William M. Umbach

Jon Pearson is a partner in the firm's Columbia office. His practice emphasizes employment litigation of all types before state and federal courts, as well as traditional labor law. He has handled lawsuits and administrative charges involving wrongful discharge, Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as well as many other types of employment-based claims. Jon has al...

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...

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...

Thad H. Westbrook is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Banking and Finance. Thad H., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thad H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Margaret N. Fox is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Margaret N., 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 Margaret N. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Frank's practice is focused on utility-related regulation and litigation, with an emphasis on matters involving the electricity and telecommunications industries. He also has significant experience in a range of environmental law issues. His work in the utilities industry has included issues involving electricity, telephone, gas and water regulation before the South Carolina Public Service Commission, where he has appeared for 30 years. In the environmental field his experience includes resol...

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...

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...

Gary Morris is a shareholder and economic development attorney in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Columbia office. Gary is also involved in all aspects of real estate transactions, including acquisition, land use and financing. Gary advises on every aspect of corporate expansion and has represented clients in various LLC, partnership and corporate disputes, financial and banking litigation, defense of legal malpractice cases, environmental litigation, eminent domain battles, prosecution of insuranc...

Thomas A. Brumgardt is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Thomas A., 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 Thomas A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.