Sarah S. Hood

A certified specialist in labor and employment law, Nekki Shutt has been involved in the employment / human resources field for more than 20 years, beginning with her work in the personnel department of a publicly-traded property and casualty insurance company. While working for the company before and during her undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina, Nekki eventually became the company's corporate recruiter, responsible for hiring approximately 225 employees on an annual b...

Cara Crotty is a partner who has defended employers in cases involving every aspect of the employment relationship, including claims such as sexual, racial, age, and disability harassment; discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, and national origin; retaliation; and various other federal and state law claims. Cara Crotty also represents federal contractors covered by Executive Order 11246 in their affirmative action compliance obligations by assisting with Plan preparation ...

Roopal Ruparelia, a shareholder and insurance defense attorney in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Columbia office, heads a robust general civil litigation practice, with greater emphasis on the defense of both personal injury and construction defect claims in a variety of contexts.

Mason Hogue is a partner in the Corporate Group of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP where he serves as Assistant Corporate Group Leader and is the co-head of the Technology and Procurement Industry Group. Mr. Hogue is a business attorney and often serves as outside general counsel to growth companies. He practices in the areas of corporate law, intellectual property law, technology law, and economic development. His area of focus is representing growth companies with respect to corp...

Michael W. Hogue is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Michael W., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Foster Girard leads Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Corporate Practice Group out of the Columbia office, and concentrates his practice on corporate finance and commercial transactions. Foster represents buyers, sellers and developers in real estate matters, and serves as lender's counsel. He also advises on a number of financing documents and commercial contracts involving goods, services and commercial real estate.

B. Rush Smith III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Financial Services Regulation Law, Litigation - Banking and Finance and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. B. Rush, who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which B. Rush is held by other top lawyers in the sa...

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.

Kenneth A. Janik is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Litigation - ERISA and Tax Law. Kenneth A., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kenneth A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Benton Williamson is a shareholder and real estate attorney in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Columbia office where he focuses his practice on structuring complex legal deals efficiently and effectively to meet his clients' goals. He also advises multinational companies and investors on environmental, leasing and acquisition issues in numerous states and foreign countries.