Charleston, South Carolina, boasts a thriving legal market supported by a diverse economy and a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to several large employers that provide significant opportunities for legal professionals. Key sectors include healthcare, education, manufacturing, and hospitality, each contributing to a dynamic legal landscape.
Major institutions and corporate legal departments shape the legal employment scene in Charleston. This vibrant mix of industries ensures a steady demand for legal expertise, making Charleston a compelling destination for legal professionals seeking growth and career development.
Biggest Law Firms in Charleston
- Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP: Founded in 1897, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP is a nationally recognized law firm with over 800 attorneys across 25 offices, including Charleston. As an Am Law 100 firm, Nelson Mullins is known for its robust litigation, corporate, and healthcare practices. The firm has been involved in notable cases, including multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical litigations and significant mergers and acquisitions, reflecting its extensive expertise and influence.
- Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.: Established in 1887, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. is one of South Carolina’s oldest and most respected law firms. With over 115 attorneys in six offices, including Charleston, the firm specializes in business litigation, healthcare, and public finance. Notable work includes advising on major municipal bond issuances and representing healthcare systems in complex regulatory matters, showcasing their depth in both corporate and public sectors.
- Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP: Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP is a transatlantic law firm with a strong presence in Charleston. The firm, founded in 1876, employs over 1,000 lawyers across 27 offices in the U.S. and U.K. Known for its expertise in intellectual property, real estate, and corporate law, Womble Bond Dickinson handles high-profile cases for Fortune 500 companies and has been involved in landmark IP litigation and significant real estate transactions.
- Moore & Van Allen PLLC: Founded in 1950, Moore & Van Allen PLLC is a leading Southeastern law firm with more than 300 attorneys, including a prominent office in Charleston. The firm excels in corporate law, financial services, and intellectual property. Notable achievements include advising on multi-million dollar financial transactions and high-stakes IP litigation, reflecting their prowess in handling complex legal issues for major corporations and financial institutions.
- Hall Booth Smith, P.C.: Hall Booth Smith, P.C., established in 1989, has grown to over 300 attorneys across 24 offices, including Charleston. The firm specializes in insurance defense, healthcare, and employment law. Hall Booth Smith is known for defending hospitals in medical malpractice suits and representing employers in complex labor disputes, demonstrating their strength in litigation and regulatory compliance.
- Steinberg Law Firm: Steinberg Law Firm, founded in 1927, is a well-respected Charleston-based firm specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and social security disability law. With a team of dedicated attorneys, the firm has secured substantial settlements for clients, including multi-million dollar verdicts in personal injury cases. Steinberg Law Firm is celebrated for its client-focused approach and commitment to justice.
- Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP: Founded in 1925, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP is a full-service law firm with over 265 attorneys across 10 offices, including Charleston. The firm offers expertise in corporate law, litigation, and healthcare. Shumaker is known for its work in complex commercial litigation and high-value mergers and acquisitions, serving a diverse range of clients from startups to multinational corporations.
- Motley Rice LLC: Motley Rice LLC, established in 2003, is a prominent plaintiff litigation firm based in Charleston. With over 70 attorneys, the firm is renowned for its work in asbestos litigation, securities fraud, and consumer protection. Notable cases include representing 9/11 victims in litigation against terrorist financiers and securing substantial settlements in pharmaceutical and environmental cases, underscoring their commitment to public interest and justice.
- Barnwell Whaley Patterson & Helms, LLC: Founded in 1938, Barnwell Whaley Patterson & Helms, LLC is a distinguished Charleston firm with a focus on intellectual property, business litigation, and construction law. The firm’s attorneys have successfully represented clients in complex patent disputes and high-stakes construction litigation. Their expertise in navigating intricate legal challenges has made them a trusted advisor for businesses and innovators.
- Richardson Plowden & Robinson, P.A.: Richardson Plowden & Robinson, P.A., established in 1973, is a full-service law firm with offices in Charleston, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach. The firm’s 60+ attorneys specialize in civil litigation, construction law, and professional liability. Notable achievements include defending architects in complex construction defect cases and representing professionals in high-profile malpractice suits, highlighting their litigation strength and industry-specific knowledge.
Charleston
Charleston’s legal market is rooted in its historic charm and growing business sectors, particularly in real estate, maritime law, and tourism. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast, Charleston offers lawyers opportunities in areas such as land use, construction law, and environmental regulations. The city’s vibrant economy and coastal location make it an ideal setting for legal professionals involved in development projects and commercial transactions.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a position with one of the largest companies in Charleston often requires navigating a competitive job market, and working with a legal recruiter can significantly enhance your chances. Below are some of the biggest employers of lawyers in Charleston, highlighting their history, organization size, and notable work.
- The Boeing Company: Founded in 1916, The Boeing Company is a global aerospace leader with a substantial presence in Charleston. The North Charleston facility, part of Boeing’s Commercial Airplanes division, employs thousands of people, including a dedicated legal team. Lawyers at Boeing handle a variety of issues, including compliance, intellectual property, and complex litigation. Notable work includes managing legal aspects of large-scale production and international trade regulations.
- Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC): MUSC, founded in 1824, is a premier academic health system in Charleston. Employing over 13,000 people, including a significant number of legal professionals, MUSC’s legal team focuses on healthcare law, regulatory compliance, and medical malpractice defense. The university’s attorneys are integral in navigating the complex legal landscape of healthcare, ensuring adherence to state and federal regulations, and managing litigation risks.
- Blackbaud Inc.: Founded in 1981, Blackbaud Inc. is a leading provider of software and services for the global philanthropic community. Headquartered in Charleston, the company employs over 3,000 people. Blackbaud’s legal team deals with issues related to intellectual property, corporate governance, and compliance. Notable cases involve defending the company’s innovative software solutions against infringement and ensuring compliance with international data protection laws.
- Roper St. Francis Healthcare: Roper St. Francis Healthcare, established in 1829, is Charleston’s only private, not-for-profit healthcare provider. The organization employs more than 5,600 people, including a robust legal department. Lawyers at Roper St. Francis handle healthcare law, patient privacy issues, and employment law. They are crucial in managing the legal aspects of providing comprehensive healthcare services across the region.
- The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA): The South Carolina Ports Authority, founded in 1942, operates several major ports, including the Port of Charleston. SCPA employs a dedicated team of legal professionals who manage maritime law, regulatory compliance, and commercial transactions. Their legal team plays a vital role in supporting the state’s economic growth by handling significant import/export legalities and ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.
- Charleston County School District (CCSD): Charleston County School District, one of the largest employers in the area, serves over 50,000 students across 87 schools. The district’s legal team deals with education law, labor relations, and compliance with federal and state education regulations. Lawyers at CCSD are essential in managing legal challenges related to student rights, employment disputes, and policy implementation.
- Benefitfocus: Benefitfocus, established in 2000, is a leading provider of cloud-based benefits management software. Headquartered in Charleston, the company employs over 1,000 people. The legal team at Benefitfocus handles corporate governance, intellectual property, and compliance. They have been involved in significant legal matters, including data protection and software licensing disputes, ensuring the company’s innovative solutions meet all legal requirements.
- Spoleto Festival USA: Spoleto Festival USA, founded in 1977, is one of America’s premier performing arts festivals held annually in Charleston. The festival’s legal team addresses issues related to entertainment law, contract negotiations, and intellectual property. Lawyers here ensure compliance with performance contracts, intellectual property rights for artistic works, and manage legal aspects of international artist engagements.
- Charleston Water System: Charleston Water System, established in 1917, is a public water utility serving the Charleston area. The organization employs a dedicated legal team that handles environmental law, regulatory compliance, and public utility law. Lawyers at Charleston Water System ensure compliance with environmental regulations, manage litigation related to water quality issues, and handle contracts for infrastructure projects.
- The Beach Company: Founded in 1945, The Beach Company is a leading real estate development firm headquartered in Charleston. The company employs a significant legal team focused on real estate law, zoning, and corporate transactions. Notable projects include the development of major residential and commercial properties across the Southeast, with lawyers playing a crucial role in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and securing necessary approvals.