M. Dawes Cooke, Jr.

Dirk J. Derrick grew up in Conway, SC. His first job was at the age of six as a farmhand on his grandfather's tobacco farm in rural Horry County. He has worked and made money every year since. Dirk credits hot, humid summer days in the tobacco fields as his inspiration to get a good education and work in a climate-controlled environment. His father was a high school teacher and football coach who had been co-captain of the 1957 South Carolina Gamecock football team. Coach Derrick was very com...

A trial lawyer, James Ledlie has spent the past 20 years advocating for clients throughout the country while furthering complex litigation related to public health, worker safety and other issues. His practice spans litigation areas including asbestos, tobacco, defective consumer products, pharmaceuticals and faulty medical devices. He is also a member of Motley Rice’s litigation team representing dozens of states, cities, towns, counties and townships targeting the alleged misrepresent...

Scott Barnes, a Certified Tax Specialist in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Charleston office, brings over 48 years of experience to this profession. Scott focuses his practice on limited liability companies and partnerships, like kind exchanges, conservation easements, the tax implications of these situations and state and local property taxation.

David Wheeler brings more than 30 years of experience in guiding clients through debt recovery in loan workouts, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and collection in state and federal courts. A S.C. certified specialist in the area of debtor-creditor law, Dave has practiced in bankruptcy courts throughout the nation. He is familiar with all facets of the law necessary for the successful application of long-term strategies to maximize recoveries for his clients. Author and frequent lecturer on leading-e...

Melissa is a member of Butler Snow’s Labor and Employment group, with experience in a wide range of industries. Melissa regularly counsels clients on compliance issues and represents employers before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission, and in both state and federal court against lawsuits arising under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, and the FLSA.

John C. McElwaine is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Copyright Law and Trademark Law. John C. practices law in Charleston, South Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized John C. McElwaine since 2013. 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 John C. McElwaine is held by other lawyers.

Elizabeth Middleton Burke uses the law and science to help people injured by pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices and other medical errors. Burke proudly advocates on behalf of consumers who rely on the pharmaceutical industry for safe and effective treatments. As a member of RPWB’s pharmaceutical and medical device team, she enjoys the challenge of investigating, organizing and litigating science-based cases for the benefit of clients who were not warned about the serious side effects...

Allan Holmes, based in Charleston, South Carolina, is affiliated with Gibbs & Holmes PC. Since 1988, he has been a South Carolina Supreme Court Certified Specialist in Employment and Labor Law. Allan developed a focus in this area well before its certification. He served on the South Carolina Bar's Employment and Labor Law Specialization Advisory Board from 1997 to 1999 and has chaired the Labor Management & Relations Committee of the Labor and Employment Law Council for several years...

Building upon his experience in complex asbestos cases, the historic tobacco lawsuits and 9/11 litigation, Don Migliori is a multifaceted litigator who can navigate both the courtroom and the negotiating table. He represents victims of defective medical devices and drugs, occupational diseases, terrorism, aviation disasters, antitrust, and securities and consumer fraud in mass torts and other cutting-edge litigation that spans the country. Don serves in leadership roles for a number of multid...

Trudy Robertson is a member of the Management Committee and is the co-managing member of the Charleston office and handles wide-ranging business, governmental, fiduciary, banking, healthcare, and products liability and property matters. Her active business and commercial litigation practice emphasizes corporate, banking, healthcare, municipal, regulatory, and litigation issues. Trudy frequently counsels individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, charitable organizations, municipalities...