Andrew G. Melling

A native of Hartsville, South Carolina, Wesley graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1995. Wesley devotes his practice to commercial litigation, with an emphasis on construction. He represents owners, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers in all areas of construction litigation, including mechanics’ liens, bond claims, co...

A deeply experienced trial attorney who has long fought for clients in court and beyond, Ashley Pennington is committed to protecting the rights of others and determined to see systemic reform. A long-time criminal defense attorney, his practice now focuses on civil rights law, such as federal Section 1983 Civil Rights lawsuits and South Carolina Tort Claims that allow victims of government wrongdoing to recover damages. These actions include personal injury lawsuits and cases involving exces...

Bob Knowlton leads Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Corporate Litigation practice group and is a certified mediator. Bob has successfully represented businesses and individuals in a wide variety of complex, high-stakes litigation in state and federal courts and arbitrations. His experience includes litigation and representation involving claims under securities laws, shareholder disputes, corporate governance matters, claims against officers and directors, business torts, intellectual property, inve...

Elizabeth Franklin-Best is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Elizabeth, who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elizabeth is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Hank received his primary education from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, and graduated from Washington and Lee University, after receiving a four year Army ROTC Scholarship. He completed his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law, and thereafter served active duty in the United States Army, working initially the Attorney Honors Program in the Office of Chief Counsel, United States Army Corps of Engineers in Washington, D.C. Hank was subsequently ass...

Andrea C. Roche is a founding partner of Williams & Roche. She is a former member of the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission, serving from 2006 until 2014. She was named Chairman of the Commission by Governor Sanford and served in that role from 2008-2010. Before serving on the Commission, Andrea was a partner at an insurance defense firm where her practice consisted primarily of defending employers and insurance companies in workers’ compensation claims. Andrea is...

Jonathan M. Robinson is the managing partner of Smith Robinson. Jon has represented clients in South Carolina state and federal courts and has successfully tried numerous cases to jury verdicts. He also serves as the Assistant County Attorney for Kershaw County. Prior to the merger of Smith Robinson, Jon was a partner at his previous law firm, DuBose Robinson in Camden where he practiced for 18 years. Prior to that, Jon clerked for The Honorable L. Henry McKellar, South Carolina Circuit Court...

Michael W. Burkett is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Michael W., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Amanda Mellard is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Amanda, who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Amanda is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

W. Verne McGough, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Litigation and Controversy - Tax, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. W. Verne, who practices law in Cayce, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in wh...