R. Wayne  Byrd

R. Wayne Byrd

1947-2023

Turner Padget is deeply saddened by the loss of our law partner and friend Wayne Byrd, who passed away on May 29, 2023. Wayne was an integral part of the firm for the last thirty-five years and we miss him greatly.

Wayne Byrd has practiced law in South Carolina since 1975. In the early part of his career, he managed an active transactional and tax planning practice.

Over the years, Wayne has handled numerous large mergers and acquisitions, and structured transactions to maximize tax benefits. Beginning in 1983, Wayne began to try complex commercial cases in state and federal courts around the country. Today, as an experienced litigator representing large corporations, small businesses, and individuals, Wayne approaches each case with a focus on what is important to the client, and every strategy and conduct of the litigation is grounded in that focus. He works closely with clients to accommodate their needs and objectives, determining the most effective and efficient way to resolve a case, and staying alert to the dynamics that may change during the course of litigation.

Because of Wayne’s academic background in accounting and his early years practicing transactional law, he is conversant in all business and commercial issues. Consequently, he is able to communicate well with his business clients as well as with expert witnesses. In addition, he is well prepared to communicate with juries in simple and plain language so they can understand and decide complex issues.

Wayne has served the legal profession extensively through his leadership in the American Bar Association Section of Litigation. Currently, he is a member of the Trial Attorney Advisory Board. Over more than a decade, Wayne has served as a member of Council, Director of three different divisions, and Chair of the Business Torts Committee.Through these roles,Wayne has helped shape the Section of Litigation and developed skills and relationships that benefit his clients. 

  • Represented the plaintiff in an accounting malpractice case. Obtained a jury verdict on behalf of the client in the amount of $1.4 million.
  • Defended a case alleging damages of $6 million. The client offered $500,000 to settle. The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff for $300,000.
  • Represented the plaintiff in a partnership dispute wherein the plaintiff alleged fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. The jury returned a verdict in excess of $500,000.
  • Represented the plaintiff in a case to recover $1 million for insurance fraud. The case was settled for $500,000.
  • Represented numerous major soft drink bottlers in corporate planning, tax litigation, stockholder dispute litigation, and major mergers and acquisitions.
  • Represented a major fast food multiple franchise company in a stockholder dispute.
  • Represented clients in the acquisition and sale of franchises of a major fast food chain.
  • University of South Carolina, J.D., 1975
  • University of Georgia, B.A., 1969
  • University of Georgia, Masters of Accountancy, 1972
  • South Carolina Bar, 1975
  • State Bar of Georgia, 1975
  • The Superior Courts of Georgia
  • The Supreme Court of Georgia
  • United States District Court, District of South Carolina
  • United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia
  • United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Judicial Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Judicial Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit
  • United States Tax Court

Professional or Industry Involvement

  • American Bar Association’s Section of Litigation (Member; Business Torts Committee, Co-Chair; Division IV Procedural Committees, Co-Director; Division I Administration, Co-Director; Division V Substantive Litigation Committees, Co-Director, Trial Attorney Advisory Board; Member)
  • BETA ALPHA PSI Accounting Fraternity (Member)

 

  • South Carolina Super Lawyers, Business/Corporate, 2015-2020
  • Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating
  • Benchmark, Local Litigation Star, 2011-2015
  • Best Lawyers in America, Trusts & Estates Litigation, 2013-2023
  • Best Lawyers in America, Mergers & Acquisitions Litigation, 2013-2023
  • Best Lawyers in America, Banking and Finance Litigation, 2013-2023
  • Best Lawyers In America, Commercial Litigation, 2008- 2023
  • Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, 2016-2023

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Best Lawyers
In America
Commercial Litigation
2008-2023

Chambers &
Partners, USA
Business Litigation
2016-2023

Benchmark
Litigation
Local Litigation Star
2011-2015