Franklin J. Smith, Jr.

A founding partner of Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, Kathleen McDaniel helps businesses large and small get the permits they need through her practice of environmental and government law. In many of these cases, clients benefit from her unusual combination of legal skills, a scientific background and government experience. Kathleen holds a bachelor's degree in aquaculture, fisheries, and wildlife and a master's in forestry with a focus on stream ecology. She's also a past member of the Richla...

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

Tina is a member of the firm and practices in the areas of commercial litigation, professional liability and ethics, securities and FINRA, and appellate advocacy. She has tried cases in state and federal court and in alternative dispute resolution forums, including the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Tina has written numerous appellate briefs on a wide range of issues and has argued before state and federal appellate courts. Tina represents individuals and entities in dispute...

Stephen Suggs is an attorney with Stewart Law Offices in Columbia, South Carolina, where he represents individuals and families in complex civil litigation. For more than 20 years, Stephen has focused his legal career on advocating for people rather than corporations, with an emphasis on holding wrongdoers accountable through the civil justice system. Stephen began his career representing victims of medical malpractice, gaining valuable experience in cases involving serious injuries and wrong...

A native of Columbia, Ben graduated from Woodberry Forest School in Virginia and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He earned his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he was awarded the Robert McCormick Figg, Jr. Trial Advocacy Award and the Claud Sapp Award for scholarship, industry, and leadership. Ben also served as president of the USC School of Law Pro Bono Board while in law school and is currently a member of the Pro Bono Advisory Council. After...

Benton Williamson is a shareholder and real estate attorney in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Columbia office where he focuses his practice on structuring complex legal deals efficiently and effectively to meet his clients' goals. He also advises multinational companies and investors on environmental, leasing and acquisition issues in numerous states and foreign countries.

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...

Kenneth A. Janik is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Litigation - ERISA and Tax Law. Kenneth A., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kenneth A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Eric A. Paine is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Eric A., 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 Eric A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Suzi Clawson is a shareholder and corporate attorney in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Columbia office, where she focuses her practice on advising corporate governance matters, including corporate governance documents, committee charters and governance principles, director and committee independence, related party transaction issues and fiduciary duties of directors. Suzi also has extensive experience representing both public and private issuers, while also advising public and private company clie...