Ray E. Jones

A skilled and experienced litigator, Joe’s practice at Lewis Babcock includes eminent domain, business disputes and fiduciary negligence. He also represents clients in appeals. He’s an affiliate member of the Owners’ Counsel of America, an invitation-only national group of eminent domain attorneys who represent landowners.Joe came to Lewis Babcock after serving as a prosecutor in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office. He prosecuted a range of cases, including f...

John Boyd chairs Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Environmental Group and practices in the areas of environmental, regulatory, administrative and general corporate law in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Columbia office. John's environmental practice includes permitting, enforcement, due diligence and risk assessment, real estate transactions, environmental audits, voluntary cleanup contracts, brownfield redevelopment and traditional issues surrounding toxic substances, hazardous and solid wast...

A native of Turbeville, South Carolina, Joey attended The Citadel, where he received a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering in 1997. After graduation, Joey moved to Augusta, Georgia, to work as a Consulting Engineer with the engineering firm of Cranston Robertson & Whitehurst. In this position, Joey had the opportunity to observe and participate in designing various public and private construction projects while also earning his Engineer in Training Certification. After gaining invaluable exp...

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...

Elizabeth Franklin-Best is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Elizabeth, 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 Elizabeth 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 ...

Mr. Jowers focuses his practice on representing children with preventable brain injuries caused by negligent obstetric care. His work has led to record breaking verdicts and settlements as well as recognition by his peers in the legal profession. Throughout the years he has also been privileged to represent military families in actions against the government for negligent medical care at military hospitals. In 2020 he obtained a $15.1 million judgment for a child with cerebral palsy caused by...

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.

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.

Becky has a diverse litigation practice with focus on disputes involving alternative dispute resolution; construction; dram shop; healthcare; insurance coverage; premises liability; product liability; and commercial transportation and trucking. She is a Fellow in Litigation Counsel of America; and a member of International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC); American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and Trial Attorneys of America (TAA). ADMISSIONS South Carolina Bar U.S. District Court for...