H. Patterson "Pat" McWhirter

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 , ...

A partner at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, Jack focuses on employment law, civil rights, appeals, and administrative law. A highly experienced litigator, he's successfully challenged agencies and policies, winning in trial and appellate courts as well as before state and federal government agencies. Jack battles tirelessly to remove barriers for clients. This includes seeking criminal record expungement and pardons, working to correct errors in criminal records, reinstating driver’s li...

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.

Monty practices in the areas of healthcare malpractice, commercial litigation, products and premises liability, and professional liability. He has tried over 75 cases to verdict in both state and federal courts, is a certified Circuit Court Mediator, and has been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers. Monty is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel. ADMISSIONS South Carolina Bar U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fo...

Matthew B. Hill is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law and Corporate Law. Matthew B., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Benjamin Gooding is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Benjamin, 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 Benjamin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joseph Preston “Pete” Strom, Jr., the managing partner at Strom Law Firm, LLC , has been fighting for justice since 1984. Born in Columbia, South Carolina in 1959, Pete attended the University of South Carolina and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts. While attending the University of South Carolina, Pete served as President of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, Pete attended the University of South Carolina School of Law where he...

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.

Kevin's litigation practice involves class action defense and insurance disputes and his general litigation practice has included a wide variety of trial and appellate matters for the firm's clients from collapsed structures to medical malpractice and unfair trade practices. His insurance practice centers on life insurance and commercial liability/property insurance and has involved virtually every aspect of the business, with insurance products ranging from home service policies to complex a...

Bernard F. Hawkins, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental. Bernard F., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2001. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bernard F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.