Michelle Boykin Matthews

A special counsel at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, civil rights attorney Stuart Andrews brings determination and intensity to every case. He’s devoted decades to bringing about systemic reform and giving lower-income South Carolinians greater access to the courts, both through the clients he's represented and the policies he's helped put in place. Through his former practice at a large regional law firm, Stuart established the firm's first structured pro bono program. The effort earned...

Gray T. Culbreath represents corporations, individuals and insurers in trials and appeals. For over 35 years he has handled complex trials and appeals in federal and state courts across South Carolina. His career has taken him from Army courtrooms to every federal and state courthouse in South Carolina. His principal areas of practice include complex commercial and class action litigation, including antitrust, product liability and mass tort as well as claims of sexual abuse. Gray’s law...

CIVIC/PROFESSIONAL ORDER OF THE PALMETTO (State of South Carolina's Highest Civilian Award) Life Fellow: South Carolina Bar Foundation Past Co-Chair: Class Gift and Reunion Committee, USC Law School Past Chair: SSF Section of the South Carolina Bar Association Past Member, House of Delegates: South Carolina Bar Association Leadership Columbia: Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Leadership South Carolina: USC and Office of the Governor Past Member, Loan Administration Committee, Mortgage Ban...

Rachel Hutchens is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Rachel, 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 Rachel is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bess DuRant is a litigator engaged in complex business disputes on both the trial and appellate level. Her practice includes corporate governance issues, bet-the-company litigation, shareholder disputes, derivative actions, along with other business torts and contractual disputes. Bess' practice also includes trust and estate litigation. Additionally, Bess focuses on Constitutional issues, Freedom of Information Act matters, and election disputes. Bess’ practice includes appellate work ...

Sean Foerster is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Real Estate. Sean, who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sean is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

J. Benjamin Connell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. J. Benjamin, who practices law in Lugoff, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which J. Benjamin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Eliza is a lawyer with Joye Law Firm in the Columbia office. She primarily represents victims of personal injuries resulting from auto accidents, dog attacks, and dangerous situations on others’ property. Eliza’s blend of professional dedication and adventurous spirit makes her an exceptional part of our team!

Christopher Near is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Christopher, who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Frank Cureton is a certified specialist in Taxation Law, as well as a shareholder in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Columbia office. He represents taxable entities and tax-exempt organizations in planning acquisitions, financing structures, mergers, spin-offs and dispositions. Frank works closely with Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Public Finance team. His practice also includes estate planning and individual tax planning, particularly for owners of family businesses and professional practices as they ...