Jay Bender
About Jay Bender
Jay Bender is a lawyer based in Columbia, SC and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 1993. Jay Bender is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Columbia, South Carolina
- First Amendment Law
- Litigation - First Amendment
Current Firm: Baker, Ravenel & Bender LLP
Education: The University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., graduated 1975
Location: Columbia, SC
Nearby Lawyers
Fred Manning is a partner in the firm's Columbia office. He has extensive experience litigating employment law matters involving civil rights, contracts, and wrongful termination claims. He regularly provides advice and assistance to employers regarding the drafting and enforcement of restrictive covenants, employment contracts and corrective action. Fred has assisted employers throughout the United States in union related matters. He also has extensive experience in representing private coll...
John F. Kuppens is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. John F., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
W. Verne McGough, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Litigation and Controversy - Tax, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. W. Verne, who practices law in Cayce, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in wh...
Will Johnson leads Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Economic Development practice group and concentrates his practice on economic development, corporate law and tax matters. Will's work in the economic development area includes negotiating and drafting fee in lieu of tax agreements, structuring special source revenue credit arrangements and assisting companies with a host of other incentives such as job development credits, job tax credits and state and local economic development grants. His work in...
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.
Stan McGuffin routinely represents financial institutions in connection with commercial and consumer loan defaults as a shareholder in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Columbia and Greenville offices. He also represents financial institutions in actions arising from operational issues such as interbank check and other item processing disputes, as well as lawsuits involving instruments bearing unauthorized signatures. Stan also regularly represents construction suppliers in connection with the enforc...
Thomas A. Brumgardt is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Thomas A., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas 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.
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.
Theodore DuBose, a shareholder and public finance attorney in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Columbia office, has more than 25 years of experience in counseling South Carolina governments in public finance and related matters. Theodore often represents political subdivisions, school districts, and the State of South Carolina as bond counsel for general obligation and revenue bonds, tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, installment-purchase financing, equipment lease-purchase contracts a...
Explore and Learn
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.
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.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
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.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
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.
US Tariff Uncertainty Throws Canada Into Legal Purgatory
by Bryan Driscoll
The message is clear: There is no returning to pre-2025 normalcy.
The 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Chile, Colombia and Puerto Rico
by Jamilla Tabbara
The region’s most highly regarded lawyers.