D. Michael "Mike" Kelly

Gibbs Leaphart is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Gibbs, who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gibbs is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Curtis L. Ott

Jessica W. Laffitte is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Jessica W., 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 Jessica W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

M. Brian Magargle is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. M. Brian, 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 M. Brian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kelly represents hospitals, physicians, payors, and companies in the health care sector in complex litigation. In addition, Kelly regularly counsels health care providers, including FQHCs, alcohol and drug agencies, mental health providers and physicians; technology vendors; and other businesses on corporate compliance standards, best practices and corporate governance matters, and on the potential collateral consequences of business decisions. She routinely advises boards and helps board com...

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...

Matthew Korn is an attorney in the firm’s Columbia office representing employers in all areas of employment, labor and health and safety law. Matthew litigates both single-plaintiff and class and collective actions arising under a variety of federal and state employment laws. Matthew advises clients on day-to-day employment issues arising under statutes such as Title VII, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employ...

Cara Crotty is a partner who has defended employers in cases involving every aspect of the employment relationship, including claims such as sexual, racial, age, and disability harassment; discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, and national origin; retaliation; and various other federal and state law claims. Cara Crotty also represents federal contractors covered by Executive Order 11246 in their affirmative action compliance obligations by assisting with Plan preparation ...

Frank Cureton is a certified specialist in Taxation Law, as well as a shareholder in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Columbia office. He represents taxable entities and tax-exempt organizations in planning acquisitions, financing structures, mergers, spin-offs and dispositions. Frank works closely with Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Public Finance team. His practice also includes estate planning and individual tax planning, particularly for owners of family businesses and professional practices as they ...