Michael Burchstead

Former Commissioner Derrick L. Williams is one of the youngest-ever to be appointed to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. He was appointed in March 2007, and he served until January 31, 2013, when he decided to return to private practice. He is responsible for spear-heading the effort to make mediation of workers’ compensation available for complex injury by accident cases in South Carolina. Prior to joining the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commissi...

John T. Lay

A founding partner of Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, Kathleen McDaniel helps businesses large and small get the permits they need through her practice of environmental and government law. In many of these cases, clients benefit from her unusual combination of legal skills, a scientific background and government experience. Kathleen holds a bachelor's degree in aquaculture, fisheries, and wildlife and a master's in forestry with a focus on stream ecology. She's also a past member of the Richla...

Amanda Mellard is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Amanda, 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 Amanda is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Tina is a member of the firm and practices in the areas of commercial litigation, professional liability and ethics, securities and FINRA, and appellate advocacy. She has tried cases in state and federal court and in alternative dispute resolution forums, including the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Tina has written numerous appellate briefs on a wide range of issues and has argued before state and federal appellate courts. Tina represents individuals and entities in dispute...

Jordan Crapps is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Securities. Jordan, 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 Jordan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephen is proud to represent people in his practice. For 20 years, he has worked for people instead of corporations. First, as a young lawyer he worked for victims of medical malpractice. He took some time away from for profit practice to work with a civil rights non-profit bringing litigation to end discriminatory practices, to prevent utilities from constantly raising prices for electric service and to make sure the unemployed had access to necessary benefits. After ten years, he found a p...

Frank's practice is focused on utility-related regulation and litigation, with an emphasis on matters involving the electricity and telecommunications industries. He also has significant experience in a range of environmental law issues. His work in the utilities industry has included issues involving electricity, telephone, gas and water regulation before the South Carolina Public Service Commission, where he has appeared for 30 years. In the environmental field his experience includes resol...

Dwight F. Drake is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice. Dwight F., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Dwight F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kelly represents hospitals, physicians, payors, and companies in the health care sector in complex litigation. In addition, Kelly regularly counsels health care providers, including FQHCs, alcohol and drug agencies, mental health providers and physicians; technology vendors; and other businesses on corporate compliance standards, best practices and corporate governance matters, and on the potential collateral consequences of business decisions. She routinely advises boards and helps board com...