Virginia Watson Williams

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...

Edward K. White is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law, Nonprofit / Charities Law and Tax Law. Edward K., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Edward K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joseph O. Thickens is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Joseph O., 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 Joseph O. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steven A. McKelvey, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Franchise Law. Steven A., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steven A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Chris Hart , a dedicated attorney located in Columbia, South Carolina, brings his perseverance and commitment to Hart Law . Growing up in South Carolina, Chris learned the value of hard work early on. With his mother managing multiple jobs to support the family and his father working as a bus driver for Greyhound Bus Lines, Chris was instilled with values that guided him to serve his community. In his senior year of high school, Chris joined the military, and just six months after graduation,...

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...

Christian E. Boesl is a workers’ compensation attorney at Goings Law Firm LLC in Columbia, South Carolina. His practice focuses on workers’ compensation matters involving both injured employees and employers, including Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants and Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Christian later made Columbia his home after marrying his wife, a South Carolina native. He joined Goings Law Firm, LLC as ...

Joseph Preston “Pete” Strom, Jr., the managing partner at Strom Law Firm, LLC , has been fighting for justice since 1984. Born in Columbia, South Carolina in 1959, Pete attended the University of South Carolina and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts. While attending the University of South Carolina, Pete served as President of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, Pete attended the University of South Carolina School of Law where he...

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...