On The Move
Benchmark Litigation 2013 Results Announced
Oct 25, 2012
COLUMBIA, SC - October 25, 2012 - Turner Padget Graham & Laney
has been named one of five “highly recommended” local litigation firms
in South Carolina. Nine of our shareholders have been named “Local
Litigation Stars.” They are Wayne Byrd, Kenny Carter, Eddie Laney,
Steve Ouzts, Thom Salane, Duvall Spruill, Tim St. Clair, John Wilkerson
and Drew Williams. Benchmark Litigation, the definitive guide to
America’s leading litigation firms and attorneys, made the following
comments about the firm.
Turner Padget Graham & Laney is a
well-established fixture on the local legal market. Founded in 1929 by a
former attorney for the South Carolina Tax Commission, the firm has
grown from a sole practitioner’s office to encompass a staff of more
than 200 and five offices across the state. “The firm has locations in
strategic areas of the state,” opines a client. “This allows them to
know the judges, the clerks of the court, and the sheriffs. This matters
in South Carolina and federal courts.” In addition to its headquarters
in Columbia, Turner Padget has branch offices in Charleston, Florence,
Greenville, and Myrtle Beach. A client praises the firm’s no-nonsense
approach to litigation. “The firm has a winning attitude,” says a
client. “You want sound advice and if they think you need to eat it and
settle, they will tell you the truth.”
Wayne Byrd, based at the
firm’s Myrtle Beach office, is noted by peers and clients for his
securities and general commercial litigation practice. “Wayne is just an
amazing litigator,” enthuses a client. “He is brutal on the opposition
because his is almost always smarter than the other lawyer and sees
issues much faster. He gets out in front of things and drives the other
lawyer crazy.” Byrd obtained a direct verdict on behalf of his plaintiff
client Hotel & Motel Holdings in a breach of contract case, seeking
$6.45 million in damages in connection with loan guaranties. The judge
has the attorney’s fees issue under advisement.
Kenneth Carter,
Jr. has successfully defended Ford Motors at the trial and appellate
levels against alleged design defects in a model’s roof. A client sings
the praises of Carter and fellow product liability litigator Andrew
Williams: “Carter and Williams are very knowledgeable, practical and
cost conscious. As lawyers who have tried cases, they understand what
need to be done to obtain a desired result and what is merely process.”
