David C. Sojourner Jr.

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...

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...

John F. Kuppens is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. John F., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Ariail B. Kirk is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law, Health Care Law and Litigation - Health Care. Ariail B., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ariail B. 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...

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...

Jim McLaren maintains a statewide family law practice emphasizing complex marital litigation in Columbia, South Carolina with the firm of McLaren & Lee. He has served the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in various capacities, including President, member of the Executive Committee, member of the Board of Directors of the AAML Foundation, and on various committees. .He received the Fellow of the Year from the Academy in 2007. He has served as President and National Delegate of the S...

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.

Weston Adams III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice, Energy Regulatory Law, Litigation - Environmental and Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy). Weston, who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2011. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Weston is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.