WELCOME!
Friday, September 17, 2021 Senate’s End Columbia, South Carolina The South Carolina Bar Senior Lawyers Division thanks all the honorees for their contribution to the practice of law in South Carolina for 50 years.
ITINERARY 11:30 a.m. Registration & Fellowship 12:00 p.m. Welcome A. Sandy Cruickshanks, IV, President SC Bar Senior Lawyers Division 12:10 p.m. Invocation & Lunch Mary Sharp, President SC Bar 1:00 p.m. Remarks Hon. Carolyn C. Matthews, Immediate Past President SC Bar Senior Lawyers Division
Hon. Aphrodite K. Konduros, SC Court of Appeals
1:20 p.m. Recognition of Honorees with Presentation of Nifty Fifty Pins and Class Photos 2:30 p.m.
Adjourn
NIFTY FIFTY HONOREES 1970 Admittees Charles F. Ailstoc Milton M. Avrett, II Martha D. Ballenger John R. Barlow, II Francis L. Bell, Jr. Clinch H. Belser, Jr. Jack H. Biel Arthur C. Boensch Larry C. Brandt Prof. Robert R. Bridwell Herbert E. Buhl, III Robert N. Burris, Sr. John E. Cheatham C. Ronald Christmas Finley B. Clarke Felix B. Clayton Edward C. Coker, III Gary R. Daves Dan M. David James D. Donohoe Ralph A. Elmore, III Carl B. Epps, III Marvin H. Feingold Otto W. Ferrene, Jr. Randall D. Fielstra Gerald M. Finkel A. Marion Finklea, Jr. William M. Foster Victor Fox John P. Freeman Paul W. Garfinkel Joseph C. Good, Jr. Thomas R. Gottshall C. Scott Graber John C. Gregg Manton M. Grier James C. Harrison, Jr. Arthur J. Heath Charles E. Hedgepath
William C. Helms, III Matthew A. Henderson Ragna O. Henrichs Hon. Henry M. Herlong, Jr. M. Bryant Hinnant Prof. F. Patrick Hubbard Randolph W. Hunter Thomas A. Hutcheson Hon. George L. Inabinet, Sr. Paul H. Infinger Stan W. Jaskiewicz, Jr. William V. Josephs, Jr. W. F. Keels, Jr. Stancel E. Kirkland, Sr. Ray D. Lathan Jack G. Leader A. LaFon LeGette, Jr. Charles E. Lober James W. Logan, Jr. James H. Logan John H. Lumpkin, Jr. Hon. Alexander S. Macaulay Hubbard W. McDonald, Jr. Edward E. Poliakoff George G.L. Palmer W. Frank Partridge, Jr. Edward E. Poliakoff George T. Powell, III A. Marvin Quattlebaum Timothy G. Quinn Albert A. Reed Robert C. Rhodes James B. Richardson, Jr. William F. Robertson, III Hyman S. Rubin, Jr. Jeannie M. Rubin Don S. Rushing Frank B. Sanders John M. Scott, Jr. Joseph F. Singleton Robert R. Smiley, III
John C. B. Smith, Jr. Leonard J. Spooner Hon. James A. Spruill W. Duvall Spruill Hon. Harold R. Stein John C. Stewart, Jr. Hardwick Stuart, Jr. William O. Sweeny, III Thomas J. Thompson Donald W. Tyler Richard M. Unger Arthur von Keller, IV Richard H. Wallace, Jr. David B. Ward Hon. G. Edward Welmaker Hon. Henry T. Woods John F. Wyatt M. William Youngblood
1971 Admittees
Hon. Lee S. Alford Hunter S. Allen, Jr. Kenneth E. Allen Jon E. Anderson Hon. C. E. Auslander Everette H. Babb Nathaniel E. Barnwell Marion W. Beacham, Jr. John H. Bearden Robert A. Berry Richard R. Blews David A. Bornhorst Edward B. Bowers, Jr. G. Daniel Bowling Eugene C. Bricklemyer, Jr. Lethco H. Brock, Jr. Ronald G. Bruce Charles B. Bryan, Jr. John P. Bryan, Jr. William H. Burkhalter, Jr. Hon. Robert S. Carr Thomas H. Carter, Jr. Daniel B. Causey, III
Ray E. Chandler Frank H. Clabaugh N. Heyward Clarkson, III Sherwood M. Cleveland James Coffas Larry H. Cooke Thomas P. Cothran James C. Cox, Jr. James P. Craig John G. Creech Nathan M. Crystal William T. Cunningham John W. Currie Grover E. Czech David A. Daetwyler John S. DeBerry Ray L. Derrick A.W. Dobbins Ronald C. Dodson Frederick H. Dulles W. Rhett Eleazer Lt. Col. H. Wayne Elliott Jack W. Erter, Jr. John V. Esposito Palmer Freeman, Jr. Ronald C. Friddle W. Clark Gaston, Jr. Barry B. George Frank H. Gibbes, III Mason A. Goldsmith Sen. Arnold S. Goodstein Ned Gregory, II Edward L. Grimsley James A. Hale, Sr. Howard B. Hammer Donald W. Harper Hon. John C. Hayes, III Charles E. Hill James R. Hill, Jr. Carl L. Holloway, Jr. Charles E. Howard John W. Howard, III Carl E. Howe, Jr. Gedney M. Howe, III
Guy G. Hurlbutt Melvin R. Hutson John J. James, II William E. Jenkinson, III David G. Jennings Barry L. Johnson George M. Jones Hon. S. Jackson Kimball, III Marvin F. Kittrell, Sr. Steven H. Knight Hon. George C. Kosko W. Jefferson Leath, Jr. Lewis M. Levy Lionel S. Lofton Charles E. Lynch, Jr. Buford S. Mabry, Jr. Randolph R. Mahan David H. Maring R. David Massey Hon. Kenneth M. Mattison Ray P. McClain Nancy C. McCormick John B. McCutcheon, Jr. John O. McDougall Joseph T. McElveen, Jr. Yancey A. Mcleod, Jr. Richard K. McQuiddy James L. Melchers Edward G. Menzie, Sr. Herbert D. Morgan Donald V. Myers Prof. David G. Owen James B. Paslay Peter M. Perrill Thomas E. Player, Jr.
William M. Ponder, III J. Terry Poole O. Grady Query Sara B. Rearden Lawrence E. Richter, Jr. Carroll H. Roe, Jr. Merwin L. Rogers H. Fulton Ross, Jr. Grover C. Seaton, III Nikki G. Setzler William E. Shaughnessy Hon. Paul E. Short, Jr. H. Carter Siegling N. Gruber Sires, Jr. Cody W. Smith, Jr. J. Owens Smith Robert E. Staton, Sr. Jesse T. Sydnor William S. Tetterton Allen R. Tew G. William Thomason George H. Thomason William C. Tindal Kenneth W. Traub James F. Walsh, Jr. William L. Want Robert M. Ward David H. Wilkins Hugh L. Willcox, Jr. Jeffry A. Williams William B. Woods S. Thomas Worley, Jr. Kenneth R. Young, Jr. Kelly F. Zier
CLINCH H. BELSER, JR. Ridgeway, SC Clinch H. Belser, Jr. was born December 27, 1945, in Washington, D.C. He earned his B.A. from Princeton University in 1967 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1970. He practices law at Belser & Belser, PA, specializing in civil litigation and business transactions. He previously worked at Belser, Baker, Barwick, Ravenel, Toal & Bender. He is involved with the Congaree Land Trust, which is committed to conserving the natural and scenic lands, farms, waterways, forests, and open spaces in central South Carolina. Clinch is a member of the American Bar Association, SC Bar, Richland County Bar Association, and the SC Defense Attorneys’ Association. JAMES P. CRAIG Irmo, SC James P. Craig was born February 8, 1946, in Rock Hill. He earned his B.S. from the University of South Carolina in 1968 and his J.D. from the UofSC School of Law in 1971. He practiced criminal law and is semi-retired from the Craig Law Firm. He previously worked at Cromer & Craig (1972-1984). DAN M. DAVID Charleston, SC Dan M. David was born August 13, 1945, in Florence. He earned his B.A. from The Citadel in 1967 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1970. He practices at the Law Office of Dan M. David, specializing in civil litigation, family law, personal injury, probate law, criminal defense and workers’ compensation. He previously worked at David & Schwartz. Dan is a member of the Charleston County Bar and the SC Bar, where he serves on the Senior Lawyers Division Executive Council. He is involved with the Star Gospel Mission at John Wesley Methodist Church. “50 years has flown by, but the practice of law has been exciting and fulfilling. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and have met some of the finest people that I have ever known.”
LIEUTENANT COLONEL H. WAYNE ELLIOTT Chapin, SC Lieutenant Colonel H. Wayne Elliott was born January 18, 1946, in Rock Hill. He earned his B.A. from The Citadel in 1968; his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law; his LL.M from the University of Virginia in 1982; and his S.J.D. in 1997 from the UVA. He is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, JAG Corps. JOHN V. ESPOSITO Hilton Head Island, SC John V. Esposito was born December 25, 1946, in Logan, WV. He earned his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1971. He practices law at the Law Offices of John V. Esposito, J.D. on Hilton Head Island. OTTO W. FERRENE, JR. Hilton Head Island, SC Otto W. Ferrene, Jr. was born February 27, 1939. He earned his B.A. in English, with a minor in science from Presbyterian College in 1961 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1970. He is the sole practioner of Ferrene & Associates, P.A. He is admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States District Court for the District of SC. Otto is retired from the Army Reserves and holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He is active in the local community including past president of the Hilton Head Island Rotary Club and Van Landingham Rotary Club, where he was a founding member. He is also an elder, deacon, and Bible study leader at the First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head.
GERALD M. FINKEL Summerville, SC Gerald M. Finkel was born July 29, 1941, in New York City. He earned his B.A. in physics from New York University in 1962 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1970. He practices law at Finkel Law Firm, LLC, specializing in general commercial litigation, insurance law and debtors & creditors rights. He was a Professor of Law at the Charleston School of Law (2006-2016) and Professor Emeritus since 2016. He was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America and the SC Super Lawyers and received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who. He is a fellow member of the Litigation Counsel of America and the American Bar Association. He is a member of the SC Association of Justice, where he served as president (1982-1983). He currently serves on the SC Bar Senior Lawyers Division Executive Council. His favorite memory from law school was the lifetime friendships forged with study partners and classmates. His advice for young lawyers, “The hallmark of a successful lawyer is preparation, passion, focus, empathy, and a diligence and proclivity for hard work.” PALMER FREEMAN Rock Hill, SC Palmer Freeman was born July 25, 1944, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He earned his B.A. from Davidson College in 1966 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1971. Upon graduating from college, he joined the Army where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant and served in Vietnam, 4th Infantry. He is a solo practitioner at The Freeman Law Firm, specializing in civil litigation and is Of Counsel at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, LLC. He previously practiced law at Mack, Mack & Freeman (1971-1981); Spencer & Spencer (1981-1986); Sinkler & Boyd (now Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd) (1986-1995); Suggs & Kelly (1995-2001); and Jim Anders & Associates (2002-2004). Palmer is a member of the SC Bar, where he formerly served on the House of Delegates; the American Bar Association; Richland County Bar Association; the SC Association for Justice; and the Litigation Counsel of America. He was a former member of the SC Coastal Council, SC House of Representatives, Winthrop University Board of Trustees, and board member of the SC Nature Conservancy, and SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center. His favorite memory from law school was hanging out with his classmates out of class.
BARRY B. GEORGE Columbia, SC Barry B. George was born June 19, 1941, in Columbia. He earned his B.A. in Science from the University of South Carolina in 1965 and his J.D. from UofSC School of Law in 1971. He founded The Law Offices of Barry B. George in 1971 and specializes in personal injury and criminal law. Barry is a member of the SC Association of Justice. His favorite memory from law school was graduation. JOSEPH C. GOOD, JR. Charleston, SC Joseph C. Good, Jr. was born September 18, 1945, in Columbia. Joe received his B.A. from Wofford College in 1967 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1970. He is Of Counsel with Joseph C. Good, III, P.A. Prior to that, he served his country as an officer in the Army, returning from active duty to serve his state as an Assistant Attorney General, prosecuting all types of cases from DUIs to felony charges. In 1973, he joined SCANA Corporation as a corporate counsel and served in numerous legal and management positions. In 1987, Joe became the General Counsel of the Medical University of South Carolina and was appointed an Associate Professor, teaching Employment and Health Law. Since his retirement from MUSC in July 2012, he has remained a consultant to the university for legal matters and has handled numerous mediations, arbitrations and regulatory matters. Joe is licensed to practice law in federal and SC courts and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He is a member of the American Bar Association, SC Bar, Charleston County Bar Association, and he is a SC Court Certified Mediator. He has been active in numerous civic and professional organizations. He was recognized by the SC Legislature for his service to the state (2012).
THOMAS R. GOTTSHALL Columbia, SC Thomas R. Gottshall was born June 20, 1945, in Tallahassee, Florida. He earned his B.A. from Yale in 1967 and his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1970. After law school, he practiced law at Pepper, Hamilton & Scheetz in Philadelphia, PA; served in the Army JAG Corps, and then practiced with Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, PA. He is a member of the American Bar Association, formerly a member of the Atlantic Legal Foundation, and SC Bar where he served on the House of Delegates. At the ABA, he was a member of the Torts & Insurance Practice Section, where he was a chair of the Products Committee. Tom served as president and a board member of the SC Philharmonic, president of the University Hill Neighborhood Association, chair of the local Yale Schools Committee, and served on the board of All South Federal Credit Union. In 2007, he received the Association of Yale Alumni Award and the General Solomon Award by the SC Philharmonic in 2013. His advice for young lawyers, “Keep your client informed.” NED GREGORY, II Lancaster, SC Ned Gregory, II was born November 19, 1944, in Lancaster. He earned his B.S. from Kentucky Wesleyan College in 1968 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1971. He is a sole practitioner at Gregory & Gregory. Ned is president of the Lancaster County Bar Association and a member of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and
Lions Club. His advice for young lawyers, “Don’t do it for the money, do it for the challenge.”
CHARLES E. HEDGEPATH Columbia, SC Charles E. Hedgepath was born July 29, 1944, in Columbia. He earned his A.B. from the University of South Carolina in 1967 and his J.D. from the UofSC School of Law in 1970. He is a consultant and expert witness in real property and title insurance. He was a solo practitioner (1970-1977) and later was in-house underwriting counsel for several national title insurance companies (1977-2011). Charles is a member of the SC Bar, where he serves on the Professional Responsibilities Committee, chair of the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee, and past chair of the Real Estate Practices Section. His favorite memory from law school was during his junior year, when he and his wife were expecting the birth of their first child. In the middle of Mr. Karesh’s class in the auditorium of Petigru, Dean Figg’s secretary came down to his row and motioned to him. He gathered up his things and left the class. Their daughter arrived the day before Thanksgiving. Early the next week, he met Mr. Karesh in front of the second floor bulletin board. He apologized for leaving in the middle of class and told him that it was because of his wife’s pregnancy and subsequent birth of their daughter. He then reached into his coat pocket, removed a cigar and offered it to him. Mr. Karesh declined and instead reached in his coat and presented Charles with one of his cigars. He said that he believed that the father of a newborn deserved a cigar. His advice for young lawyers, “Get involved with the Bar.” RAGNA O. HENRICHS Houston, TX Ragna O. Henrichs was born in 1944, in Upland, California. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1966 and earned her J.D. from UCLA Law in 1969. She practiced in the corporate law department of Ciba-Geigy (now Novartis) in Switzerland. Later, she came to Columbia, where she was admitted as one of the first 100 women attorneys in South Carolina and took a position as an adjudicator at the Veterans Administration Office. She then moved to New York, where she became a founding member of the environmental department at Nixon Hargrave Devans & Doyle (now Nixon Peabody). After 17 years in New York, she moved to Texas where she served on the board and was managing shareholder for the Houston office of Johnson & Gibbs. Later she moved to Porter Hedges, LP, where she currently practices environmental law. She served on the board of the SC Civil Liberties Union, the New York
Civil Liberties Union, and the Houston Delta Gamma Foundation. Her advice for young lawyers, “Never fear a non-traditional career path; it can be fun and very rewarding. Seize the challenge – whether it be to develop an emerging area of practice of explore a new location.” THE HONORABLE HENRY M. HERLONG, JR. Greenville, SC The Honorable Henry M. Herlong, Jr. was born June 1, 1944, in Washington, D.C. He earned his B.A. from Clemson University in 1967 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1970. He is a Senior United States District Judge. He was a legislative assistant to Senator J. Strom Thurmond, Sr. (19701972); an Assistant United States Attorney (1972-1976 and 1983-1986) in Greenville; was in private practice in Edgefield (1976-1983); a United States Magistrate Judge, District of SC (1986-1991); an Assistant United States Attorney of the Civil Division in Columbia, SC (1983-1986). Judge Herlong served on the United States Judicial Conference Committee on Criminal Law (2003-2009) and is a member of the Federal Judges Association and the SC Bar. M. BRYANT HINNANT Houston, TX M. Bryant Hinnant was born September 20, 1945, in Smithfield, North Carolina. He earned his A.B. from Davidson College in 1967; his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1970; and his LL.M. in 1975 from the George Washington University School of Law. Upon retirement, he served in the Army, JAG Corps. He worked at the Southern Railway Company, specializing in corporate, securities, and real estate; NTW, Inc., specializing in corporate and franchise; Phoenix Investment Group, Inc., where he practiced real estate; and Charkit Chemical Corporation, where he practiced corporate and environmental law.
JOHN W. HOWARD, III Greenville, SC John W. Howard, III was born October 24, 1946, in Greenville. He earned his B.A. from Presbyterian College in 1968 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1971. He is a solo practitioner specializing in domestic relations, real estate and probate law. Jack is admitted to the United States Supreme Court, SC Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and United States Court of Appeals. He is certified as a Family Court Mediator. He is involved with Meals on Wheels and the Upstate Mediation Center. His favorite memory from law school was realizing that he had survived the first semester when grades were posted. His advice for young lawyers, “Work hard and don’t take everything personally.” WILLIAM E. JENKINSON, III Kingstree, SC William E. Jenkinson, III was born June 27, 1946, in Kingstree. He earned his B.A. in Political Science from The Citadel in 1968 and his J.D. from University of South Carolina School of Law in 1971. From 1971 until 1992, he practiced with Jenkinson & Jenkinson, which later became known as Jenkinson Kellahan Thompson & Reynolds, PA., where he currently practices. He received an honorary degree from The Citadel in 2012, the William H. Chandler Lifetime Achievement Award from Williamsburg Hometown Chamber in 2018, and the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America in 1988. Billy is a member of the SC Criminal Defense Association and the SC Association of Justice. He is involved with the Kingstree Lions Club and the Williamsburg County Historical Society. His favorite memory from law school were too many to count. His advice for young lawyers, “Be Prepared.”
BARRY L. JOHNSON Bluffton, SC Barry L. Johnson was born June 1, 1946, in Mullins. He earned his B.A. in Government, cum laude, from Harvard University in 1968 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1971. He currently practices at Johnson & Davis, PA, specializing in business law, business litigation, community development, and zoning law. He practiced at The Dowling Law Firm; Novit, Scraminach & Johnson, PA; Biel, Clark & Johnson, PA; and Barry L. Johnson, PA. He is admitted to practice in the United States District Court, District of SC; United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit; United States Supreme Court; United States Tax Court; and the United States Claims Court. He is a member of the American Bar Association, SC Bar, Beaufort County Bar Association, and the Town of Hilton Head Island Bar Association. Barry is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell. He is a member of the local Rotary Club, Sertoma Club, and the United States Navy League. He has been in the Christian Ministry, serving as associate pastor of Bible Faith Fellowship Church, and has co-led mission work in the Dominican Republic. His favorite memory from law school was when Professor Randall would start his next class where he had left off, sometimes in mid-sentence. His advice for young lawyers, “Find good mentors and pay attention to integrity and care for yourselves, including spiritually.” “I am thankful!!” JACK G. LEADER Rock Hill, SC Jack G. Leader was born February 4, 1946, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He earned his B.A. in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1967 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1970. He currently practices with Elrod Pope Law Firm, specializing in Social Security disability, wrongful death, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Prior to that, he practiced at Jackson & Leader, York County Solicitor’s Office, and Spencer & Spencer. He was recognized in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, AV Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence, and The Global Directory of Who’s Who-Top Lawyers. He was a recipient of the SC Leadership in Law Award. Jack is a member of the York County Bar Association, SC Bar, SC Association for Justice, American Association for Justice, AV Rated – Martindale. He was one of the founding members, former director, and past presi-
dent of Hospice and Community Care in Rock Hill. He has not just one favorite memory of law school, but looks back fondly on it was the entire journey. The experience of being in a class of people for three years, through all the tough times, created some of the best relationships and moments. His advice for young lawyers, “Being a lawyer is a privilege; and it needs to be treated that way. As a lawyer, you must treat everyone with compassion and respect in all aspects of your job. You should make sure to start and end the day by returning missed phone calls, emails, etc. because in the end, you get to help people.” “Every moment has been great. It has been a fun and long ride for 51 years.” LIONEL S. LOFTON McClellanville, SC Lionel S. Lofton was born February 1, 1945, in Charleston. He earned his B.S. from Campbell University in 1967 and his J.D. from the University of South School of Law in 1971. He currently practices at Lofton & Lofton, PC, specializing in white collar criminal defense, medical malpractice, and personal injury. He was Assistant United States Attorney with the United States Department of Justice and after 12 years, he left to start his own private practice. He received the Order of the Palmetto from former Governor James B. Edwards in 1978. He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, American Association for Justice, SC Association for Justice, American Bar Association, and the SC Criminal Defense Attorneys. His favorite memory from law school was graduation. THE HONORABLE ALEXANDER S. MACAULAY Walhalla, SC The Honorable Alexander S. Macaulay was born January 31, 1942, on Sullivan’s Island. He earned his B.A. in History at The Citadel in 1963; his J.D. from the University of South School of Law in 1970; and his General Jurisdiction from the National Judicial College in 1995. He is an active/retired Circuit Court Judge for the Tenth Judicial Circuit. Upon admission to the SC Bar, he was Assistant Attorney General (1970-73); and practiced at Miley & Macaulay (1973-1994). He has served as president of the Oconee County Bar (1980), and a member of the State Board of Education representing the Tenth Judicial Circuit
(1979-1980). In 1980, he was elected to the SC Senate to represent District One, serving until his election as judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit in 1994. While in the State Senate, he served as chairman of the Medical Affairs Committee and was a member of the Finance, Judiciary, Education, Banking and Insurance, and Labor, Commerce and Industry Committees. In addition to the SC Bar, he is admitted to and has practiced in the United States District Court, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. He is a member of the Walhalla Presbyterian Church, where he is a Sunday school teacher and has served as a deacon and elder. His favorite memory from law school was what he learned about “Trial Practice” in course under Dean Robert McCormick Figg, Jr. His advice for young lawyers, “Remember the two professions that never become proficient are doctors and lawyers. Until our very last day, we are only practicing, either medicine or law; and, therefore, we must continue to learn.” “Always strive to do the right thing for the right reason.” JOHN O. MCDOUGALL Columbia, SC John O. McDougall was born April 8, 1944, in Charleston. He earned his A.B. from Wofford College in 1967 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1971. He began in the class of 1970 but dropped out to join the Marine Reserves and returned to law school in 1970. He currently practices family law at McDougall Self Current & McLeod, LLP. John is a member of the SC Association of Justice, American Association of Justice, American Bar Association, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, International Academy of Family Lawyers, and the American College of Family Law Trial Lawyers. He is also a member of the SC Bar, where he serves on the Senior Lawyers Division Executive Council as a representative on the Board of Governors. He served as president of the SC Association of Justice (1993-1994), SC Bar (1998-1999) and its Senior Lawyers Division (2017-2018), SC Bar Foundation (2007-2008), and American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation (2009 & 2011). He was vice president of the USA Chapter of the International Academy of Family Lawyers; named in the Best Lawyers of America (Woodward White) (1991-present); and received the Complete Lawyer Award in 2016, from the UofSC School of Law. His favorite law school memory was graduation. His advice for young lawyers, “When addressing issues which requires knowledge above your pay grade, do not hesitate to reach out to another lawyer for assistance.”
JOSEPH T. MCELVEEN, JR. Sumter, SC Joseph T. McElveen, Jr. was born October 19, 1946, in Sumter. He earned his B.A. in English from The Citadel in 1968 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1971. He practices personal injury and disability for claimants at the Bryan Law Firm: Bahnmuller, Goldman, McElveen, Ford, McElveen & Moorman. He was president of the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce (19831984); Sumter City Council (1984-1986); SC House of Representatives (1986-1996) - Majority Leader (1990-92); chair, State School-to-Work Transition Advisory Committee (1994-1996); mayor of Sumter (20002020); president, Municipal Association of SC (2012-2013); Advisory Board (2017-2020); and chair, Veterans Affairs Task Force, United States Conference of Mayors. He received the Gold Complete Lawyer Award from UofSC School of Law in 1996 and the Order of the Palmetto in 2021. Joe is a member of the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce, Shaw-Sumter Community Council; a volunteer at the Sumter United Ministries; and former deacon, elder and Sunday school teacher at First Presbyterian Church of Sumter. He is a member of the SC Bar, where he was a former member of the House of Delegates, Board of Governors, Family Law Section and served on the Memory Hold the Door Committee and Senior Lawyers Division Executive Council. He was a former member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Law, where he was a member of the Editorial Board, and the ABA publication, The Family Advocate. His favorite memory from law school was that he had so many law professors who were legends like Professors Karesh, Means and Haimbaugh. He had others who became legends like Professor Felix. One favorite, but not necessarily a “fond” memory was being called on by Mr. Felix as a first-year student and being totally unprepared. He was merciless. He enjoyed pickup basketball games at Hand Junior High, the NROTC gym, Valley Park and other Columbia parks. The pressure of your future as a lawyer riding on one semester exam in each subject was tremendous; so, his absolute favorite memory was graduation. His advice for young lawyers, “Being allowed to practice law is a privilege granted to relatively few citizens. That privilege is not a license to act selfishly or irresponsibly. Rather, it imposes a higher obligation to be honest, fair, and respectful of the rights of all people, even to the point of self-sacrifice. In many of our cities and town, we lawyers are in the front line of citizen contact with the ‘rule of law.’ Building respect as lawyers goes a long way in building respect for the law.”
“I truly regret that I cannot be with my classmates and friends to celebrate 50 years as a lawyer. We had a special group in the law school class of 1971. The years have proven that to be true. Our classmates have been good lawyers by helping people with legal problems, but also by doing so much good work in their communities.” EDWARD G. MENZIE Columbia, SC Edward G. Menzie was born August 6, 1945, in Gary, Indiana. He earned his B.S. from the University of South Carolina in 1968 and his J.D., magna cum laude, from the UofSC School of Law in 1971. He practices real estate, mergers and acquisitions, securities, corporation law and capital markets at Nexsen Pruet, LLC, where he has practiced for 50 years. Ed is listed in all editions of the Best Lawyers in America. He has been recognized as Lawyer of the Year in various areas in Columbia in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013. He was listed in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners USA in corporate law/mergers and acquisitions and real estate for many years. He received the Platinum Complete Lawyer Award from UofSC School of Law in 2018. He is a fellow, American College of Real Estate Lawyers. His favorite memory from law school was graduation. His advice for young lawyers, “Stay organized and balance professional career with family time and community service.” DONALD V. MYERS Lexington, SC Donald V. Myers was born April 2, 1945, in Reevesville. He earned his B.S. from the University of South Carolina in 1967 and his J.D. from UofSC School of Law in 1971. Prior to retiring, he was Assistant Attorney General (1973-1976) and was solicitor of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit (1976-2017). Donnie is a member of the SC Association for Justice, SC Bar, SC Solicitors’ Association, and the National District Attorneys Association. He is involved in his local Rotary Club and USC Lettermen’s Association. His favorite memory from law school was graduation.
JAMES B. PASLAY Spartanburg, SC James B. Paslay was born December 26, 1945, in Spartanburg. He earned his B.A. in History from Wofford College in 1968 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1971. Before retiring from the Spartanburg Central Magistrate Court, he practiced law at Paslay & Paslay. He received the Claude Taylor Distinguished Service Award from the Spartanburg County Bar Association, the Order of the Palmetto in 2018; and won the Samuel L. Prince Moot Court Competition, UofSC School of Law in 1968. He is a member of the SC Summary Court Judges Association and the Spartanburg County Bar Association. His favorite memory from law school was getting to see Frank McGuire build a top five basketball team at UofSC. His advice for young lawyers, “Take school seriously to properly prepare for difficult early days of practice.” “Served 45 years as a magistrate – longest in Spartanburg County history.” THOMAS E. PLAYER, JR. Sumter, SC Thomas E. Player, Jr. was born September 30, 1945, in Sumter. He received his B.S. in Accounting from the University of South Carolina in 1968 and his J.D. from the UofSC School of Law in 1971. He currently practices at Player & McMillan, LLC. For over 25 years, he practiced law at Richardson, James & Player with an emphasis in civil litigation from both a plaintiff’s perspective and defense perspective. EDWARD E. POLIAKOFF Columbia, SC Edward E. Poliakoff was born April 2, 1945, in Abbeville. He earned his B.A. from Harvard University in 1967 and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 1970. He currently practices in the areas of legislative lobbying, administrative law, state agencies, and insurance regulation at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP, where he became partner in 1980. He was an assistant to United States Congressman W.J. Bryan Dorn, 3rd District in Washington, D.C. (1970-1974) and Assistant SC Attorney General (1975-1977). Ed is a member of the American Bar Association, SC Bar, Richland County Bar Association, and the SC Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association.
WILLIAM F. ROBERTSON, III Greenville, SC William F. Robertson, III was born May 15, 1936, in Salisbury, North Carolina. He earned his B.S. and Commerce from Washington & Lee University in 1960 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1970. He previously worked at Haynsworth, Perry, Bryant, Marion & Johnston; Abrams Bowers; Robertson & Cassidy; and Robertson & Robertson. He is a member of the SC Defense Lawyers Association. He served on the SC Bar House of Delegates, was former president of the SC Trial Lawyers Association, former president-elect of the SC Matrimonial Lawyers, and former chair of the Greenville Ethics Committee. “The class of 1970 was a great class, great faculty, good sports teams for an amazing low price. Fun and study were properly weighted in my opinion.” NIKKI G. SETZLER West Columbia, SC Nikki G. Setzler was born August 7, 1945, in Asheville, North Carolina. He earned his B.A. in Political Science from the University of South Carolina in 1968 and his J.D. from UofSC School of Law in 1971. He currently practices construction, development and business law at Setzler & Scott, PA. Upon graduation, he worked as an associate at the law firm of Berry, Lightsey & Gibbs, where he was mentored by Harry Lightsey. Nikki has served in the SC Senate since 1977, currently representing a portion of Lexington, Aiken and Saluda counties. He also chaired the Senate Education Committee (1988–2000). From 1974–1976, he was a Cayce city judge. He also served as attorney for the Town of Springdale (1975-1977) and has served as attorney for West Columbia since 1992. He received an Honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, UofSC in 2008; Honorary Doctorate of Education from Columbia College in 1997; and Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the College of Charleston in 1992. He is a member of the American Bar Association and SC Bar. His favorite memory from law school was the birth of Betty and Cody Smith’s triplets. His advice for young lawyers, “Think before you act, think outside the box, and always treat others with respect.”
N. GRUBER SIRES, JR. Seneca, SC N. Gruber Sires, Jr. was born September 14, 1942. He served in the Army from 1963 until 1966 (Vietnam 1963-1964). He earned his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina in 1967 and his J.D. from UofSC School of Law in 1971. He was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta fraternity and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. In 1984, he opened N. Gruber Sires, Jr. Law Firm. He previously worked at Ackerman & Bench Law Firm (1971); Morgan & Sires Law Firm (1971-1975); N. Gruber Sires, Jr. Law Firm (1975-1981), and Sires & Whitney Law Firm (1981-1984). He served as chief public defender for Oconee County (1972-2004); was former commissioner for the Office of Indigent Defense for SC; a member of the SC Bar, where he served on the Conventions Committee, Nominating Committee and the Service to Indigents Committee. He was listed in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in American Law. He was former vice commodore and commodore of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 25; past president of the Oconee County Bar Association; former member of the Sertoma Club; founding member and second commodore of Keowee Sailing Club; founder of Golden Corner Ducks Unlimited; and charter and past member of the Golden Corner Rotary Club. W. DUVALL SPRUILL Columbia, SC W. Duvall Spruill was born April 1, 1946, in Cheraw. He earned his B.A. from Sewanee in 1967 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1970. He currently practices law at Turner Padget. He has been involved with Kairos Prison Ministries since 1996 and served on the SC Christian Action Council (2011-2016). Duvy received the Platinum Service Award from UofSC (2004), and was listed in the Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation; Litigation: Banking and Finance; Litigation: Construction; and Litigation: Real Estate, (2010-2021). His favorite memory from law school was the house at Lake Murray.
ALLEN R. TEW Clayton, NC Allen R. Tew was born May 5, 1944, in Raleigh, NC. He earned his A.B. in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1966 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1971. He has a general practice, Allen R. Tew, PA, where he specializes in civil litigation, small business formation and transactions, real estate litigation, leases, contracts and wills and administration of estates. He previously practiced law at Mast, Tew, Nall (1971-1988). He is a member of the NC Bar Association, NC State Bar, NC Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the SC Bar. He is also a member of the local Rotary Club. His favorite memory from law school was being congratulated by Coleman Karesh following completion of his first semester upon his readmission to law school following his mother’s death. His advice for young lawyers, “Pursue the things, personally and professionally that you have a passion for; and maintain balance in your life. Above all, focus on issues and be civil.” “I am grateful to have been given two chances by the school of law. It has been an honor, a privilege, and a pleasure to practice law. Hopefully, I have made a positive impact on the lives of others in the process.” DAVID B. WARD Greenville, SC David B. Ward was born September 25, 1940, in Norfolk, Virginia. He earned his B.S. from the University of South Carolina in 1967 and his J.D. from UofSC School of Law in 1970. He currently practices at Horton Law Firm, PA, specializing in government, business litigation, tax use/condonation, personal injury and probate. His advice for young lawyers, “First take care of yourself. May you also enjoy active life after 80 years of age. “
DAVID H. WILKINS Greenville, SC David H. Wilkins was born October 12, 1946, in Greenville. He earned his B.A. from Clemson University, cum laude, in 1968 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1971. He currently practices at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP, specializing in federal government relations. Prior to joining Nelson Mullins in 2009, he worked at The Wilkins Law Firm and Wilkins & Madden, PA (1971-2005). He served in the SC House of Representatives (1981-2005), where he was speaker from 1994 until 2005; and was appointed United States Ambassador to Canada (2005-2009). He received the Order of the Palmetto (1995), the Canada Governor General’s Medallion for service in promoting and enhancing the Canada–U.S. relationship (2016), and the Distinguished Service Award from the Clemson Alumni Association. He received Honorary degrees from Clemson University, UofSC, Medical University of South Carolina, The Citadel, Lander University, Newberry College, and Francis Marion University. He was recognized in the Greenville Business Magazine Legal Elite of the Upstate, Government Relations (2013–2021), The Best Lawyers in America (2016–2022), Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business (2021), and The Legal 500 United States (2020-2021). He serves on the Clemson University Board of Trustees, where he was former chair; West Point Board of Visitors; Greenville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Upstate American Heart Association; and the Greenville Area Development Corporation Board of Directors. He also served as chair of the National Speaker’s Conference. David is a member of the Greenville County Bar Association, SC Bar, American Bar Association, Judicial Conference of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, and Haynsworth Perry Inn of Court Masters. His favorite memory in law school was falling in love with his wife of 50 years during his senior year of law school. His advice for young lawyers, “Relationships matter. Treat people like you want to be treated. Take your job and your responsibilities seriously but don’t take yourself too seriously.” “I am an ordinary guy from Greenville whom the good Lord has blessed with many extraordinary experiences. I am grateful for the special people God has put in my life’s path.”
WILLIAM B. WOODS Venice, FL William B. Woods was born August 24, 1940, in Charleston. He earned his A.B. from the University of South Carolina and his J.D. from UofSC School of Law in 1971. Prior to retiring in 2014, he practiced law at Cothran & Woods; McCants, Nelson & Green; Brown & Woods; Woods & Givens; Woods Law Firm; and Richardson Plowden. He is a member of the SC Bar and the SC Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association. Bill’s (a.k.a, Bullett) favorite memory from law school was having Prof. David Means ask if he could look at the course outline (skinny) which he was using and then telling the class that it was very accurate and that it included the jokes that he was still telling. His advice for young lawyers, “Don’t be afraid of trying your first case. Mine was representing a defendant in a murder trial.” S. THOMAS WORLEY, JR. Mt. Pleasant, SC S. Thomas Worley, Jr. was born October 4, 1946, in Greenwood. He earned his B.A. in History from The Citadel in 1968 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1971. He is a sole practitioner specializing in adoptions. He previously practiced law at Way, Burkett & Wise (1971-1973), and Bradley & Worley (1973-1979), before opening his own
practice. Tom served 17 years on the board of Charleston County Department of Social Services (1979-1996). His advice for young lawyers, “Never be out prepared by your trial opponents.” KENNETH R. YOUNG, JR. Sumter, SC Kenneth R. Young, Jr. was born August 25, 1945, in Trenton, New Jersey. He earned his B.A. from The Citadel in 1967 and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1971. He is a general practitioner at Young & Warr, LLC. He is a certified Civil Court Mediator, Family Court Mediator, and Arbitrator. Ken is a member of the SC Bar; United States District Court District of SC, Untied States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, Untied States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, The United States Supreme Court.
He is a member of the local Rotary Club and a lifelong member and former elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Sumter. His favorite law school memory was graduation. His advice for young lawyers, “Be a doctor.”
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What things cost
1970 1971 Average Median Annual Income: $9,870 $10,290 New House: $25,200 $17,000 New Car: $3,542 $3,742 Gas Per Gallon: $.36 $.36
US Statistics
President: Richard Nixon Vice President: Spiro Agnew 1970 1971 Population: 205.1 million 207.7 million Life Expectancy: 70.81 71.11
Billboard Singles
1970 Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel (They Long to Be) Close to You by The Carpenters American Woman by The Guess Who
1971 Joy to the World by Three Dog Night Maggie May/Reason to Believe by Rod Stewart It’s Too Late/Feel the Earth Move by Carole King
Top Grossing Movies
1970 Gross Love Story $106,397,186 Airport $100,489,150 M*A*S*H $81,600,000 1971 Gross Fiddler on the Roof $40,500,000 Billy Jack $32,500,000 The French Connection $26,300,000
Bestsellers
1970 Love Story by Erich Segal The French Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles Islands in the Stream by Ernest Hemingway 1971 Wheels by Arthur Hailey The Exorcist by William P. Blatty The Passions of the Mind by Irving Stone
Photographs from this memorable event will be posted on the South Carolina Bar website at www.scbar.org/seniorlawyers.