Nifty Fifty Program 2018

WELCOME CLASS OF 1968

Friday, September 21, 2018 Columbia Conference Center 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 Noon Welcome Darra W. Cothran

President, SC Bar Senior Lawyers Division 12:10 p.m.

Invocation & Lunch M. Dawes Cooke Jr. President, SC Bar 12:45 p.m.

Remarks Dean Robert M. Wilcox

University of South Carolina School of Law 1:00 p.m.

Recognition of Honorees with Presentation of Nifty Fifty Pins and Class Photos 1:30 p.m.

Adjourn

Nifty Fifty Honorees T. Patton Adams IV Nicholas D. Atria Franklin H. Baker James J. Baldwin III Julian H. Baumann Jr. Karl M. Becker J. Carlton Bell M. John Bowen Jr. Frank Bradford Terry H. Breen Wade H. Britt III Jim S. Brooks Michael A. Brown John P. Cardillo Joel W. Collins Jr. O. Wayne Corley Hon. William J. Craine Jr. James M. Daniel III George R. DeLoach Jr. Ellen G. Donovan Charles R. Douglass Hon. P. Michael Duffy James F. Edwards Jr. William S. Elder William N. Epps Jr. George C. Evans William C. Fleming John P. Ford O. Fayrell Furr Jr. Hon. John P. Gettys James S. Gibson Jr. David W. Goldman Joel E. Gottlieb J. Kirkland Grant Robert E. Gregory Jr. W. Wallace Gregory Jr. Thomas R. Haggard Col. Barrett S. Haight Eugene W. Harper Jr. G. Gordon Harrison Lloyd I. Hendricks William P. Hendricks Ladson F. Howell Hon. Thomas L. Hughston Jr.

Albert L. James III Roger B. Jellenik I.S. Leevy Johnson J. Mack Karesh J. Richard Kelly H. Spencer King Barry Krell Edward A. Lamb John C. Land III Laurence M. Lavin Jack W. Lawrence Miles Loadholt Thomas G. MacGregor James L. Mann II Hon. Howard E. Manning Jr. Thomas F. McDow IV William H. McPherson Ernest J. Nauful Jr. George S. Nicholson Jr. George H. O’Kelley Jr. Hamilton Osborne Jr. Hon. Costa M. Pleicones Charles B. Ridley Jr. Frederick W. Riesen Jr. C. Pinckney Roberts Frank E. Robinson II Kenneth M. Robinson James W. Seeley Kirby D. Shealy Jr. Robert J. Sheheen Herman E. Smith John H. Smith Sr. Thomas J. Solomon Watts B. Stroman C. Timothy Sullivan Jr. George T. Talley Charles A. Taylor III Hon. Jean H. Toal William T. Toal George G. Trask Timothy J. Trost John C. von Lehe Jr. J. Spratt White IV Robert W. Whitesides Sr. Robert L. Wylie III Robert L. Wynn III J. Rutledge Young Jr. John M. Young

T. Patton Adams IV Columbia, SC T. Patton Adams IV was born on February 16, 1943, in Columbia, South Carolina. He received his B.A. in Political Science from Washington & Lee University in 1965 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

Prior to his retirement, he practiced law with Graydon, Suber & Adams; Berry, Adams, Quackenbush & Stuart, PA; the SC Hospital Association and the SC Commission on Indigent Defense. From 1976 to 1986, he served on the City Council and then as Mayor of Columbia from 1986 to 1990.

In 1990, he received the Order of the Palmetto from Governor Carroll Campbell, the Distinguished Service Award from the Municipal Association of SC and the Distinguished Service Medal from the U.S. Army. In 2013, he received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the Charleston School of Law.

Patton is a member of the American Council of Chief Defenders and the National Legal Aid and Defender Association, where he served on the board from 2000 to 2016. He has served as civilian aide to the secretary of the U.S. Army since 1986.

Nicholas D. Atria Columbia, SC Nicholas D. Atria was born on June 2, 1940, in El Paso, Texas. He received his B.S. from the University of South Carolina in 1966 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

He is semi-retired from the Law Office of Nicholas D. Atria, LLC. Nick is a member of the Richland County Bar Association and the SC Bar.

His favorite memory from law school was his classmates, graduation and advice from Dean Figg, “The practice of law is a very jealous mistress.”

His advice for young lawyers, “Self-employment!”

Frank Bradford Smyrna, GA Frank Bradford was born on October 21, 1941, in Sumter, South Carolina. He received his B.S. from the University of South Carolina and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

He is a member of the SC Bar, State Bar of Georgia and the Cobb County Bar Association. He was admitted to practice in the U.S. Supreme Court in 1975.

Frank was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1996 and is a member of the East Cobb Business Association and the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce.

John P. Cardillo Naples, FL John P. Cardillo was born on July 1, 1942, in Fort Lee, New Jersey. He received his B.A. from Furman University in 1964 and graduated from West Virginia University in 1966. He received his J.D. from USC School of Law.

He practices law with Cardillo, Keith & Bonaquist, P.A., where he specializes in personal injury and civil litigation. He previously practiced with Monaco, Cardillo & Keith; Sorokoty, Monaco & Cervelli and Mays & McLellan.

John is a member of the Florida Bar, New York Bar, SC Bar, American Association for Justice, Maritime Lawyers Association, Attorneys Title Insurance Fund and is a member and founding director of the Thomas Biggs Inns of Court.

He received the G. Kirk Haas Humanitarian Award from the Florida Bar, Lifetime Achievement Award from Collier County Bar, Outstanding Citizen Award presented by the Naples Daily News and the Donald Van Koughnet “Lion of the Law” Award from the Collier County Circuit Judges.

His favorite memory from law school was studying for final exams with I.S. Leevy Johnson above the embalming room of his funeral parlor. John asked him a question on contracts, to which he had no answer, he said, “I tell ya, Cadilla, we Italians got it rough!” He also reminisced about working at the SC State Penitentiary and having a prison band and trio play for Governor Robert E. McNair’s dinners at the Governor’s Mansion.

His advice for young lawyers, “Stay persistent, patient and true to yourself.”

Joel W. Collins Jr. Columbia, SC Joel W. Collins Jr. was born on December 8, 1943, in Denmark, South Carolina. He received his B.A. in English and minor in History from Clemson University in 1965 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. States Army, Infantry Branch on the same day. He received his J.D. from USC School of Law, where he was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity.

Upon graduation from the USC School of Law, he served four years in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the U.S. Army and served one year in Vietnam with the Americal Division, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal. Joel also served as an assistant professor of law at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY. He later spent two years with the Frankfurt, Germany law firm of O’Haire and Fiore, after which he was appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina, focusing on the investigation and prosecution of white-collar criminal cases.

In 1982, after three years with a large national firm, Joel established his own South Carolina practice, which later became Collins & Lacy, P.C. He has held numerous leadership positions in civic organizations including Rotary, National Safety Council and the ABOTA Foundation, including his past role as president of ABOTA.

Joel has been recognized by Martindale-Hubbell, South Carolina Super Lawyers© and Best Lawyers in America©. In 2012, Primerus honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his longtime support and service to Primerus.

Honorable William J. Craine Jr. Laurens, SC The Honorable William J. Craine Jr. was born on June 1, 1944, in Laurens, South Carolina. He received his B.A. from the University of South Carolina in 1967 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

Judge Craine is a member of the SC Bar, Laurens County Museum and CLNTA Tennis Association.

From 1968 to 1972, he was a JAG Officer in the U.S. Navy and then went into private practice until 1977. He served as a SC Family Court Judge from 1977 to 1994.

James M. Daniel III Columbia, SC James M. Daniel III was born on August 30, 1943, in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He received his B.A. from The Citadel in 1965 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

He practices commercial real estate with Catawba Properties, LLC. He previously worked at Owen Steel Company.

Jim served as president of the Columbia Development Corporation, board member on the USC Development Foundation and a member of the City of Columbia Design, Development Review Commission.

He is president of the Columbia Citadel Club and is Junior and Senior Vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church and has coached youth basketball for over 30 years.

His favorite memory from law school was companionship with fellow classmates, then and now.

His advice for young lawyers, “Do not let the practice consume you. Find outlets you enjoy that can relieve pressure of the practice of law.�

George R. DeLoach Jr. Ft. Lauderdale, FL George R. DeLoach Jr. was born on January 17, 1943, in Columbia, South Carolina. He received his A.B. from the University of South Carolina in 1965 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

He resides in Florida, where he practices securities litigation with Kopelowitz, Ostrow, Ferguson, Weiselberg & Gilbert. He previously practiced law with Ledbetter & Associates, P.A. and Adorno & Yoss.

Bobby is involved with Pinion, Inc., an organization which holds fundraising events to benefit programs for Special Olympics in Broward County, FL; the Cystic Fibrosis Gold Coast Guild, which raises money to fund research for the cure of Cystic Fibrosis; 1000+ Club to Benefit Cancer, an organization which provides funding to selected 501(c)3 in Broward County, FL organizations through fundraising events and membership contributions to support cancer education and cancer patient services.

He is a member of the Broward County Bar Association and the SC Bar.

His favorite memory from law school was graduation day.

His advice for young lawyers, “Abide by the John Wooden doctrine: Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.”

William S. Elder Columbia, SC William S. Elder was born on September 27, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia. He received his A.B. in Accounting from Duke University in 1963, his J.D. from USC School of Law, and his L.L.M. in Taxation Law from Emory University in 1978.

He is a solo practitioner specializing in taxation, estate planning and probate law. He previously practiced law with Tomlinson, Ewing & Elder; First National Bank of SC and McKay, McKay, Black, Sherrill, Walker & Wilkins.

Bill is a member of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and the SC Bar and its Tax Law Section and Probate, Estate Planning & Trust

Section.

He is Senior and Junior Warden at St. David’s Episcopal Church, lay reader and serves in various other roles. He is a member of the Columbia Jaycees and Columbia and Greenville Sertoma Clubs.

His favorite memory from law school was sitting in his first-year orientation session and being awed by the event in that he could not believe he was really there. Little did he know that he would be associated with a group of the most outstanding individuals.

His advice for young lawyers, “Expect change in your practice due to changes in the law and be prepared for it.”

There is no better vocation. He is glad and honored that he was able to go to law school with this class.

William N. Epps Jr. Anderson, SC William N. Epps Jr. was born on June 4, 1943, in Atlanta, Georgia. He received his B.A. from Wofford College in 1965 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

He practices law with Epps, Nelson, Epps & Perkins, where he specializes in civil, personal injury, criminal defense and family law. He previously practiced with Anderson, Chapman & Kenyon; Anderson, Kenyon & Epps; and Krause & Nicholson.

Billy served on the Board of Governors of the SC Bar and the SC Trial Lawyers Association. He is a member of the SC Bar, American Board of Trial Advocates, SC Association of Justice, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Commission on Indigent Defense and Commission on Lawyer Competency.

He is an Elder with First Presbyterian Church, former board member of the YMCA and served on the advisory board of the Salvation Army.

His advice for young lawyers, “Go into the law practice as a profession and not as a way to get rich quick.”

O. Fayrell Furr Jr. Myrtle Beach, SC O. Fayrell Furr Jr. was born on January 19, 1943. He received his B.A. from the University of South Carolina in 1965 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

He is a founding partner of Furr & Henshaw, where he specializes in medical malpractice. Fayrell is board certified by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys in the field of medical professional negligence and board certified as a civil trial advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

He is a member of the American Bar Association, SC Bar, Richland County Bar Association, Horry County Bar Association, American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Fayrell is the author of numerous articles on medical negligence cases and trial practice, and a frequent lecturer on those topics for various organizations.

He has received a number of other honors, including an AV Preeminent* peer review rating through Martindale-Hubbell, the Southern Trial Lawyers Association’s Warhorse Award in 2010 and the SC Association for Justice’s Founders Award which he received in 2003.

Joel E. Gottlieb Columbia, SC Joel E. Gottlieb was born on April 22, 1943, in Columbia, South Carolina. He received his A.B. from the University of South Carolina in 1965 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

Prior to his retirement, he practiced commercial real estate with McNair Law Firm, P.A. He previously practiced law with Monteith, Monteith & Gottlieb; and Gottlieb & Smith, P.A. Lloyd I. Hendricks Columbia, SC Lloyd I. Hendricks was born on March 26, 1942, in Greenville, South Carolina.

He received his B.A. in English from from the University of South Carolina in 1964 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

Lloyd began his career in trust and estate planning with First National Bank of SC and later transitioned to commercial banking and management with Southern Bank & Trust and First Union National Bank as the executive vice president and group executive. During this time, he served in the SC House of Representatives for 10 years. In 1986, he was president and CEO of the SC Bankers Association until his retirement in 2012.

He is a member of the SC Bar and president of the Ex Libris Society USC Libraries. He serves on the executive committee and board of directors of the Business Development Corporation of SC. He is an Elder at Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

In 1980, he received the Outstanding Young Banker of the Year from the SC Bankers

Association and Legislator of the Year in 1984 from the SC Chamber of Commerce and again in 1985 from The Greenville News. In 1997, he was awarded The Order of the Palmetto by Governor David Beasley.

Lloyd’s favorite memory from law school was Coleman Karesh.

His advice for young lawyers, “Work hard and seek out a mentor when you begin your practice.”

He and his wife, Susan have been married 52 years. They have two sons and five grandchildren.

Honorable Thomas L. Hughston Jr. Charleston, SC The Honorable Thomas L. Hughston Jr. was born on July 25, 1943, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He received his B.A. from The Citadel in 1965 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

He is retired but remains an active circuit court judge. He previously practiced law with W.H. Nicholson Jr., and Bishop & Hughston.

In 2011, Judge Hughston received the International Community Corrections Association Judicial Award.

He is a member of the Charleston County Bar, Greenwood County Bar, SC Bar, American Bar Association and has been a member of the Alston Wilkes Society for over 50 years. He is involved with the National Judicial College Master’s and Ph.D. Program and served on the SC House of Representatives Judiciary Committee.

His favorite memory from law school was being with a great bunch of people and learning from them for three years.

His advice for young lawyers, “Help others any way you can.”

He prefers to be around lawyers over any other people.

Albert L. James III Darlington, SC Albert L. James, III was born August 10, 1943, in Darlington, South Carolina. He received his B.A. from Davidson College in 1965 and his J.D. from USC School of Law, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

His entire practice in law has been with Paulling & James, where he specializes in civil trials, real estate, probate, banking, business and taxation. He was Captain in the U.S. Army.

He is a member of the Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce, Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association and the Darlington Historical Commission. He is involved with the local Dixie Youth Baseball team.

Albert is a member of the Supreme Court Board Grievance and Discipline, Law School Board, and the Darlington Bar Association.

His favorite memory from law school was Coleman Karesh.

His advice for young lawyers, “Thorough preparation, integrity, and civility.”

He is particularly grateful for leadership of the 1968 law class members on the Supreme Court and in the legislature.

I.S. Leevy Johnson Columbia, SC I.S. Leevy Johnson was born on May 16, 1942, in Columbia, South Carolina.

He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1962, received his B.A. from Benedict College in 1965 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

He practices criminal defense and civil litigation with Johnson, Toal & Battiste, P.A. He is a member of the National Bar Association, American Bar Association, American College of Trial Lawyers, American Board of Trial Advocates, Richland County Bar Association and the SC Bar, where he served as president in 1985.

I.S. has received numerous awards including The Order of the Palmetto presented by Governor Jim H. Hodges, Durant Distinguished Public Service Award from the SC Bar Foundation, USC School of Law’s Compleat Lawyer Award, Matthew J. Perry Medallion from the Columbia Lawyers Association and the Spirit of Excellence Award from the American Bar Association. He received Honorary Doctor of Law Degrees from Benedict College, USC, Allen University and Morris College.

He is involved with the NAACP, Columbia Community Guidance Relationship Council and the USC Advisory Council.

His favorite memory from law school was being a member of the best class in the history of USC School of Law.

His advice for young lawyers, “The practice of law is a combination of what you know, who you know, and who knows you. Strive every day to give a positive definition to your name.”

On July 6, 2018, he and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

H. Spencer King III Spartanburg, SC H. Spencer King III was born on February 7, 1941, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He received his B.A., cum laude from Furman University in 1963 and his J.D., cum laude from USC School of Law.

He practices law with The Ward Law Firm, P.A., where he specializes in medical malpractice defense. He previously practiced with Leatherwood, Walker, Todd & Mann, PC, smaller firms prior thereto, and was City Attorney for the City of Spartanburg, SC from 1998 to 2006.

Spencer served in the U.S. Army, 2nd Infantry Division, 7th Calvary and th 12 Judge Advocate General Corps. He is a retired Lieutenant Colonel and has received the Army Commendation Medal and the Distinguished Service Medal.

He is a member of the SC Bar, American Board of Trial Advocates and the Spartanburg County Bar Association. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, former president of the Association of City Attorneys and former member of the American Bar Association.

In 2006, he received the Order of the Palmetto by Governor Mark C. Sanford Jr. and the Patriot Award City of Spartanburg. In 2007, he was recognized with the Justice Claude A. Taylor Distinguished Service Award from the Spartanburg County Bar Association and in 2008, he received the USC Upstate Founders Day Award.

He served on the board of directors for the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and the Patriots Point Development Authority.

John C. Land, III Manning, SC John C. Land, III was born on January 25, 1941, in Manning, South Carolina.

He graduated from the University of Florida in 1960, received his B.A. from the University of South Carolina in 1965 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

He practices law with Land, Parker & Welch, PA, where he focuses on personal injury, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, real estate and criminal law.

John received Honorary degrees from The Citadel, University of South Carolina, Francis Marion University, College of Charleston, and the Medical University of South Carolina.

From 1970 to 1974, he served on the SC Highway Commission. He served in the SC House of Representatives and 36 years in the SC Senate.

He is a member of the Association for Justice and Injured Workers’ Advocates and is an Eagle Scout. He received the Order of the Palmetto from Governor Richard W. Riley in 1985 and USC School of Law’s Compleat Lawyer Award.

His favorite memory from law school was every day.

His advice for young lawyers, “Love the law and treat your fellow lawyers with respect.”

John has been practicing law for 50 years in the small town of Manning and stated that it has been quite self-fulfilling and an everyday pleasure.

Jack W. Lawrence Spartanburg, SC Jack W. Lawrence was born on September 6, 1943, in Greenwood, South Carolina. He received his B.A. from Wofford College in 1965 and his J.D. from USC School of Law. Prior to his retirement, he practiced law with Butler, Means, Evins and Browne; Jack W. Lawrence, PA; Lawrence & Shaw; and Lawrence & Rudasill, LLC.

In 2015, he received the Justice Claude A. Taylor Distinguished Service Award from the Spartanburg County Bar Association.

He is a trustee and former chairman of Lander University, former chairman of the Spartanburg County Democratic Party and served on the board and was former chairman of the Charles Lea Center for Special Education and Piedmont Legal Services.

Jack is a member of the Spartanburg County Bar Association, SC Bar, American Bar Association, SC Trial Lawyers and the American Trial Lawyers. He was a member and former president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

His favorite memory from law school was drinking beer at the Rosewood Lounge on the morning after finishing final exams and not feeling guilty about it.

Miles Loadholt Barnwell, SC Miles Loadholt was born on January 28, 1943, in Columbia, South Carolina.

He received his B.S. from the University of South Carolina in 1965 and his J.D., cum laude from USC School of Law, where he was a member of the Order of Wig and Robe.

He practices law with Motley Rice, LLC, where he specializes in civil litigation and workers’ compensation.

He is a member of the SC Bar, SC Association for Justice, Barnwell Rotary Club and serves on the USC Board of Trustees.

Thomas F. McDow IV Rock Hill, SC Thomas F. McDow IV was born on February 10, 1942, in Decatur, Georgia. He attended The Citadel and received his B.A. in History from Wofford College in 1965 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

He practices law with McDow & Urquhart, LLC, where he practices primarily domestic relations and appellate. He previously practiced with McDow & Wald.

Thomas is a member of the SC Bar and York County Bar Association, where he served as president in 1978 and 1983. He was recognized by the American Civil Liberties Union as its Volunteer Attorney of the Year in 1968. He has been involved with Alcoholics Anonymous since 1983.

His favorite memory from law school was practice court. It was rumored Mr. Dreher did not read exams. On the evidence exam in the spring of 1968, answering a question regarding res gestae, he cited the case of Marks v. I.M. Pearlstine and Sons, 203 S.C. 318. In parentheses, he added (Dean Figg lost this case to J.C. Long.) Several days later, he was in the downstairs hall near the bulletin board. Dean Figg came out of his office, grabbed him, and gave him a long lecture on how the Supreme Court was not always right. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mr. Dreher’s laughing face looking around the edge of his door. He assured everyone Mr. Dreher read his exams.

His advice for young lawyers, “Play nice but play hard; read Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People, Herb Cohen’s You Can Negotiate Anything, and Bryan Garner’s The Winning Brief, then follow all of their recommendations. Never fight with a judge unless you are the judge of a higher court. You cannot watch too much court.”

Individuals who claim law school does not teach one to practice law never had giants like Mr. Dreher, Dean Figg, Mr. Means, Mr. Karesh, Mr. Clineburg and Mr. Felix, nor took Practice Court in Petigru.

Thomas adds, “People who look forward to retirement should find a job they love. I look forward to going to the office every day.” He is proud of his wife, Lucy who embodies all that is good about lawyers. He is also proud of their three children, their spouses and seven grandchildren.

Ernest J. Nauful Jr. Columbia, SC Ernest J. Nauful Jr. was born on September 28, 1941. He received his B.S. in Management from the University of South Carolina in 1965 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

Prior to his retirement, he practiced law with McKay, McKay, Black & Walker; Callison, Tighe & Nauful; Nauful & Ellis, PA and Ernest J. Nauful Jr., PA.

He is an honorary life member of the Lexington Medical Association. He is a member of St. Joseph Church and has served on its finance council, capital campaigns, facilities committee, architect selection committee, construction contractor selection committee, and the tuition assistance committee.

Ernie served on the SC Bar House of Delegates and served in several capacities with the SC Defense Trial Attorneys. He is a member of the American Society of Hospital Attorneys, National Health Lawyers Association, SC Society of Hospital Attorneys and former chair of the SC Emergency Medical Service Advisory Council.

His favorite memory from law school was winning the practice court case.

His advice for younger lawyers, “There is no substitute for preparation. An informed client is always a happy client.”

Honorable Costa M. Pleicones Columbia, SC The Honorable Costa M. Pleicones was born on February 29, 1944, in Greenville, South Carolina. He received his A.B. from Wofford College in 1965 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

Upon graduation from law school, he began a 30-year active duty and reserve service military career in the U.S. Army, serving as a Captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corp for four years and as Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve for 26 years.

Following his active duty service, Costa began practicing law as a public defender for Richland County. He entered private practice in 1975 and served as a part-time municipal judge for the City of Columbia and as County Attorney for Richland County. In 1991, he was elected Resident Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit and was then elected as an Associate Justice of the S.C. Supreme Court in 2000. He was elected Chief Justice of the S.C. Supreme Court on May 27, 2015 and served until December 2016. He practices law with Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., where he specializes in mediation, appellate and litigation.

He is a permanent member of the Judicial Conference, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, a member of the SC Bar and Richland County Bar Association. He has served on the board of trustees at Wofford College since 2013.

In 2017, he was recognized by the Richland County Bar Association with the John W. Williams Distinguished Service Award and the Association’s Matthew J. Perry Jr. Civility Award in 2011. He received the Palmetto Patriot Award from the S.C. Army National Guard and the Legion of Merit from the U.S. Armed Forces. He received Honorary Doctor of Law degrees from Wofford College, USC and the Charleston School of Law.

His favorite memory from law school was all of it!

His advice for young lawyers, “Love the law and treat your fellow lawyers with respect.” He added, “Don’t waste energy on unproductive emotions.”

Frederick W. Riesen Jr. Mt. Pleasant, SC Frederick W. Riesen Jr. was born on August 6, 1942. He received his B.A. from the University of South Carolina in 1964 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

He practices law with Riesen DuRant Law Firm, where he specializes in workers’ compensation. He previously was the senior member and founding member of Riesen Law Firm, LLP.

He is a founding and current member of the Injured Workers Association. He served as vice president, president and a member of the executive board of the S.C. Workers’ Advocates.

Fred started his general practice of law over 45 years ago. His first job as an attorney came after returning from basic training in the Army. He was a member of the 108th Committee group in Columbia and during summers in the Army Reserve, he taught everything from first aid to throwing grenades at Fort Jackson. It was a rewarding experience and he elected not to get a commission and was a Sergeant 1st class E-7 when he finalized his service after six years.

He is a member of the Charleston County Bar Association, SC Bar, South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association and former member of the American Bar Association for over 30 years.

He is on the Citizen Committee of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission from its inception in 1996. For 18 years, he has assisted with evaluating the qualifications and characters of candidates for judicial office in the State of South Carolina.

His favorite memory from law school was finally graduating.

His advice for young lawyers, “Do only what you enjoy doing. In the law process you are lucky to be able to help others every day. The worst thing in our law profession are these TV ads which I wish my law school classmates and Supreme Court justices would have put a stop to or changed drastically.”

C. Pinckney Roberts Columbia, SC C. Pinckney Roberts was born on January 15, 1940, in Columbia, South Carolina. He received his B.A. from Princeton University in 1961 and his J.D. from USC School of Law, where he was a member of the Order of the Wig & Robe.

Prior to his retirement, he was president and CEO of Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. and practiced law with Roberts, Jennings & Thomas; SC Attorney General’s Office and Harvey, Battey, McCloskie & Bethea.

Pickney is a retired Captain-JAGC of the U.S. Naval Reserve and serves on the board of Hammond School and the Session of Forest Lake Presbyterian Church. He is a certified civil mediator.

His favorite memory from law school was marrying his wife, Liz in June of 1967 and

playing bridge between classes with Bill Toal and Jean Hoefer Toal at the Russell House.

His advice for young lawyers, “Always be civil and let your word be your bond.”

Robert J. Sheheen Camden, SC Robert J. Sheheen was born on January 21, 1943, in Camden, South Carolina. He received his B.A. from Duke University in 1965 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

He practices law with Savage, Royall & Sheheen L.L.P., where he specializes in eminent domain, estate planning and estate administration.

Bob served as Municipal Judge for the City of Camden from 1973 to 1975. After being elected to the SC House of Representatives for District 52 in 1976, he served until the expiration of his 12th term in 2000. He was chairman of the Judiciary Committee from 1980 to 1986 and was the Speaker of the House from 1986 to 1994.

George T. Talley Valdosta, GA

George T. Talley was born on March 6, 1944, in Valdosta, George. He received his B.A. from the University of South Carolina in 1965 and his J.D. from USC School of Law.

He practices law with Colemen Talley, LLP, where he focuses on the areas of municipal law, workers’ compensation and insurance defense.

George has served as president of the Valdosta Bar Association and is a member of the American Bar Association, SC Bar, Georgia State Bar, Georgia Municipal Association and the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association. He served as chairman of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the State Bar of Georgia from 1993 to 1994.

From 2012 to 2018, he was recognized in The Best Lawyers by Peer Recognition.

He is a member of Park Avenue United Methodist Church, where he was former chairman of the administrative board and board of trustees.

His advice for young lawyers, “If you will worry about the law practice on your desk and not what is on someone else’s desk, you will always have a law practice on your desk.”

Honorable Jean H. Toal Columbia, SC The Honorable Jean H. Toal was born on August 11, 1943, in Columbia, South Carolina. She received a B.A. in Philosophy from Agnes Scott College in 1965 and her J.D. from USC School of Law, where she was a member of the Order of the Coif, Mortar Board and Phi Beta Kappa.

Chief Justice Toal practiced law for 20 years prior to her election to the S.C. Supreme Court, first as an associate with the Haynsworth Law Firm in Greenville, and then as an associate and partner with Belser, Baker, Barwick, Ravenel, Toal & Bender in Columbia.

She began her service as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of S.C. in 1988, becoming the first woman to serve as a Justice of the S.C. Supreme Court. She was re-elected in 1996 and was installed as Chief Justice in 2000 for the balance of the term of her predecessor, which expired in 2004. She was re-elected as Chief Justice in 2004 and again in 2014, each time for 10-year terms.

She is a member of the Richland County Bar Association, SC Bar, American Bar Association, S.C. Women Lawyers Association, National Association of Women Judges and the John Belton O’Neall Inn of Court. She serves on the board of trustees of the American Inns of Court Foundation, is past president of the Conference of Chief Justices and past chair of the board of directors of the National Center for State Courts.

In 1995, she received the S.C. Trial Lawyers Outstanding Contribution to Justice Award; the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award from the American Bar Association’s Commission on Women in the Profession in 2004 and the Jean Galloway Bissell Award from the S.C. Women Lawyers Association. She was named the first recipient of the National Center for State Courts’ Sandra Day O’Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education in 2011.

She has been awarded Honorary Doctorate degrees by USC, Francis Marion University, The Citadel, Columbia College, College of Charleston, Charleston School of Law and Converse College. She is a member of the Shandon Neighborhood Council.

Her favorite memory from law school was trying our moot court case (her and Bill Toal) with Jim Dreher as the judge and Bill as the client.

Her advice for young lawyers, “Be nice to everyone and always return phone calls and emails, even if all you can say is I haven’t gotten to it yet and don’t even lie.”

Our noble profession is still one of honor and decency to which she has joyfully devoted her working life.

William T. Toal Columbia, SC William T. Toal was born on March 17, 1940, in Columbia, South Carolina. He received his B.S. in Chemistry from Yale College in 1962 and his J.D. from USC School of Law, magna cum laude.

In 1970, he was hired by USC School of Law as an assistant professor, where he taught contracts, torts, student legal aid, corrections clinic, defense clinic and juvenile defense clinic. In 1975, he joined Johnson, Toal and Battiste, P.A. His trial practice includes criminal, personal injury, commercial and property litigation and Social Security hearings.

Bill is a member of the Richland County Bar Association, Orangeburg County Bar Association, American Bar Association, SC Bar, SC Association for Justice and the American Association for Justice.

He was recognized in The Best Lawyers of America and received the Best Grandad Award from his grandchildren. He is involved with community organizations such as Meals on Wheels and the local soup kitchen.

His favorite memory from law school was meeting his wife, Jean.

His advice for young lawyers, “Work hard at what you like. Never work so hard that you don’t have time for those you love.”

He has been blessed with two wonderful partnerships: first with his wife, Jean and second with I.S. Leevy Johnson and Luther Battiste.

John C. von Lehe Jr. Charleston, SC John C. von Lehe Jr. was born on March 26, 1943. He received his B.S. from the University of South Carolina in 1965, his J.D. from USC School of Law and LLM from Washington University in 1969.

He practices law with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarbourgh, LLP, where he specializes in taxation, estate planning and appellate law. He previously practiced with another leading SC firm, was the Assistant Attorney General for SC, where he served as counsel to the SC Tax Commission and was CPA at CC McGregor.

From 1989 to 2018, he was recognized in The Best Lawyers of America - Appellate Law and Taxation and was listed in the SC Super Lawyers - Estate Planning and Probate from 2010 to 2017. He received The Order of Palmetto in 2006.

He is a member of the American Bar Association, SC Association of Certified Public Accountants, Fellow American College of Tax Counsel and the American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel.

He is a member of the SC Bar, trustee and former president of the SC Bar Foundation, member of the Commission on Legal Education, former Gubernatorial Appointee of the Tax Study Commission, chairman of the board of directors for the South Carolina State Museum and board member and former board president of the Charleston Museum.

Robert L. Wynne III Spartanburg, SC Robert L. Wynne III was born on October 23, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia. He received his B.S. from Davidson College and his J.D., cum laude from USC School of Law.

Prior to his retirement, he practiced law with Holcombe, Bomar, PA, was vice present and general counsel of Denny’s and senior vice president and general counsel of Flagstar Corporation.

In 2010, he received the Justice Claude A. Taylor Distinguished Service Award from the Spartanburg County Bar Association.

He served on the board of trustees for the Spartanburg County School District No. 7, the Spartanburg County Legal Aid, Inc. and the American National Red Cross, Spartanburg Chapter. He was a trustee with the Mary Black Foundation and Spartanburg County Foundation, where he served as chair in 2001. He was a member of SC Higher Education Commission and currently is a member of the Spartanburg Rotary Club.

He is a member of the Spartanburg County Bar Association and SC Bar, where he served on its Senior Lawyers Division Ex. Council. He was a former member of the American Bar Association. He was formerly a member of USC School of Law Partnership Board and the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference. He is a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

His favorite memory from law school was developing friendships that have lasted 50 years.

J. Rutledge Young Jr. Charleston, SC J. Rutledge Young Jr. was born on March 28, 1943. He received his B.A. in History and LL.B. from the University of Virginia. He served in the U.S. Army and was awarded a bronze star for service as Captain of MACV Advisory Team No.7 from 1969 to 1970.

He practices law with Duffy & Young, where he specializes in complex business issues and issues affecting individuals and their families. He previously practiced with Young Clement Rivers, LLP.

Rutledge holds the highest professional AV Preeminent rating in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory and has been listed for more than 30 years in the Best Lawyers in America and for more than 10 in years in Chambers USA America’s Leading Business Lawyers. He is a South Carolina Superlawyer and also has been selected as a Best Lawyer in America for Bet-the-Company Litigation every year since 1999.

He is a member of the S.C. Defense Trial Lawyers Association and the SC Bar, where he served as president in 1994-1995. He served on the S.C. Supreme Court’s Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline.

He served on Charleston’s City Council and the boards of BB&T, Woodberry Forest School, Historic Charleston Foundation, S.C. Coastal Conservation League and Lowcountry Land Trust. He was president of a railroad and co-director of business development for American Windsurfer Magazine. Rutledge currently serves on the board of the Charleston Library Society and Brick House Plantation.

DO YOU REMEMBER… A Sign of the Times *Average Annual Income: $7,700 *Gas Per Gallon: 34 cents *New Car: $2,822 *New House: $14,950 *Hourly Federal Minimum Wage: $1.60 U.S. Statistics *President: Richard Nixon *Vice President: Hubert H. Humphrey *Life Expectancy: 74.1 years for women & 66 years for men *Population: 200.7 million Major News Stories *Assignation of Robert F. Kennedy and Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. *North Korea captured the American surveillance ship USS Pueblo; *Apollo 8 mission, humans orbited the moon Best Sellers *The Double Helix by James D. Watson *Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick *Airport by Arthur Hailey *Couples by John Updike *Soul on Ice by Eldridge Cleaver *The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr Classic Movies *2001: A Space Odyssey *Once Upon a Time in the West *Rosemary’s Baby *Planet of the Apes *Funny Girl *The Lion in Winter Popular TV Programs *Rowan & Martin’s Laugh *Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. *Bonanza *Family Affair *Gunsmoke *The Dean Martin Show *The Andy Griffith Show Timeless Music *All Along the Watchtower, The Jimi Hendrix Experience *While My Guitar Gently Weeps and Hey Jude, The Beatles *The Weight, The Band *Jumpin Jack Flash, The Rolling Stones *Born to Be Wild, Steppenwolf

Photographs from this memorable event will be posted on the South Carolina Bar website at www.scbar.org/niftyfifty.