Q&A

What inspired you to pursue a career in law?

When I was in the seventh grade, I had some influential teachers who would tell me I should consider becoming a lawyer based on my answers in English, social studies, and history classes. As I grew older, I thought about what I could do in life that would be meaningful. I’ve always wanted to help people, and I viewed becoming a lawyer as an opportunity to be an advocate for those who need a passionate and effective voice.

What sets you apart in your area of legal expertise?

My background is very influential and a distinguishing factor in my legal career. I grew up in a family that wasn’t poor, but we definitely weren’t considered rich. My father didn’t finish 11th grade because he had to quit school to take care of his siblings and mother after his father was killed in an accident. I saw my father work very hard to support our family, and I developed a strong understanding of the common person and people who work hard in life.

I was the first one in my family to finish college, let alone law school. This background gave me the mindset to work hard and devote the time needed to learn about the law and try to be the best I could be in the legal field. It also allows me to effectively communicate with people of all means, colors, and income levels.

Could you describe the journey that brought you where you are today?

I did well in high school and went to the University of South Carolina for my undergraduate degree, majoring in political science. I worked part-time during college but didn’t take it seriously enough to realize I needed very good grades to get into law school. After being turned down from law school the first time I applied, I worked for a year at a tire company.

I then applied to John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois, which accepted admissions in January. I moved to Chicago in 1979, during the worst snowstorm in a century. It was quite an experience for a Southern boy who had never lived outside the Midlands of South Carolina. I worked extremely hard that first semester and achieved about a 3.9 GPA. This allowed me to transfer back to the University of South Carolina Law School, where I finished in the top 20% of my class.

What do you consider your most significant achievement?

I’m very proud of the reputation I’ve achieved. Many people know that my primary goal is to help people. I honestly don’t think about the money in my profession. I even preach in my law firm that our goal is to help people and if we do that, the money will come. There are many times I’ll do work for people and never get a fee because I feel I need to help them. That’s probably my greatest achievement – having a reputation for truly wanting to help individuals and families.

Can you share a case or client experience that had a profound impact on you and/or your career?

There’s a family court case from the 1980s that stands out. I represented a father of three small children in a very tough, nasty custody battle in Lexington County, a very conservative county where it was hard for fathers to get custody at that time. We had about a three-and-a-half day trial, and despite the guardian ad litem recommending custody to the mother, the judge awarded full custody to my client.

This was extremely satisfying because I knew it was the right thing for those three kids. The mother had some serious issues, including problems with honesty and using profanity around and directed at the small children. Years later, one of the children, now an adult, contacted me for help with something else. It was rewarding to know the positive impact we had on their lives.

If you weren’t an attorney, what alternative career path might you have pursued?

If I hadn’t become a lawyer, I would have probably taken a shot at the medical field, perhaps going back to school to complete the biology requirements. Alternatively, I might have pursued a career as a counselor or financial advisor. I’m pretty good at running a business and making financial decisions, and I’ve been involved with several businesses outside of my law firm throughout my career.

What advice would you give to aspiring attorneys who are going through law school right now?

I would advise young lawyers in law school to take care of themselves. While you have to study a lot, remember your mental health. Take breaks and do something besides law sometimes. Also, never forget your roots and where you came from. Remember who helped you get where you are, whether it’s your family, a teacher, a coach, or a mentor.

What’s one thing about the legal profession that might surprise people?

One thing that might surprise people is that law school teaches you little about how to actually practice law. You learn a lot about the law and different legal areas in school, but as far as the actual practice of law, you have to get out there and just do it. A lot of it has nothing to do with what you studied in law school.

Another surprising aspect is the behavior of some lawyers towards each other. There seems to be more disrespect and negative attitudes between lawyers now than I remember in the 1980s and 90s.

Outside of practicing law, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?

My main passion outside of work is spending time with my grandchildren. I have seven grandchildren, including four from my late daughter Amanda, two from my son Josh, and one adopted by my son Benji. We love having them over, taking them on trips, and sharing stories about their mother with Amanda’s children.

I’m also very active in my church. Despite getting older, I still participate in our church’s praise band, singing and playing drums sometimes. It’s especially meaningful to perform alongside my talented granddaughter.

What source of inspiration or motivation has been the most significant driving force in your professional career and in your personal life?

My primary driving force is my Christian beliefs. In everything I do, I try to do the right thing, even if it’s not popular. This applies to my professional life, family life, and personal life.

The second driving force would be my father’s legacy. I often talk about how my father handled things in life, how he cared for people, and how he looked after poor families. His example of putting others first has been a strong motivation in my life to care for people and not put myself first.

Do you have a favorite quote?

One quote that resonates with me comes from Proverbs: “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.” It’s a reminder to stay humble and not let our own perceived wisdom be our guiding light.

I also have a saying that I’m known for: “One monkey don’t stop the show.” It means don’t think you’re so important that things can’t move forward without you. It’s a reminder that no one is irreplaceable and to keep perspective on our own importance.