Gala 2015 Program by SC Bar Foundation

Event Sustainer

Gold Sponsors

Abacus Planning Group Callison Tighe & Robinson, LLC Nexsen Pruet, LLC South Carolina Legal Services

Bronze Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Aiken Bridges, Attorneys at Law Collins & Lacy, PC Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, PA Ramsdale Law Firm, LLC SC Bar Pro Bono Program Sowell Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC Turner Padget Graham & Laney, PA Wyche, PA

Couple Sponsors

Childs & Halligan, PA The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc. Hamilton Martens Ballou & Carroll, LLC Johnson Toal & Battiste, PA Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, LLP Rosen Hagood, LLC South Carolina Legal Services Board of Directors Thomas & Shannon Scruggs Mary Sharp and Ned Tupper The University of South Carolina School of Law

Anonymous Joshua & Sarah Bennett Sue Berkowitz & Harrison Palmer Dr. & Mrs. Anthony Chibbaro Bruce & Debbie Deutschmann Russell K. Grant, CPA & Sherie F. Grant Chris Koon & Tanya Gee McGough Law Firm, PA Walton J. McLeod III and Julie McLeod Debbie S. Mollycheck, Attorney at Law Beth & Matthew Richardson Elizabeth Warner

Business Partners

Individual Sponsors

The Bankruptcy Study Group Driscoll Sheedy, PA Land Parker & Welch, PA Pritchard Law Group, LLC Richardson Plowden & Robinson, PA South State Bank Southeastern Insurance Company Willcox Buyck & Williams, PA

Delta Boston Consulting Meyer Drucker

Order of Events Reception & Fellowship Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Welcome

Elaine H. Fowler, President, SC Bar Foundation

Honoring the Nifty Fifty Awards SC Bar Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year Ellen Hines Smith Legal Services Lawyer of the Year Marthaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Moment: Remembering Stephen G. Morrison Recognition of Liberty and Justice Legacy Donors

Remarks

Inez M. Tenenbaum, Honorary Chair

Silent Auction, Fellowship and Dancing The closing of the silent auction will be announced from the podium.

Nifty Fifty Class of 1965

Thomas F. Batson Townsend M. Belser Jr. Joseph W. Board Ronald E. Boston Benjamin Blakely Boyd William C. Boyd Robert W. Brown Charles H. Cook D. Kerry Crenshaw Wade Ronald Crow Charles E. Curry D. Denby Davenport Jr. Armand G. Derfner Julian W. Dority Francis T. Draine H. Emerson Duke Jr. Willis Fuller Jr. Michael D. Glenn William M. Grant Jr. J. Heyward Harvey Jr. Harry J. Haynsworth IV Leonard Krawcheck Ernest B. Lipscomb III Jack H. Lynn Wellington M. Manning Jr. C.J. Manos Ralph C. McCullough II

Nifty-Fifty

M. Laughlin McDonald David F. McInnis John W. McIntosh Thomas A. McKinney Elford H. Morgan Everette H. Newman R. Evan Palmer Thomas A. Player Jr. Gerald D. Polis W. Haigh Porter Osborne Eugene Powell Jr. Joseph M. Pracht John S. Rainey William Y. Rast Jr. William Douglas Richardson Robert Gerald Sable Barry E. Savage Robert Bruce Shaw Robert A. Shelor Jr. James M. Shoemaker Jr. James R. Thompson Tom Turnipseed Robert O. Van Norte Frank Ventre Jr. Stanley L. Waldman Forrest C. Wilkerson IV Ted Ben Wyndham

Thomas F. Batson, Greenville

University of South Carolina School of Law Furman University Favorite law school memory: “Dean Figg was always walking the and reading two or three law books at the same time.” After graduating from the University of South Carolina School of Law, Thomas F. Batson spent most of his career as a Federal Administrative Law Judge. Batson also spent time as an assistant US Attorney and practiced law at Rainey Fant and Horton. Batson is a member of the Greenville County Bar, the Federal Bar and the Administrative Law Judges Association. When it comes to offering advice to young lawyers, Batson says, “Be patient, find your ‘nitch’ and go with it, even if it is not the highest pay.”

Charles H. Cook, Arcadia Lakes

University of South Carolina School of Law Presbyterian College Favorite law school memory: “Graduating! I also remember when a certain tort professor fell off the stage while teaching in ‘Old Petigru’ auditorium.” Richmond, Virginia native Charles Cook took on many roles after graduating from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Cook served as a reporter for the SC Supreme Court and SC Court of Appeals, as general counsel for several banks and institutions around the state and as a US Army Reserve Officer in the Judge Advocate Generals branch. Currently, he operates Cook Law Firm in Arcadia Lakes. During his time in the military, Cook earned the Army Commendation Medal while serving as a captain in the US Infantry. He is also a founding fellow of the South Carolina Bar Foundation.

Wade Ronald Crow, Bennettsville

Mercer University School of Law Clemson University Favorite law school memory: “Getting US Senator Strom Thurmond as Law Day speaker.” As a lawyer in the Bennettsville area, Wade Ronald “Ronnie” Crow knows the importance of serving his community. He was elected to the Marlboro County Council in 1972 and then to the House of Representatives in 1975. In 1981, Crow had the honor of serving as mayor for the City of Bennettsville. Crow continues to serve the community as a member of the Marlboro County Transportation Committee and through his law practice.

Nifty-Fifty

Armand Georges Derfner, Charleston Yale Law School Princeton University Favorite law school memory: “Every minute from beginning to end.” Armand Georges Derfner, born in Paris, practiced law in Washington, DC and Mississippi before coming to South Carolina. He is currently a partner at Derfner Altman & Wilborn, LLC in Charleston, where he practices litigation, appeals, civil and constructional rights and labor law. Derfner also spent time as a visiting professor at American University Law School. Derfner has received many honors during his career, including Trial Lawyer of the Year, Pro Bono Firm of the Year, the League of Women Voter’s Spirit of Democracy Award and awards from the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP.

Michael D. Glenn, Anderson

University of South Carolina School of Law Furman University Favorite law school memory: “Lectures by Coleman Karesh, David Means and Dean Figg.” Michael Glenn, an attorney in Anderson, practices litigation and alternative dispute resolution with Glenn Haigler & Stathakis, LLP. Glenn spent time as a city, county and family court judge, but the most memorable moment of Glenn’s career was when he received the Order of the Palmetto. Glenn stays very active in the law community. He serves on the SC Bar Board of Governors and the Board of Bar Examiners. He is also very active in his community. He is an elder at Young Memorial ARP Church, chair of the Governor’s Juvenile Justice Council, chair of the SC Department of Youth Services and a member of the Palmetto Bank Board of Directors.

Harry J. Haynsworth IV, Williamsburg, Va. Lutheran Southern Theological Seminary Duke University School of Law Duke University Favorite law school memory: “Nightly bridge games that lasted until 10 PM.” After graduation, Harry Haynsworth spent his career molding the minds of young law students. Haynsworth spent a majority of his time as president and dean of William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. He also served as dean and professor at Illinois University School of Law and as a professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law. Haynsworth received an Honorary Doctor of Law degree from Williams Mitchell College of Law and is a recipient of the Order of the Palmetto.

Nifty-Fifty

Jack H. Lynn, Greenville University of South Carolina School of Law University of South Carolina Favorite law school memory: “Getting my law degree and meeting Bobby Kennedy while a student at USC.” A criminal defense attorney, Jack Lynn has spent most of his career in private practice in Greenville. In addition, Lynn spent four years in the US Navy. Lynn has many memories of law school at the University of South Carolina, but one that sticks out the most is his meeting with Bobby Kennedy. When it comes to giving advice to younger lawyers, Lynn just has one tip: Employ a good secretary!

Everette H. Newman, Anderson

University of South Carolina School of Law University of South Carolina Favorite law school memory: “Attaining Wig and Robe Status.” Everette H. Newman was born in West Virginia and attended college at the University of South Carolina, obtaining a degree in political science. Newman graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1965, where he was a member of the Order of the Wig and Robe and earned American Jurisprudence awards. After graduation, Newman spent significant time at Jones Newman Kunes Holman and Cox and was active in his community. He has been chair of many organizations, including the USC Development Foundation, the YMCA, USC Law School Partnership Board and the Rotary Club. Newman is now retired and resides in Anderson.

O. Eugene Powell Jr., Columbia University of South Carolina School of Law Wofford College Favorite law school memory: “The dry humor of Professor Coleman Karesh and Dean Figg’s colorful stories in criminal law from his days as a solicitor and for his role in the Clarendon County cases.” O. Eugene “Gene” Powell Jr. has dedicated his life to service. Retired after 35 years of service in the US Naval Reserve and US Army and after two stints of active service in Vietnam and Desert Storm, Powell received numerous awards. He was honored with the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, SC State Guard Homeland Achievement Medal and the Palmetto Cross. Powell currently practices at Bluestein Nichols Thompson & Delgado, where he specializes in veteran disability appeals, social security federal court appeals and litigation support and mediation.

Nifty-Fifty

R. Bruce Shaw, Columbia

University of South Carolina School of Law University of South Carolina Favorite law school memory: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sessions with Dean Figg.â&#x20AC;? During his time at the University of South Carolina School of Law, Columbia attorney Bruce Shaw was a member of the Order of the Wig & Robe and Phi Delta Phi and was Law Notes and Law Survey Editor of the South Carolina Law Review. Shaw is currently a senior partner of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough in Columbia and is active in his community. He served in the SC Bar House of Delegates and on many committees on the state, national and international level, including the American College of Trial Lawyers, American Board of Trial Advocates and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. In the community, Shaw currently serves on the SC Philharmonic Board of Directors.

James R. Thompson, Gaffney

University of South Carolina School of Law Presbyterian College James R. Thompson is a partner with Saint-Amand Thompson and Mathis, LLC in Gaffney, where he specializes in real estate, family, probate and civil litigation. In addition, Thompson served his country in the US Army as a part of the medical service corps. He was honorably discharged as a captain. Thompson enjoys spending time with his wife, three children and eight grandchildren.

Nifty-Fifty

Ellen Hines Smith Legal Services Lawyer of the Year

Kimaka Nichols-Graham

University of South Carolina School of Law, JD Rutgers University, Masters Winthrop University, BA Kimaka Nichols-Graham has been with South Carolina Legal Services since 1998. She currently serves as the managing attorney of the Greenville office and as the head of the firm’s education law unit. Her practice focuses on family law and children’s law cases including divorce, custody, school discipline, special education and special needs adoptions. In her capacity as education unit head, she is responsible for securing local funding, training attorneys across the state on how to represent students in the public education system and educating parents on how to be advocate for their children. It has been said of Kimaka that she “actively carries out the aspirational pro bono goals of all lawyers and represents the very highest ideals of Legal Services. She not only ‘talks the talk,’ but “walks the walk.’” The Ellen Hines Smith Legal Services Lawyer of the Year Award was established in 1989 and is named in memory of Ellen Hines Smith of Spartanburg. Ellen was the founding director of Piedmont Legal Services. She served as a member of Spartanburg City Council and a municipal court judge. Her entire legal career was devoted to the creation and provision of legal services to the citizens of South Carolina. Her commitment and leadership were recognized both in South Carolina and across the nation. The award is presented to recognize a lawyer who has demonstrated long-term commitment to legal services to the poor in South Carolina.

Nichols-Graham with her daughter

Nichols-Graham (right) working in Greenville office

Awards

SC Bar Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year John E. Robinson Charleston School of Law, JD Clemson University, BA John E. Robinson is a partner at McDowell and Robinson, where he practices with a focus on property and estate-related litigation. He is also commissioned as a Pro Bono Prosecutor for the SC Attorney General’s Office in criminal domestic violence cases and is a pro bono counsel for farmers, farm employees and heirs’ property owners in the Lowcountry. John is a member of the Charleston County Bar Association, SC Bar Young Lawyers Division Voices Against Violence Committee and is president of the Charleston School of Law alumni association. He is also a Charleston School of Law Student Mentor. John’s commitment to pro bono was described as follows: “John does his pro bono activities all while managing a very busy, very small Charleston law office. He does these activities while being involved in Bar activities. He does these activities while serving as the president of the Charleston School of Law alumni association.”

The South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year Award is presented annually to lawyers and firms who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to volunteer legal services for the poor and disadvantaged.

Robinson with wife and daughter

Awards

Robinson with wife

Martha’s Moment Stephen G. Morrison Harvard Graduate School of Business, Advanced Management Program University of South Carolina School of Law, JD University of Michigan, BA, Business Administration A partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, Stephen G. Morrison’s practice focused on technology law and litigation, business and product liability and securities litigation. In a career spanning almost 40 years, he tried more than 260 jury trials to verdict in state and federal courts across the country and argued more than 60 appeals in the nation’s highest courts. He also argued before the US Supreme Court. Morrison spent almost 30 years molding the minds of young law students as an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he taught courses in legal writing and trial advocacy. Morrison was served as president of the Voice of the Defense Bar, chair of the SC Bar House of Delegates and president of Lawyers for Civil Justice. Because of his service to the profession, the SC Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association awarded him the Robert Hemphill Award. Morrison also served on the boards of Allen University, Benedict College, the Central Carolina Community Foundation, Columbia Museum of Art, the Foundation for Columbia’s Future, Historic Columbia, Homeworks, the South Carolina Humanities Council and the Palmetto Health Foundation, among others. Throughout his career, Morrison devoted thousands of hours in pro bono work in the pursuit of justice, advocating for those who had little or no access to civil legal aid. He freely invested his time to represent the poorest, most isolated and predominantly African American public school children in South Carolina. As co-counsel in Abbeville et al v. State of South Carolina he fought for equality in education funding. Because of this effort, the SC Education Association honored him with the 2012 Walker E. Solomon Award for striving for the eradication of racial inequities in the education profession, school and community. Martha’s Moment was created in memory of Martha B. Dicus. It was established to remember those lawyers who passed too soon, but during their lifetimes, displayed a tremendous commitment to public and professional service in the legal community.

Morrison with family

Morrison

Awards

Special Thanks Karen Brosius, Columbia Museum of Art Tara Caine, SC Bar Columbia Printing & Graphics Jeremy Frazier & Jason Stokes, SC Bar Media Services Janie Langdale and Paula Williamson, Collins & Lacy Jim Lehman, Nelson Mullins James T. McLawhorn Jr., Columbia Urban League Honorary Chair Inez M. Tenenbaum SC Bar Senior Lawyers Division