William R. "Will" Thomas

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...

Joseph D. Dickey Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Education Law and Employment Law - Individuals. Joseph D., 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 Joseph D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Benjamin Gooding is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Benjamin, 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 Benjamin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ariail B. Kirk is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law, Health Care Law and Litigation - Health Care. Ariail B., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ariail B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

A skilled attorney with more than a decade's experience, Janet represents clients in employment law cases in South Carolina and federal courts. She has litigated issues involving the the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act. She’s represented clients facing age discrimination, equal pay issues, wrongful termination, wage disputes and contract disputes, and . She has extensive experience drafting employment agreements, severance ...

Frank B. B. Knowlton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Bankruptcy, Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Frank B. B., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the hig...

Kelley Cannon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Kelley, 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 Kelley is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

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...