R. Hawthorne "Thorne" Barrett

Vordman Carlisle Traywick III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law and Commercial Litigation. Vordman Carlisle, 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 Vordman Carlisle is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

A deeply experienced trial attorney who has long fought for clients in court and beyond, Ashley Pennington is committed to protecting the rights of others and determined to see systemic reform. A long-time criminal defense attorney, his practice now focuses on civil rights law, such as federal Section 1983 Civil Rights lawsuits and South Carolina Tort Claims that allow victims of government wrongdoing to recover damages. These actions include personal injury lawsuits and cases involving exces...

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

John Alphin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. John, 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 John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Curtis Y. Chow is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Curtis Y., 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 Curtis Y. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

With more than two decades of experience practicing law, Robert F. Goings has built a career focused on representing injured individuals and families in complex litigation across South Carolina. Based in Columbia, South Carolina, Robert handles Litigation – Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs matters, often involving major corporations, insurance companies, and healthcare providers. His trial experience includes securing significant jury verdicts, including a $13...

Donny Dial is a tax attorney in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Columbia office, where he works with many businesses in all areas of tax planning. He helps families with sophisticated techniques, such as leveraged gifts and family-limited partnerships that reduce estate taxes and the costs of probate.