Rita B. Barker

Rita B. Barker


Wyche, P.A.

Recognized since 2013

Greenville, South Carolina

Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation

Environmental Law

Litigation - Environmental

Litigation - Insurance

Navigate to map location for Rita B. Barker Call Rita B. Barker at 864-242-8200
Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Environmental Law
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Rita Bolt Barker is a veteran litigator and counselor with experience in environmental, commercial litigation, and insurance coverage matters.

Environmental

Rita has broad experience helping clients navigate the wide range of laws that protect our natural resources. She is a trusted, reliable partner for business and individuals who need a steady guide through the ins and outs of environmental compliance and litigation. Rita delivers results for clients who need assistance in investigating and responding to permitting challenges, as well as in responding to requests for information and enforcement actions before administrative agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. She advises clients on assessing environmental risks and incentives associated with corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and real estate deals. In the real estate context, Rita has experience securing and enforcing conservation easements and redeveloping brownfield properties through South Carolina’s Voluntary Cleanup Contract program. Rita has advised clients on matters arising under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and the SC Pollution Control Act.

Commercial Litigation & Insurance Coverage Disputes

In addition to her environmental work, Rita represents clients in complex commercial litigation matters, including consumer protection, data breach, contractual, and trade secrets disputes. She has broad experience litigating insurance coverage issues, and routinely assists with assessing adequacy of coverage and securing coverage for defense and indemnification costs. Rita has taught Administrative Law at Clemson University and Environmental Law at Furman University. She serves as the chair of the firm’s Recruiting Committee.

Contact & Links
Location
  • 200 East Broad Street, Suite 400
    Greenville, SC 29601
Languages
  • English
Education
  • Harvard University, J.D., graduated 2004
  • Clemson University, BA, graduated 2001
Bar Admissions
  • South Carolina, South Carolina Bar
  • Georgia, Bar
Affiliations
  • Brownfield Task Force, City of Greenville - Member
  • Green Ribbon Advisory Committee, City of Greenville - Member
  • Greenville Bikeshare Steering Committee - Member
  • Greenville Forward, Board of Directors - Former Chair
  • Haynsworth Perry Inn of Court - Member
  • Leadership Greenville, Class 37 - Graduate
  • Upstate Forever - Volunteer
  • Greenville Chamber of Commerce - Environment Issues Committee Member
  • South Carolina Chamber of Commerce - Environmental Tech Committee Member
  • Georgia Bar Association - Environment Section Member
  • South Carolina Bar Association - Environmental Section Member
  • American Bar Association - Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources Member
  • Harvard Law School - Alumni Association Volunteer
  • Clemson University - Library Ambassador
  • Friends of the Reedy River - Volunteer
  • Clemson University Center for the Visual Arts - Volunteer
  • Carolinas Air Pollution Control Association - Member
Federal Clerkships
  • United States District Court

Wyche, P.A.
Headquarters: Greenville, South Carolina

24 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

5 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards

Best Law Firms Badge Visit Website View Firm Profile

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Environmental Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Environmental Law, Greenville (2018)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Environmental Law
  • Litigation - Environmental
  • Litigation - Insurance
Awards:
  • Received the "Distinguished Environmental Advocacy Award" from the American Bar Assocation, 2013
  • Named one of Greenville's "Best and Brightest 35 and Under" by Greenville Business Magazine, 2011
  • Graduate of Leadership Greenville, Class 37, 2011
  • Connections: Women Leaders of the Upstate, Class of 2010
  • Harvard Law School Dean's Award for Community Leadership, 2004
  • Recognized on Pro Bono Honor Roll by Supreme Court of South Carolina, 2019
  • Best Lawyers 2018 Greenville Environmental Law "Lawyer of the Year," 2018
  • Listed in Chambers USA, 2014-Present
  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2012-Present
  • Recognized as "Legal Elite" by the Greenville Business Magazine, 2012-Present
  • Named a "Rising Star" by South Carolina Super Lawyers, 2012-Present
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Insurance Law

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