Christopher D. Scalzo
Of CounselChris Scalzo has been a trial and appellate lawyer for almost 20 years. He has been lead counsel in over 100 trials at all levels of court in South Carolina, including at the South Carolina Supreme Court.
Chris is the former Chief Public Defender in South Carolina’s 10th and 13th Judicial Circuits, where he represented clients in criminal matters ranging from traffic violations to capital murder.
He understands the financial and business concerns of his clients, himself having been the chief executive of two different organizations. Chris also understands the impact legislation can have on organizations, having worked for over a decade on many different legislative matters at the South Carolina legislature.
Chris believes in representing every client with excellence and efficiency in every case, every time. He is focused on securing the best outcome for his clients within a reasonable time and at a fair expense.
- Lead counsel in 100+ trials in magistrate, municipal, family, and circuit courts.
- Defended multiple appeals in the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the South Carolina Supreme Court, including matters involving violations of the S.C. Wiretap Act and challenges to the constitutionality of statutes.
- Defended 2,000+ clients accused of crimes in trials, negotiated resolutions, and dismissals for alleged criminal charges ranging from traffic tickets to capital murder.
- Rutgers University School of Law, J.D., 2002
- Rutgers University, B.A., 1997
- South Carolina, 2002
- Supreme Court of the United States, 2013
- U.S. District for South Carolina, 2022
- Haynsworth Perry Inn of Court, Barrister, 2011- present
- South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Member, 2008- present
- South Carolina Public Defender Association, President, 2008 - 2014
- “Lawyer of the Year”, S.C. Public Defender Association (2007)
- Distinguished Service Award, S.C. Commission on Indigent Defense (2013)
Presentations & Speaking Engagements
- National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Trial Skills Trainer, 2013 – 2019
- SC Commission on Indigent Defense, Trial Skills Trainer, 2015 – 2021
- SC Bar Criminal Practice CLE, Significant Appellate Cases, 2012 – 2014, 2016 – 2019
- SC Bar Appellate Practice CLE, Group Leader, 2013, 2017, 2019
- SC Insurance Defense Trial Lawyers Association, Trial Advocacy Trainer, 2015
