Bar News

• Citation: Vol. 37 No. 3
• Year: 2025

BAR NEWS

Vol. 37 Issue 3 Pg. 8

South Carolina Lawyer

December, 2025

Members of the Young Lawyers Division went from the courtroom to the classroom to talk to students about the Constitution and the legal system, inspiring them to become lawyers as well!

South Carolina's law schools made histoiy this spring at the prestigious Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, held March 27 - April 2, 2025 in Vienna, Austria. Competing among more than 400 universities worldwide, both the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law and Charleston School of Law achieved their highest placements to date.

Employment &Labor Law Section Distinguished Lawyer Award

Congratulations to David McCormack, the recipient of the 2025 Employment &Labor Law Section Distinguished Lawyer Award. Each year, the section honors an individual nominated by their professional peers for meritorious service to employment and labor law practice in the state of South Carolina.

Our sincere congratulations to the Honorable Thomas W. Cooper. Jr. on being awarded the Chief Justice's Lifetime Achievement Award!

Chief Justice Kittredge surprised Judge Cooper with this prestigious honor, and during his acceptance, Judge Cooper exemplified his trademark sincerity, humility, and civility. He expressed his thanks to everyone present, acknowledging the many who traveled a great distance to attend. While Judge Cooper's humble gratitude was evident, it was clear that everyone in attendance would have journeyed to the ends of the earth to pay tribute to this icon of legal integrity.

Announcing the Leadership Academy Class of 2026

We are pleased to announce that Ella Alston. Bronte Anelli, David Crocker, Kaitlyn Easier, Ariyana Gore. Margaret Johnson, Rachel Lee, Kate Mills, Alicia Morris, James Nauck and Destinee Wilson have been selected to participate in the 2026 Leadership Academy, a selective program that cultivates the next generation of leaders within the South Carolina Bar.

Celebrating Service and (Commitment

During the 2025 South Carolina Solicitors' Annual Conference in Myrtle Beach, the South Carolina Solicitors Association celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Commission on Prosecution Coordination marked 35 years. The event also introduced the Solicitor John R. Justice Scholarship Program, honoring assistant solicitors for their dedication to justice and support for crime victims.

In Memoriam

Adam Gabriel Wood, 32, of Fort Mill passed away on August 10, 2025.

Brandon Gregory Nobles, 43, of Fort Mill, SC passed away on October 3, 2025.

Cate Elizabeth Cardinale, 33, of Columbia passed away on August 21, 2025.

Charles Edward Houston, Jr., 84, of Atlanta, GA passed away on September 21, 2025.

Daryl Lloyd Williams, 74, of Columbia passed away on September 7, 2025.

Dennis Charles "Chuck''

Dukes, 45, of Charleston passed away on July 29, 2025.

George Dennis Sims, 78, of Simpsonville passed away on August 21, 2025.

Julia Patricia Anderson, 75. of Spartanburg passed away on August 18, 2025.

Martin Charles Puetz. 75. of North Augusta passed away on August 18, 2025.

The Honorable Ralph King Anderson. Jr., 88, of Florence passed away on March 29, 2025.

Thomas Ross Haggard. 85, of Columbia passed away on October 6, 2025.

Tommy Bartlett Edwards, 76, of Anderson passed away on August 12, 2025.

William "Jeff" Christie II, 81, of Spirit Lake, IA passed away on June 2, 2025.

Congratulations to retired criminal defense attorney John Rhea on the publication of his first novel, "Lifer." Rhea draws on his years of legal practice to weave the stoiy of an incarcerated attorney's experience navigating his life in prison and family loyalty.