W. Ford Graham

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...

Biff is an experienced litigator in both trial and appellate venues and has argued approximately twenty cases in the United States Court of Appeals. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. An honoree for the 2016 South Carolina Leadership in Law Awards, Biff has been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers and Chambers USA. He is a certified Circuit Court Mediator and in the last 30 years has mediated approximate...

Michael focuses his litigation practice in areas involving premises liability, automobile and trucking torts, insurance coverage, and products liability. He also has experience in handling construction matters, defending medical malpractice claims, and litigation involving administrative agencies. Michael enjoys mentoring first-year law students at the University of South Carolina School of Law and also oversees the firm’s law clerk program. He is a member of the executive committee for...

Bernard F. Hawkins, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental. Bernard F., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2001. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bernard F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael W. Burkett is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Michael W., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2018. 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.

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 ...

A founding partner of Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, Kathleen McDaniel helps businesses large and small get the permits they need through her practice of environmental and government law. In many of these cases, clients benefit from her unusual combination of legal skills, a scientific background and government experience. Kathleen holds a bachelor's degree in aquaculture, fisheries, and wildlife and a master's in forestry with a focus on stream ecology. She's also a past member of the Richla...

Matthew B. Hill is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law and Corporate Law. Matthew B., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sally Caver is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Sally, 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 Sally is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Eric A. Paine is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Eric A., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Eric A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.