Celeste T. Jones

A certified specialist in labor and employment law, Nekki Shutt has been involved in the employment / human resources field for more than 20 years, beginning with her work in the personnel department of a publicly-traded property and casualty insurance company. While working for the company before and during her undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina, Nekki eventually became the company's corporate recruiter, responsible for hiring approximately 225 employees on an annual b...

Cory E. Manning is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Securities. Cory E., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Cory E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Edward G. Kluiters is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Economic Development Law, Project Finance Law and Public Finance Law. Edward G., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Edward G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Daniel J. Fritze is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law and Securities Regulation. Daniel J., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Daniel J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michal C. Jones is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Michal C., who practices law in Lexington, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michal C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael focuses his litigation practice in areas involving premises liability, automobile and trucking torts, insurance coverage, and products liability. He also has experience in handling construction matters, defending medical malpractice claims, and litigation involving administrative agencies. Michael enjoys mentoring first-year law students at the University of South Carolina School of Law and also oversees the firm’s law clerk program. He is a member of the executive committee for...

Joseph O. Thickens is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Joseph O., 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 Joseph O. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

A skilled and experienced litigator, Joe’s practice at Lewis Babcock includes eminent domain, business disputes and fiduciary negligence. He also represents clients in appeals. He’s an affiliate member of the Owners’ Counsel of America, an invitation-only national group of eminent domain attorneys who represent landowners.Joe came to Lewis Babcock after serving as a prosecutor in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office. He prosecuted a range of cases, including f...

Christopher Lee Boguski is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Construction. Christopher Lee, who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher Lee is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jon Pearson is a partner in the firm's Columbia office. His practice emphasizes employment litigation of all types before state and federal courts, as well as traditional labor law. He has handled lawsuits and administrative charges involving wrongful discharge, Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as well as many other types of employment-based claims. Jon has al...