Chambers USA Ranks Turner Padget as Leading Litigation Firm in South Carolina

Chambers USA, a highly regarded directory of America's leading lawyers for business, recognized the firm as a leading firm in South Carolina.  The firm's litigation practice earned high marks, ranking in Band 3.  Click here for the full article.

Tim St. Clair - Devoted to a Cure for Juvenile Diabetes

Tim St. Clair was recently selected to participate on the Intellectual Property Task Force for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  Tim also serves as a National Head Coach for the "Ride to Cure Diabetes" program.  He has been National Chair of the JDRF Ride Committee, as well as a member of JDRF's Development Committee, since 2009.

David Johnson Joins Columbia Office of Turner Padget

Shareholder, David Johnson,  began his business transactional practice in the Columbia office on May 3, 2010.  He will also continue to serve clients in Florence and the surrounding areas.  Click here for more information.

Turner Padget Attorneys Selected by Super Lawyers

Eleven Turner Padget attorneys have been included in the 2010 edition of Super Lawyers of South Carolina.  Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas.  Click here for the list of attorneys selected.

Kennedy and Bobertz Elected

Cathy Kennedy and Shannon Bobertz have been elected to represent the 5th Judicial Circuit in the South Carolina Bar House of Delegates for the coming term.   Click here for the fully story.

Turner Padget Lead Counsel in State-of-Art Wastewater Treatment Plant

Attorneys Lanny Lambert, Danny Crowe and Ryan Newton recently served as lead counsel in preparation of a wastewater services agreement among two municipalities and a county commission to build a $65,000,000 regionally-based wastewater plant.  Click here for the entire article. 

Ken Carter Elected to Board of Directors of Business Counsel

J. Kenneth Carter has been elected to the Board of Directors of Business Counsel, Inc. Business Counsel, Inc. is a network of law firms based in the United States and abroad focused on providing high quality legal services to the corporate business community. Members of Business Counsel, Inc. include private law firms in most major cities in the United States engaged in business law representation, including transactional law, regulatory law and litigation.  Elaine Fowler, along with Ken Carter, have become very active in attending conferences and taking part in networking opportunities.

Phil Florence Joins Turner Padget

Turner Padget is pleased to announce that Phillip Florence, Jr. has joined the firm as Of Counsel in its litigation group.  Mr. Florence is based in Turner Padget's Charleston office and will focus his practice in the areas of Construction Law, Employment Law, General Liability and Personal Injury Defense.  Mr. Florence graduated from the Citadel in 1990 and completed his Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1994.  Prior to attending law school, Mr. Florence was a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings.

John Cuttino Named to National Board of Directors for DRI

Turner Padget is pleased to announce that John E. Cuttino, shareholder in the Columbia office, has been elected to the national Board of Directors of DRI.  Mr. Cuttino's three-year term commenced at the organization's annual meeting and 50th anniversary celebration in October.  Click here for the entire story.

Lambert Receives Leadership in the Law Award

Turner Padget is pleased to announce that Lanneau W. Lambert, Jr.  has received the 2009 Leadership in the Law award given by the South Carolina Lawyers Weekly.  The award recognizes those individuals whose leadership, both in the legal profession and in the community, has made a positive impact on our state. 

St. Clair Pens Article for South Carolina Lawyers Weekly

Tim St. Clair, shareholder in the Greenville office, recently penned an article, "Patent litigation: Not for the faint-of-heart."  The article appeared in the September 7th issue of the South Carolina Lawyers Weekly.  The article centers on the recent decision by The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, which found the word processing software, Microsoft Word, infringes a patent and has issued a permanent injunction that takes effect in October.  Click here for the full article.

Lambert Appointed to Board

Lanneau W. Lambert, Jr., a shareholder in the Columbia office, will serve a three-year term on the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Good to Great Foundation Board.  Mr. Lambert, past president of the S.C. Bar, serves on Turner Padget's Executive Committee and is a member of the firm's business transaction group.

Turner Padget Selected to "The Midsize Hot List" of Law Firms by The National Law Journal

Turner Padget is pleased to announce that it has been selected by The National Law Journal as one of 20 law firms included in “The Midsize Hot List.” Turner Padget is the only South Carolina-based firm to be honored, and one of only a handful of firms from the Southeast included on the list, which was published in The National Law Journal’s print and online editions on June 29, 2009.

Turner Padget Recognized by House of Representatives

Upon learning of Turner Padget's recent recognition by The National Law Journal to its "Midsize Hot List," Rep. Garry R. Smith introduced a Resolution to the South Carolina House of Representatives commending the achievement.  Rep. Smith has been a member of the Greenville County legislative delegation since 2007.  At the Greenville office's fifth year anniversary celebration, Rep. Smith presented Greenville Managing Partner Vernon F. Dunbar the original copy of the Resolution.  Click here to read the Resolution.

Shuler Speaks at  DRI

Frank Shuler, Columbia-based

shareholder in our Business Group, was a speaker for DRI on April 29, 2009 at their Annual Employment Law Seminar held in Orlando, Florida.  Click here to view Mr. Shuler's presentation entitled, "The Employment Law Generalist - Navigating a Panoply of Laws including ERISA, NLRA, OSHA."

Capitalize on Intellectual Property in an Intangible Business World

Bernie Klosowski, attorney in our Greenville office, recently talked with Mike Switzer of ETV Radio,  South Carolina Business Review regarding how to capitalize on  Intellectual Property rights and use of trademark.  To listen to the interview in full, click here.

Five of the firm's partners have been named as finalists to the 2010 Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America list.  R. Wayne Byrd, Lanneau W. Lambert, Jr., Thomas C. Salane, W. Duvall Spruill, and John S. Wilkerson were named among 3,000 finalists considered for inclusion in the Lawdragon 500.  Click here for more details.

Lambert and Williams Published

Lanny Lambert and Hudson Williams published an article in the June 21st edition of the South Carolina Lawyers Weekly.  In "Don't Leave Out the Essential Ingredient:  The Attorney," Lanny and Hudson analyzed the recent South Carolina Court of Appeals decision, Coffey v. Wachovia, in which Wachovia's failure to use an attorney to supervise a loan transaction resulted in its inability recover loan proceeds from the borrower.  Wachovia's action was deemed to be the unauthorized practice of law.  To read the entire article, click here.

Dorsel Elected to Board

Turner Padget is pleased to announce that Christopher T. Dorsel, an associate in our Charleston office, has been elected to the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics Alumni Association Board.  His term will begin on July 2010 and will last for three years.  Click here for more details.

Ralephata Recognized as one of Forty Under 40

The Charleston Regional Business Journal announced on March 24th the winning class of Forty Under 40 winners for 2010.  Among those chosen was Turner Padget's own Nosi Ralephata. Click here for more information.

Josh Shaw Featured in Lawyers Weekly

Joshua D. Shaw was featured in the February 22, 2010 issue of South Carolina Lawyers Weekly in an article titled, "Lawyers in Charleston Firefighters' Case Trying to Fill Hole Left by 2005 Tort Reform."  To read Josh's analysis of the procedural issues raised click here for the article.

Dunbar Contributes to Sound Advice Audio Library

Vernon Dunbar, Managing Shareholder of the Greenville office, has been chosen to be a contributor to the ABA Section of Litigation's Sound Advice Audio Library and will be recording his segment in the near future.  The purpose of the Sound Advice Audio Library is to provide information from experienced attorneys on a variety of practical topics related to litigation. 

Gerald Chambers Writes Commentary on Health-Care Reform

Gerald Chambers,shareholder in the Columbia office, wrote a commentary on health-care reform for the S. C. Lawyers Weekly, September 14, 2009, issue.  The article focuses on the impact of the proposed health-care reform and its impact on future medical-malpractice cases.  To read this timely article, please click here.

Turner Padget Recognized by Benchmark as Leading Litigation Firm

Turner Padget announces that it has been recognized in the 2010 edition of Benchmark: A Definitive Guide to America's Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys as a recommended litigation firm in South Carolina.  Benchmark also named Turner Padget shareholders Edward Laney,  John Wilkerson and Duvall Spruill as  "Local Litigation Stars" and three additional shareholders, Richard S. Dukes, Nicholas W. Gladd and D. Andrew (Drew) Williams, as "Future Stars."  Click here for more details.

Reggie Belcher Named Chair American Red Cross

Reginald W. Belcher was recently named Board Chair of the American Red Cross, South Carolina Blood Services Division.  He will serve a one-year term.  Mr. Belcher, a shareholder in the Columbia office, is a member of the Business Practice Group and represents businesses and employers throughout the Southeast in all aspects of employment and labor law.

Charles E. Hill and R. Hawthorne Barrett Receive Reversed Opinion from Court of Appeals

Justice Kittredge:  In this chiropractic malpractice action, the Court of Appeals reversed a defense jury verdict based on an erroneous jury instruction.  Ardis v. Sessions, 370 S.C. 299, 633 S.E.2d 905 (Ct. App. 2006).  We granted a writ of certiorari to review the decision of the Court of Appeals.  We reverse and reinstate the defense verdict, for we hold Respondents were not prejudiced by the jury charge.  Click here to read the entire Reversed Opinion.

Ralephata Pens Article

Nosizi Ralaphata, resident in the Charleston office, is an associate in the Business Group.  She is featured in the Spring 2009 edition of the ABA Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee Newsletter.  Her article, "A Survey of Recent Cases Addressing True Excess Carrier Issues:  Trigger, Duty to Defend and Drop Down," addresses recent case law construing the common issues confronting excess carriers.  Click here for the entire article.

Shaw Named to Advisory Board for Silver Crescent Foundation

Josh Shaw, Columbia-based associate, was recently named to the advisory board for the Silver Crescent Foundation.  The Silver Crescent Foundation supports the vitality of South Carolina's manufacturing industry and educates people about career opportunities in manufacturing. 

Steve Ouzts Inducted into Litigation Counsel of America

Turner Padget is pleased to announce that Steve Ouzts, a shareholder in the firm's Specialty Litigation Practice Group, was inducted into the Litigation Counsel of America at the Spring Conference and Induction of Fees on May 8, 2009. Click here to read the full article.

Moose Named to Professional Committee

Julie J. Moose, shareholder in our Florence office, has been chosen to co-chair the Accounting Committee of the Professional Liability Defense Federation.  Click here for the full article.

Turner Padget Adds New Associate

Ammon Lesher has joined the firm and will be based in our Greenville office.  Mr. Lesher will concentrate his practice in the area of Intellectual Property.  Click here for the full story.

Turner Padget to Lease Old Florence County Memorial Library Building

Consistent with the firm's commitment to the Florence community, Turner Padget has signed a letter of intent to lease office space in the historic former Florence County Memorial Library building at 319 South Irby Street. 

The firm plans to occupy the greater portion of the approximately 20,000 square foot structure.  Click here for the entire article.

Rene Josey Receives Gold Compleat Lawyer Award

Turner Padget is proud to announce that Rene Josey, a shareholder in our Florence office, has been chosen as one of three recipients of the 2010 Gold Compleat Lawyer Award presented by the University of South Carolina Law School Alumni Association.  Click here for the entire story.

Payne Delivers Successful Verdict

Jeff Payne recently represented Drew Farms in Federal Court, winning a favorable verdict for the client.  Please click here for the entire article.

Ott and Sammataro Set Precedent

In consolidated appeals, the South Carolina Supreme Court clarified an important area of the law, making it absolutely clear that the economic loss rule still applies to product liability cases. The Court effectively rolled back a growing number of exceptions to the rule's application.  Sam Sammataro briefed the cases and Curtis Ott argued on behalf of Ford Motor Company before the Court.  Click here to read the entire opinion.

Sammataro and Johnson Named Shareholders

Sam Sammataro and David Johnson have become shareholders with the firm effective January 1, 2010.

Mr. Sammataro is based in the firm's Columbia office where his practice focuses primarily on the defense of product liability lawsuits.  His practice also includes defense of professional negligence claims and workers' compensation appeals

Mr. Johnson is based in the firm's Florence office.  He has a business transactions practice where he takes an active role in handling various types of complex tax and transactional issues for businesses and individual in South Carolina.

Catherine Kennedy Elected as Fellow of American College & Estate Counsel

Turner Padget is pleased to announce that Catherine H. Kennedy was recently elected as a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.  The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel is a professional association consisting of approximately 2,700 lawyers and professors throughout the United States.  Ms. Kennedy is special counsel in the Columbia office where she practices in the areas of estate planning, probate administration and litigation. 

Eric K. Englebardt Elected to Board of Directors

Turner Padget is pleased to announce that Eric K. Englebardt was recently elected to the Board of Directors for The Wings of Hope Foundation in Greenville, S.C.  Mr. Englebardt, a shareholder in the Greenville office, is a member of the Litigation Practice Group and is a certified court mediator.  The Wings of Hope Foundation works to transform families and children struggling with alcohol or drugs.

Twenty-Six Turner Padget Shareholders Named as Best Lawyers in America 2010

Turner Padget is pleased to announce that 26 of its shareholders have been listed in the 2010 edition of Best Lawyers

in America. In addition, the firm is ranked as the top law firm in South Carolina in the areas of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Municipal Law, is highly ranked in 14 other practice areas, and is recognized as the top law firm in Florence, SC.   Click here for the list of attorneys selected.

Fowler Elected to S. C. Bar

Foundation Board of Directors

Turner Padget is pleased to announce that Elaine H. Fowler, shareholder in the Charleston office, has been elected to serve a three-year term on the S.C. Bar

Foundation Board of Directors.  Click here for the full story.

Jennings Named to Council of United Educators

Turner Padget is proud to announce that Donnell G. Jennings, shareholder in the Columbia office, has been named to the newly formed General Liability Council (GLC) of United Educators. He will serve a three-year term. The Council will provide expertise on general liability legal issues unique to education.  Click here for the full story.

And The Defense Wins

DRI members Rich Dukes and  Chris Dorsel of Turner Padget Graham & Laney in Charleston, South Carolina, recently obtained a defense verdict for their client, a landlord and owner of a federally subsidized rental property in Charleston. The case involved wrongful death and survival actions brought by and on behalf of the estates of a mother and her 15-year-old daughter, who were residents of an apartment who died in a fire that consumed their apartment. Both victims died of smoke inhalation before the first responders arrived on the scene. Click here to read the full story.

Wilkerson quoted in Inside Counsel magazine

John Wilkerson, Charleston-based shareholder in our Business Group, is quoted in InsideCounsel magazine's June 2009 issue in an article titled, "Closing Statement's Imaginary Letter Torpedos $2.4 Million Verdict."  The story follows a 10th Circuit judgment in Whittenburg v. Werner Enterprises, Inc. that forcefully warns plaintiffs' counsel against abusive verbal attacks on defendants and defense counsel in the presence of a jury.  Click here to read the full article.

Civil Liability and Economic Development

Joshua Shaw, an attorney in our Columbia office, recently authored an article in the Business & Economic Review, published by the University of South Carolina's Moore School of Business (April-May-June 2009 issue) on the subject of Civil Liability and Economic Development. In addition, the Construction Litigation Committee of the American Bar Association published another article authored by Shaw, "Recent Developments with the Risk of Harm Exception to the Economic-Loss Role," in the Spring 2010 issue of their newsletter, Construct!.  Click

here for the Civil Liability article or click here for the Economic-Loss Rule article.