General Biography
After serving President Clinton as United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina from 1996-2001, René began his practice with the firm in March of 2001.

René served as law clerk to he Honorable C. Weston Houck, United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina, from 1985 to 1988. Thereafter, he commenced his private practice in Florence. René has extensive trial experience focusing on trial and appellate litigation primarily in the federal courts. In addition to his admission to the state bar and local district court, René is admitted to practice before the Courts of Appeal in the Fourth Circuit and Federal Circuit, as well as the United States Supreme Court. His broad range of litigation experience includes civil litigation, criminal prosecutions and domestic litigation. In addition, Rene has training and experience as a certified arbitrator and mediator.

René is a 1982 graduate of Clemson University and a 1985 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law where he was a member of the Order of Wig and Robe and served as an editor of the South Carolina Law Review as well as an instructor of Legal Research and Writing.  In 1990, Rene was honored as South Carolina’s Pro Bono Lawyer of the year.

Bar Admissions
South Carolina Bar
United States District Court in South Carolina
Courts of Appeal, Fourth Circuit and Federal Circuit

United States Supreme Court

Education
Clemson University
University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D.

Professional/Civic Affiliations
South Carolina Bar Foundation
Federal Bar Association, President

Florence County Bar Association, President 2007

Speeches/Presentations/Awards
2008 Best Lawyers of America, Appellate Law, Non-White and White-Collar Criminal Defense

South Carolina’s Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year, 1990