J. Russell "Rusty" Goudelock II

Charles T. ("Ted") Speth II is the Managing Shareholder of the firm's Columbia, South Carolina, office. He has concentrated his practice in employment-related litigation matters during his entire legal career. Ted has successfully defended employers in state and federal litigation throughout the United States. He has devoted a significant amount of time over the last decade to the representation of clients in class action litigation. Ted also provides training and preventive advice to employe...

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.

Robert S. Wood is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Robert S., 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 Robert S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Curtis L. Ott

CIVIC/PROFESSIONAL ORDER OF THE PALMETTO (State of South Carolina's Highest Civilian Award) Life Fellow: South Carolina Bar Foundation Past Co-Chair: Class Gift and Reunion Committee, USC Law School Past Chair: SSF Section of the South Carolina Bar Association Past Member, House of Delegates: South Carolina Bar Association Leadership Columbia: Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Leadership South Carolina: USC and Office of the Governor Past Member, Loan Administration Committee, Mortgage Ban...

Joseph O. Thickens is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Joseph O., 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 Joseph O. 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.

Joe Clark is a shareholder and experienced corporate attorney in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Columbia office. Joe assists corporations, limited liability companies and other business associations. He also provides legal counsel to professionals, owners of closely held businesses, farmers, landowners and other families and individuals in developing practical strategies for transferring assets between generations using wills, trusts and family entities, as well as minimizing estate and gift taxes.

Hank received his primary education from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, and graduated from Washington and Lee University, after receiving a four year Army ROTC Scholarship. He completed his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law, and thereafter served active duty in the United States Army, working initially the Attorney Honors Program in the Office of Chief Counsel, United States Army Corps of Engineers in Washington, D.C. Hank was subsequently ass...

Donny Dial is a tax attorney in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Columbia office, where he works with many businesses in all areas of tax planning. He helps families with sophisticated techniques, such as leveraged gifts and family-limited partnerships that reduce estate taxes and the costs of probate.