COLUMBIA, S.C. – John F. Kuppens, a partner in Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP's Columbia office, was unanimously approved as a member of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel. An international organization founded over 80 years ago, FDCC includes members who have achieved professional distinction as leaders in the legal community. Its membership is selective, limited, and by nomination only.

Kuppens is the Immediate Past President of DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar. He is a member of the Firm's Consumer Product Safety, Risk Prevention & Regulatory Practice Group and its Consumer & Mechanical Products Litigation Group. Kuppens has been recognized by Legal 500, Best Lawyers in America, Who's Who Legal, and South Carolina Super Lawyers for his product liability defense practice, having defended product manufacturers and retailers in several states for 29 years. He also counsels clients on risk prevention and CPSC regulatory issues.

Other Nelson Mullins attorneys in the FDCC are Huntington managing partner Marc Williams, Columbia partner Robert Foster, Raleigh partner Christopher Blake, and Huntington partner Robert Massie.

Established in 1897, Nelson Mullins has more than 750 attorneys and government relations professionals with offices in 11 states and Washington, D.C. For more information on the firm, go to www.nelsonmullins.com.