Franklin J. Smith, Jr.
About Franklin J. Smith, Jr.
Franklin J. Smith, Jr. is a lawyer based in Lexington, SC and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2003. Franklin J. Smith, Jr. is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Lexington, South Carolina
- Construction Law
- Litigation - Construction
Current Firm: FJS ADR Services
Education: The University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., graduated 1984 and Clemson University, BS Civil Engineering, graduated 1979
Location: Lexington, SC
Nearby Lawyers
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...
Shannon Till Poteat is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Shannon Till, who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Shannon Till is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Frank's practice is focused on utility-related regulation and litigation, with an emphasis on matters involving the electricity and telecommunications industries. He also has significant experience in a range of environmental law issues. His work in the utilities industry has included issues involving electricity, telephone, gas and water regulation before the South Carolina Public Service Commission, where he has appeared for 30 years. In the environmental field his experience includes resol...
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.
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...
Founding partner Keith M. Babcock grew up in Haddonfield, New Jersey, and has practiced law in South Carolina for almost 40 years. Now "of counsel" to Lewis Babcock, his practice has consisted almost exclusively of litigation, with a concentration on business disputes, eminent domain, and professional negligence. He has an outstanding reputation for representing real property owners in eminent domain actions, as well as other disputes. He is an emeritus member of Owners' Counsel of America , ...
Kelly Morrow is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Kelly, who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kelly 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...
Kathleen Muthig's practice focuses on commercial real estate, including development, financing, commercial leases and related real estate transactions. She also has experience representing creditors in state court and bankruptcy court litigation, including lenders, financial institutions, banks, credit unions and landlords.
Dwight F. Drake is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice. Dwight F., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Dwight F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
Build Your Legal Practice with Effective Online Networking
by Jamilla Tabbara
How thoughtful online networking supports sustained legal practice growth.
Blogging for Law Firms: Turning Content into Client Connections
by Jamilla Tabbara
How law firms use blogs to earn trust and win clients.
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer