Mark B. Goddard

Mark is a partner on the firm’s Business Team and currently serves on the firm’s Executive Committee.

His practice concentrates on business and banking litigation, LLC litigation, “business divorces,” probate and trust litigation, business planning, complex product and premises liability claims, HOA, and Property Owner’s Association litigation. Mark takes a personal approach with his clients by getting to know their business’ needs and plans. He then works to ensure their needs coincide with his strategy. He takes pride in taking a practical approach to his cases to find quick, efficient and favorable solutions for his clients. While Mark works to find favorable out-of-court solutions, when necessary he has successfully tried cases in both Federal and South Carolina’s state Courts. He is also a Certified Mediator.

Mark’s personal approach to his practice allows him to be a teammate for his clients. His lifelong sports passion bleeds into his practice as his competitiveness drives him to maximize his client’s position. Mark’s sports background serves as the foundation of his desire to utilize a team approach within the firm to best serve the clients’ needs.

Mark has lived and worked in South Carolina since his childhood and has ties to all areas of the state.Having lived in various cities across the state has given Mark the ability to relate to his clients both big and small. It is this bond with the small business community that led Mark to start the firm’s “Palmetto Propeller” project in an effort to give back to South Carolina’s new and small business.

When not practicing, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife, Laura, and two kids Noah and Molly. He is an avid fan of the Gamecocks and New York Yankees, and enjoys coaching basketball.

LLC Litigation

Represented two individuals in a dispute with an LLC as to their rights as a creditor of one of the LLC’s members and their rights as a transferee under the Company’s Operating Agreement. This litigation eventually went to the South Carolina Supreme Court where the Court found for his client. This case established new South Carolina law regarding LLC’s members and creditors’ rights.
Levy v. Carolinian, LLC – 410 S. C. 140, 763 S.E.2d 594
Successfully foreclosed on a member’s distributional interest in an LLC after obtaining a charging order.

BUSINESS/BANKING LITIGATION

Achieved a favorable result for a small business in a multimillion dollar lawsuit against an international manufacturer and national dealer over the breach of the client’s dealer agreement.
Achieved a favorable result for a regional bank facing multi-million dollars claims of a wrongful foreclosure.

PROBATE AND TRUST LITIGATION

Obtained a multi-million dollar reduction in estate taxes owed for a client relating to multiple pieces of commercial property.
Achieved a favorable result for a client relating to the unlawful execution of transfer on death and change of beneficiary forms at a national bank.

University of South Carolina, J.D., 2005
University of South Carolina - College, B.S. Finance and Management, 2002, Honors

South Carolina Bar, 2005
United States Tax Court, 2014
United States District Court, District of South Carolina, 2005
United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, 2022

American Board of Trial Advocates – SC Chapter – (Member 2016-present)
PLAN – Professional Liability Attorney Network – (Member)
Business Counsel, Inc. (Member 2014-present)- a network of global law firms providing high quality legal services to the corporate business community.
Certified Mediator
South Carolina Bar Association – (Member 2005-present)
Richland County Bar Association – (Member 2005 – present)
Horry County Bar Association – (Member 2012-2015)
American Bar Association – Member

Best Lawyers in America “Lawyer of the Year” – Litigation - Trusts and Estates, 2024
Midlands Legal Elite - 2017-2022
Best Lawyers in America, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, 2018 – 2024

Articles

"SBA Loans Approved for South Carolina," Business & Litigation Insights Blog- March 2020
"COVID-19: Response Tips for Small Businesses," Business & Litigation Insights Blog - March 2020
“Forming an LLC? Don’t Forget to Have ‘The Talk’” Business & Litigation Insights Blog – May 2016
“Creditors Rights Trump Ownership Restrictions in LLC Operating Agreements” Business & Litigation Insights Blog – February 2016
"LLC or Corporation? Which is Right for Your New Business?" Business & Litigation Insights Blog –April 2015

Presentations & Speaking Engagements

“Creditors, Debtors, and LLCs” Business Counsel Fall Meeting - 2015
“Palmetto Propeller – An Overview” Business Counsel Fall 2017
“Forming an LLC? Don’t Forget to Have “The Talk” Entercom Greenville Radio Spot June 2016

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