. Tel. (843) 388-8883; Fax (843) 388-8884; Email: amandab@hvlawsc.com.

Akim Anastopoulo announces the opening of a new downtown Charleston location for Anastopoulo Law Firm, LLC, at 215 E. Bay Street, Suite 404, Charleston. Tel. 800-313-2546. Web: http://www.akimlawfirm.com/. The North Charleston location at 2850 Ashley Phosphate Road, Suite B, will also remain open.

The Charleston office of global law firm K&L Gates LLP has added Richard A. Farrier Jr. as a partner in its commercial disputes practice. Farrier joins K&L Gates from Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, where he was Managing Partner of the firm's Charleston office.

The Pflug Law Firm, LLC is pleased to announce that Sarah B. Pflug has joined the firm. She will focus her practice on real estate, business law, and estate planning. The office is located at 159 Civitas St., Suite 210 Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina 29464. Mailing address is PO Box 801, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina 29465-0801. Phone: 843-647-7774. Fax: 866-446-6170. Email: sarah.pflug@pfluglaw.com

Laura W. Moore announces the relocation of her office to 23 Broad Street.

Wall, Templeton Haldrup, P.A. is pleased to announce Tommy Boger haws joined the firm's Charleston office as an associate attorney. A graduate of Clemson Unuversity and the Charleston School of Law, Boger will focus his practice in the areas of complex litigation, construction and commercial litigation.

Turner Padget Graham & Laney, P.A. is pleased to announce that Michael G. Roberts has been elected to a three-year term on the firm's Executive Committee. In addition, Mr. Roberts is the Managing Shareholder of the Charleston office. Mike focuses his practice in the areas of federal and state taxation, estate planning, business transactions (including mergers and acquisitions), commercial real estate and health care law. He holds a Master of Laws degree in Taxation and is a certified specialist in both Taxation and Estate Planning and Probate.

David R Beatson announces the opening of his business, Charleston Paralegal Service. A full service paralegal resource, including filing, research, document preparation, trial preparation, and document Analysis. They also can build, maintain and update your firms website. Visit http://www.charlestonparalegalservice.com/ for more information or email David at david@charlestonparalegalservice.com. Telephone: 843-740-1111.

Retired (Pennsylvania)Attorney looking for contract work:

Has over 25 years of legal experience in a variety of civil matters including health care, ERISA, real estate, contracts, construction, insurance and corporate law in state and federal courts.

Although I am looking for permanent work as a paralegal or in-house counsel, I would like to help you in overload situations, either as a contract attorney or paralegal. Please call me at your earliest convenience at 843-821-5056 or e-mail me at jfp29455@comcast.net.

John F. "Joe" Perry

(Not licensed in SC)

Ryan Phillips, principal attorney of the Law Office of T. Ryan Phillips, LLC, is available to assume responsibility for your appointed criminal (including juvenile) cases, as well as your appointed PCR cases in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties in consideration of a one-time payment of $750 per case. Contact information: Phone: 843-720-3726, email: ryan@ryanphillipslaw.com.

DSS Appointments

Ellen H. Babb of the Babb Law Firm will accept your DSS appointments for the life of the case for $825.00 (Charleston County). Call her today and set yourself free. Tel. 406-7737.

The Roxon Law Office is available to handle your DSS appointments for reasonable hourly fees/per hearing/per case. Tel. 853-0845 to eliminate spending hours waiting outside Family Court.

BILINGUAL LEGAL INTERPRETING

The following five graduates of the MA Program in Bilingual Legal Interpreting at the Graduate School of the College of Charleston hold Master of Arts degrees in Bilingual Legal Interpreting and are court certified. They are currently interpreting in legal, medical, and community settings throughout the state. If at any time you have need of a qualified Spanish/English interpreter, please do not hesitate to call any of the following individuals:

Pamela Booth 843-737-5205 pbooth215@comcast.net

Candra Allen 843-214-5000 lunasea38@yahoo.com
Luna Gainer 843-270-5588 spanishincourt@comcast.net
Cyndy Hernandez 843-327-5566 interpret@kosmos.ws
Catherine Jones843-763-8893 catherinevi@juno.com
Claudia Moran 843-343-9754 claudiamoran1@hotmail.com

THE LAWYERS' EPIDEMIC:

DEPRESSION, SUICIDE, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

C. Stuart Mauney

Gallivan, White & Boyd, P.A.

In a period of 18 months, six lawyers committed suicide in South Carolina. In late 2008, a student at the Charleston (SC) School of Law committed suicide. Around that same time, a student at the USC School of Law died of alcohol poisoning. Recent studies show that lawyers are three times as likely to suffer from depression as other professions. The rate of substance abuse among lawyers is twice that of the general population.

The South Carolina Bar formed the HELP Task Force to shine a bright light on these problems. It is my privilege to serve as Chair of HELP, whose mission is to raise awareness and promote prevention of substance abuse, mental illness, and suicide within the legal profession. The Bar's Lawyers Helping Lawyers program provides confidential services for lawyers who suffer from substance abuse and mental illness. HELP complements the work of LHL by educating lawyers, law firms, law students, and judges about the services available through LHL. HELP also promotes a better understanding of mental health issues in the legal profession.

A study by Johns Hopkins University found that among more than 100 occupations studied, lawyers were most likely to suffer from depression and were 3.6 times more likely than average to do so. A quality of life survey by the North Carolina Bar revealed that almost 26% of respondents exhibited symptoms of clinical depression, and almost 12% said they contemplated suicide at least once a month. The North Carolina study was prompted in part by the suicides of 8 Mecklenburg County lawyers in a seven-year period.

10% of Americans, more than 19 million people, suffer from depression every year. More Americans suffer from clinical depression than heart disease and cancer. Effective treatment is available for 90% of those with a depressive illness.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among attorneys, after cancer and heart disease. The rate of death by suicide for lawyers is nearly six times the suicide rate for the general population. Suicide can be prevented. While some suicides occur without any outward warning, most do not. We can prevent suicide among lawyers by learning to recognize the signs of someone at risk, taking those signs seriously, and knowing how to respond to them.

The National Institute on Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse estimates that 10% of the U.S. population is alcoholic or chemically dependent. In the legal profession, the abuse may be as high as 20%. Alcoholism is a factor in 30% of all completed suicides. Reports from lawyer assistance programs indicate that 50%-75% of lawyer discipline cases nationwide involve chemical dependency.

Whether you are the husband, wife, employee, judge, law student, law partner, law firm associate, friend, or colleague of a person challenged by depression or substance abuse, your understanding of the nature of the problem can play a vital part in helping that individual to achieve and maintain recovery. Please remember that there is hope, and there is help. You are not alone.

Call the Lawyers Helping Lawyers toll-free helpline at 866-545-9590 or LifeFocus Counseling Services toll-free at 866-726-5252 to be referred to a counselor in your area.

Attorneys, Charles Town to Charleston

Attorneys, Charles Town to Charleston, written by Ruth W. Cupp, is the history of the local legal profession from 1663 to the 21st century.

"I enjoyed reading Attorneys, Charles Town to Charleston. The Bar can be proud of that book, it is first class." Morris D. Rosen

"I thank you and congratulate you on the historical anthology o the events of the events of the local Bar...it will contribute greatly to the Bar's purpose, promise and posterity." Danny Martin, Sr., Retired

Your favorite bookstore can get you a copy of this book and the Bar's Executive Committee has them for sale. Contact Julie Kemp at 724-67669.

access, receptionist and use of conference room. Please call 843-556-5656 for inquires.

JURY CHARGES REMINDER

The Charleston County Bar Association reminds everyonethat jury charges for use in Common Pleas and General Sessions Court have been added to our website. These jury charges come from the "Judge's Benchbook for Civil and Criminal Jury Charges".To access,click on our website, http://www.charlestonlaw.org/, and then on"Jury Charges" on the right side of the page. You are able to download charges and print whatever is applicable to your case. Please note the disclaimer that the charges are merely suggestions and are neither sanctioned nor approved by the South Carolina Supreme Court.

ELDER SUPPORTLINE

Elder Supportline is the City of Charleston Police Department's elder advocacy program. They handle a variety of cases, but specialize in those pertaining to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Elder Supportline clients generally are 60 years of age and older, but in some cases are younger vulnerable adults. Elder Supportline is open to assist in whatever way possible with your older clients facing serious vulnerable crossroads. Elder Supportline also needs your help! In the process of helping senior citizens locally, the Elder Supportline office finds a constant need for guardian ad litems, assistance in probate matters, and attorneys who can help with wills, powers of attorney, living trusts, conservatorships, and guardianships, as well as basic legal matters. Many of these families are able to pay for such services, but there is also a significant group who are indigent. If you would like to help Elder Supportline with these matters and be added to their list of referral sources, please contact:

Elisabeth Spencer
Elder Supportline Coordinator and Senior Advocate
Charleston Police Department
180 Lockwood Boulevard
Charleston,SC29403
Office: 843-724-7180
Pager: 843-973-4744
Facsimile: 843-852-0901
Email: literallydriven@gmail.com or spencere@ci.charleston.sc.us