COLUMBIA, S.C. — Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP is pleased to announce Karen Manning has rejoined the firm as a partner in Columbia. Manning returns to Nelson Mullins after nearly three decades as Chief Legal Counsel for the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce), where she advised the agency on a broad range of legal, regulatory, and strategic matters supporting economic development and business growth across the state.

“Having been in her former position for almost as long as S.C. Commerce has existed as a cabinet agency, Karen brings a unique combination of sophisticated legal experience, deep knowledge of government operations, and nearly 30 years of leadership in South Carolina’s economic development community,” said Tom Brumgardt, leader of the Columbia Corporate Team. “We are thrilled to welcome her back to Nelson Mullins. Her perspective will be invaluable to our clients as they navigate complex legal matters.”

As Chief Legal Counsel, Manning oversaw and advised on legal matters affecting S.C. Commerce, including economic development, government operations, contracts, regulatory issues, and strategic initiatives. Her extensive experience working at the intersection of business, government, and economic development gives her a unique perspective on complex legal and regulatory matters and public-private initiatives.

“Having known Karen for decades and working with her as our general counsel at the Commerce Department, I am certain that private sector companies seeking economic development support in South Carolina will find her a remarkably qualified and creative advisor. As a member of the Commerce senior management team, working directly with project staff and management, her guidance and concurrence were critical to the agency’s long-term success,” said Bobby Hitt, former Secretary of Commerce for South Carolina.

Prior to joining S.C. Commerce, Manning practiced at Nelson Mullins, where she handled complex commercial disputes, including computer software litigation and drug and medical device products liability matters. Her return to the firm marks a homecoming to the platform where she previously built a successful practice, now strengthened by the perspective and experience gained through decades of advising one of South Carolina’s leading state agencies.

“Returning to Nelson Mullins is an exciting opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and contribute to a firm I have long respected,” Manning said. “My years with the Department of Commerce provided me with a firsthand understanding of the legal and strategic issues businesses and government entities face when pursuing economic development and growth. I look forward to bringing that experience to my work with clients.”