John F. Beach

Brad Hewett focuses 100% of his practice to civil litigation. Brad’s primary practice involves representing clients all throughout the State of South Carolina in cases for insurance bad faith, wrongful death, personal injury, automobile accidents, construction defects, premises liability, nursing home negligence, and product liability claims. Brad also defends builders and other professionals before the South Carolina Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation. Brad has tried numerous...

Elizabeth Franklin-Best is a federal criminal appellate, post-conviction, and clemency attorney and the owner of Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C. She founded the firm in 2019 and practices from offices in Columbia and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, representing clients in federal courts nationwide. She was admitted to practice in 2001 and is admitted in New York and South Carolina, in all United States Courts of Appeals, and before the Supreme Court of the United States. Best Lawyers in America...

Stephen Vicari is a personal injury attorney at Stewart Law Offices in Lexington, South Carolina, dedicated to helping individuals and families after serious injuries. He takes the time to listen to each client’s story, explain the legal process, and develop a strategy focused on protecting their rights and pursuing fair compensation. Whether an injury arises from a workplace accident, medical negligence, or another act of carelessness, Stephen is committed to advocating for those who h...

Matthew’s practice focuses mostly on complex civil litigation, and he has participated in some of the largest and most complicated litigation in South Carolina in the past 20 years, including the largest minority owner oppression litigation, the largest public utility rate case, the largest public corruption investigation and prosecution in a generation, the statewide redistricting challenges, statewide consumer protection litigation, and a federal constitutional challenge to temporary ...

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...

Amanda Mellard is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Amanda practices law in Columbia, South Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Amanda Mellard since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Amanda Mellard is held by other lawyers.

Donna Tillis is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law. Donna practices law in Columbia, South Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Donna Tillis since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Donna Tillis is held by other lawyers.

Sheila Willis is committed to finding practical, real world solutions to her clients’ employment law needs. She represents companies—large and small—as they navigate employment issues related to hiring, discipline, investigations, employment discrimination, unemployment, and other related issues. Sheila provides guidance to higher education institutions on Title IX Compliance and investigations She has extensive experience providing compliance advice to federal contractors o...

John represents both plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal court and has frequently argued before the South Carolina Supreme Court. He has a diverse litigation and appellate practice, handling matters related to the False Claims Act, health care, personal injury, and business litigation. He also represents governmental clients, such as county and state governments, and private clients before governmental bodies. John has been certified as a mediator since 2005 and serves by appointme...

Luther J. Battiste, III is a founding shareholder of Johnson, Toal & Battiste, P.A., and the past National President of the American Board of Trial Advocates 2020. He received his B.A. from the University of South Carolina (1971) and JD from Emory University School of Law (1974). In 1983, Luther entered the political arena and made history by becoming one of the first two African-Americans elected to Columbia City Council since Reconstruction. He served fifteen years as a member of the Co...