The 2026 South Carolina Bar Convention, scheduled for Jan. 22–25 in Savannah, GA promises to be one of the most dynamic gatherings of legal professionals in the region. Nelson Mullins is proud to serve as a corporate sponsor for this premier event, which brings together attorneys, judges, and thought leaders for four days of continuing legal education and networking. This year, the firm will have an impressive presence, with eight attorneys participating in panels across a wide range of practice areas, underscoring our commitment to leadership and innovation in the legal profession.

Partners Bob Coffield and Brook Andrews will contribute to the "Health Law: Trials, Tribulations, Triumphs, and Trends" panel offering a robust discussion on emerging trends and challenges in the healthcare industry. Coffield will contribute to "AI Use and Abuse in Health Care" to address the evolving role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Andrews will share insights on enforcement trends and compliance strategies on "A Look Back: 2025 Trends in Healthcare Fraud Enforcement." These sessions will explore critical issues such as fraud prevention, private equity’s influence, and legislative developments shaping the future of health law.

On the international front, partner Jay Rogers will join the panel "International Legal Issues: 2025 Retrospective and Things to Come" to examine global legal developments. His session "Interesting Times: Trade and Foreign Business Transactions" will delve into trade and foreign business transactions, offering a retrospective on 2025 and a forward-looking perspective on what lies ahead. Topics will include immigration practices, international dispute resolution, and strategies for navigating shifting regulatory landscapes.

2026 Corporate, Banking and Securities Law Updates will take center stage during the Corporate, Banking & Securities Law Section program. Partner Gary Brown will be featured on "The Most Common Securities Law Mistakes by Non-Securities Lawyers" to discuss common securities law pitfalls for non-specialists. Partner Jeffrey Kelly will follow with "Legal Implications of Artificial Intelligence" to explore the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in corporate practice, and partner Benjamin Barnhill will provide updates on South Carolina case law and statutory changes on "South Carolina Corporate Statutory and Caselaw Update." These sessions promise practical guidance for attorneys advising businesses in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

The South Carolina-From the Revolution to the 21st Century will feature retired Nelson Mullins attorney Bill Davies in a historical and forward-thinking discussion on South Carolina’s legal evolution, "250-year Anniversary of July 2, 1776." His presentation will highlight the state’s journey from the Revolution to the modern era, offering valuable context for understanding contemporary legal challenges. Additional topics in this section include wellness, tort reform, and mediation best practices.

Bias, Ethics, and Accountability in Artificial Intelligence: Legal Impacts and IP Challenges will converge in a compelling program hosted by the Diversity Committee and the Technology, Innovation, and Intellectual Property Committee. Partner Jack Pringle will moderate panels addressing bias and ethics in artificial intelligence, as well as intellectual property challenges posed by emerging technologies. These conversations will tackle pressing questions about fairness, accountability, and the legal frameworks needed to govern AI-driven innovation.

Finally, partner Travis Dayhuff will participate on the Navigating the Complexities of Administrative Practice and Procedure panel, contributing to the session "Representing Clients in Administrative Proceedings" with agency practice and regulatory trends. His insights will help practitioners navigate the complexities of administrative law in a rapidly changing policy environment.

With panels spanning healthcare, international law, corporate governance, senior practice, diversity and technology, and administrative law, Nelson Mullins is proud to play a leading role in shaping the dialogue at the 2026 South Carolina Bar Convention. This breadth of participation reflects the firm’s deep bench of talent and its ability to address complex issues across multiple disciplines. From cutting-edge discussions on artificial intelligence and intellectual property to critical updates in regulatory compliance and corporate law, our attorneys will bring practical insights and forward-thinking perspectives to every session.