Jacob Smith

A certified specialist in employment and labor law since 1993, M. Malissa Burnette has an extensive history of working toward workplace and social justice. She also has a wealth of experience in family law, personal injury, sexual harassment and discrimination law as well. She practices in state and federal courts, primarily representing individuals in complex employment cases involving discrimination, civil and constitutional rights, breach of contract, covenants to not compete, employment-r...

Stephen Mitchell is managing partner of the firm's Columbia office. His practice emphasizes traditional labor law and employment litigation. Steve started his career as a prosecutor, gaining valuable trial experience. He has handled administrative charges and lawsuits in state and federal courts involving wrongful discharge, Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), Family and Medical Leave A...

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.

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...

John Bruton is a shareholder in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Columbia office. John is an experienced civil litigator with more than 40 years of experience and focuses his practice on insurance and construction cases, as well as commercial litigation and the defense of personal injury lawsuits.

J. Eric Cavanaugh is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. J. Eric, who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which J. Eric is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John Boyd chairs Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Environmental Group and practices in the areas of environmental, regulatory, administrative and general corporate law in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Columbia office. John's environmental practice includes permitting, enforcement, due diligence and risk assessment, real estate transactions, environmental audits, voluntary cleanup contracts, brownfield redevelopment and traditional issues surrounding toxic substances, hazardous and solid wast...

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...

A deeply experienced trial attorney who has long fought for clients in court and beyond, Ashley Pennington is committed to protecting the rights of others and determined to see systemic reform. A long-time criminal defense attorney, his practice now focuses on civil rights law, such as federal Section 1983 Civil Rights lawsuits and South Carolina Tort Claims that allow victims of government wrongdoing to recover damages. These actions include personal injury lawsuits and cases involving exces...

Michal C. Jones is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Michal C., who practices law in Lexington, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michal C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.