William Leighton "Leighton" Lord III

A special counsel at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, civil rights attorney Stuart Andrews brings determination and intensity to every case. He’s devoted decades to bringing about systemic reform and giving lower-income South Carolinians greater access to the courts, both through the clients he's represented and the policies he's helped put in place. Through his former practice at a large regional law firm, Stuart established the firm's first structured pro bono program. The effort earned...

Shannon Till Poteat is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Shannon Till, who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Shannon Till is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christopher Lee Boguski is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Construction. Christopher Lee, who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher Lee is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Charles T. ("Ted") Speth II is the Managing Shareholder of the firm's Columbia, South Carolina, office. He has concentrated his practice in employment-related litigation matters during his entire legal career. Ted has successfully defended employers in state and federal litigation throughout the United States. He has devoted a significant amount of time over the last decade to the representation of clients in class action litigation. Ted also provides training and preventive advice to employe...

In 2023, Ashby Jones was named one of the top 25 lawyers in South Carolina, regardless of practice area, by Super Lawyers. She a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law. Ashby’s focus is domestic litigation, though she has practiced extensively in Circuit Court and is licensed to practice in the United States District Court and the United States Supreme Court. Ashby is one of few South Carolina domestic practitioners admitted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Mat...

Fred Manning is a partner in the firm's Columbia office. He has extensive experience litigating employment law matters involving civil rights, contracts, and wrongful termination claims. He regularly provides advice and assistance to employers regarding the drafting and enforcement of restrictive covenants, employment contracts and corrective action. Fred has assisted employers throughout the United States in union related matters. He also has extensive experience in representing private coll...

A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Wade attended Vanderbilt University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1990. After graduation, Wade worked in Washington, DC for the United States House of Representatives, House Rules Committee from 1990-91. Wade returned to South Carolina to attend the University of South Carolina School of Law where he received his law degree in 1994. After admission to the Bar, Wade practiced with a large regional firm until 1999 whe...

John T. Lay

Bob Knowlton leads Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Corporate Litigation practice group and is a certified mediator. Bob has successfully represented businesses and individuals in a wide variety of complex, high-stakes litigation in state and federal courts and arbitrations. His experience includes litigation and representation involving claims under securities laws, shareholder disputes, corporate governance matters, claims against officers and directors, business torts, intellectual property, inve...

Originally from Mullins, South Carolina, Mitch has practiced law for more than 38 years. Mitch began his practice as an attorney with the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, where he was engaged in facets of rate, compliance, safety and operational regulation of regulated utilities, telecommunications companies, and transportation carriers. Since entering private practice in 1977, Mitch has assisted clients in matters involving litigation of business and contractual disputes; class a...