Richard W. Simmons II

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...

Jessica W. Laffitte is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. She is a partner at Gallivan White & Boyd and practices law in the firm’s Columbia, South Carolina office. Jessica focuses her practice on a range of litigation matters primarily related to business and commercial litigation, toxic torts, complex personal injury claims, and insurance coverage issues. She has been extensively involved in business and ...

Rachel Atkin Hedley is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Rachel Atkin practices law in Columbia, South Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Rachel Atkin Hedley since 2025. 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 Rachel Atkin Hedley is held by other lawyers.

D. Larry Kristinik III is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Securities. D. Larry practices law in Columbia, South Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized D. Larry Kristinik III since 2007. 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 D. Larry Kristinik III is held by other lawyers.

Hank received his primary education from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, and graduated from Washington and Lee University, after receiving a four year Army ROTC Scholarship. He completed his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law, and thereafter served active duty in the United States Army, working initially the Attorney Honors Program in the Office of Chief Counsel, United States Army Corps of Engineers in Washington, D.C. Hank was subsequently ass...

Steven A. McKelvey, Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Franchise Law. Steven A. practices law in Columbia, South Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Steven A. McKelvey, Jr. since 2009. 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 Steven A. McKelvey, Jr. is held by other lawyers.

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...

Phillips McWilliams is a litigator who makes sure he understands his client’s business objectives. He provides a tailored approach to each issue or case a client brings to him with the goal of ensuring the client can reach those objectives, thus ensuring a satisfactory result. Ultimately, he understands that each company he represents is a business that serves the community and the company can only continue its business if he works to find creative, long-term solutions to their problems...

Parker Barnes is an experienced litigator and shareholder in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Columbia office, where he focuses his practice on real property and business litigation, primarily on matters involving tax sales, real estate-related disputes, consumer financial services and commercial lending disputes.

Cal is a litigator with experience in complex business and insurance disputes, class actions, and professional liability and ethics. During his 30 years of practice, Cal has represented numerous individuals, local and national businesses, partnerships, insurance companies, and financial institutions. Named by South Carolina Lawyers Weekly as 2015 Lawyer of the Year, Cal has been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Chambers USA. Active in the South Carolina Bar, Cal has...