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James Smith

James Smith

Partner

Meridian
1320 Main Street
17th Floor
Columbia, SC 29201
T 803.255.9437
james.smith@nelsonmullins.com
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James focuses his practice on litigation. His substantial experience includes commercial litigation, business litigation, civil litigation, probate litigation, personal injury, product liability, automotive crashworthiness, alternative dispute resolution, contract negotiation, intellectual property, entertainment law, and medical malpractice. Additionally, James has experience with political campaigns, election law, estate planning, federal government affairs, political consulting, small business, mediation,...

James focuses his practice on litigation. His substantial experience includes commercial litigation, business litigation, civil litigation, probate litigation, personal injury, product liability, automotive crashworthiness, alternative dispute resolution, contract negotiation, intellectual property, entertainment law, and medical malpractice. Additionally, James has experience with political campaigns, election law, estate planning, federal government affairs, political consulting, small business, mediation, and trial. He is a former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives where he served as a minority leader, a veteran, a Major in the South Carolina Army National Guard, and an active member of the community. 

James Smith

and trial. He is a former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives where he served as a minority leader, a veteran, a Major in the South Carolina Army National Guard, and an active member of the community. 

Experience

The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Previous Professional Experience

  • Special Assistant to the President, University of South Carolina (2020-2022)
  • Executive Director of Military Programs and Strategies, University of South Carolina (2019-2020)
  • President /CEO, The Congaree Group, LLC (2011-2020)
  • Managing Shareholder Attorney, James E Smith Jr PA (1996-2022)
  • Representative, South Carolina House of Representatives (1996-2018)
  • Associate, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough (1995-1996)
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Previous Professional Experience

  • Special Assistant to the President, University of South Carolina (2020-2022)
  • Executive Director of Military Programs and Strategies, University of South Carolina (2019-2020)
  • President /CEO, The Congaree Group, LLC (2011-2020)
  • Managing Shareholder Attorney, James E Smith Jr PA (1996-2022)
  • Representative, South Carolina House of Representatives (1996-2018)
  • Associate, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough (1995-1996)

Media

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Recognitions

The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.

  • Most Distinguished Young Alumni Award USC
  • Sgt. William Jasper Freedom Award SC Chamber of Commerce
  • Civic Star Award Richland County Bar
  • Distinguished Service Award USC College of Arts and Sciences
  • Wilkins Legislative Leadership Award, The Riley Institute
  • Distinguished Service Award USC Veteran Alumni Council
  • The Compleat Lawyer Award – Gold Medallion
  • Veteran of the Week, South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs

Community

  • Board Member, Big Red Barn Retreat (2023-Present)
  • Member, Patriot’s Point Development Authority (2023-Present)
  • Board Member, Main Street District (2020-Present)
  • Board Member, Secretary, The River Alliance (2020- Present)
  • Board Member, The Humanities Council SC (2017-Present)
  • Board Member, Friends of the Edisto (2014 – Present)
  • Charter Board Member, Vice Chair, Congaree Riverkeeper (2010-Present)

Military

  • Joint Forces Command Joint Operations Center, South Carolina Army National Guard (2016-Present)
  • Infantry Officer, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan (2007-2008)
  • Judge Advocate General’s Corps., United States Army Reserves and South Carolina Army National Guard (1996-2003)

Awards

  • Bronze Star Metal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Purple Heart

James focuses his practice on litigation. His substantial experience includes commercial litigation, business litigation, civil litigation, probate litigation, personal injury, product liability, automotive crashworthiness, alternative dispute resolution, contract negotiation, intellectual property, entertainment law, and medical malpractice. Additionally, James has experience with political campaigns, election law, estate planning, federal government affairs, political consulting, small business, mediation,... and trial. He is a former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives where he served as a minority leader, a veteran, a Major in the South Carolina Army National Guard, and an active member of the community. 

Experience

The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Previous Professional Experience

  • Special Assistant to the President, University of South Carolina (2020-2022)
  • Executive Director of Military Programs and Strategies, University of South Carolina (2019-2020)
  • President /CEO, The Congaree Group, LLC (2011-2020)
  • Managing Shareholder Attorney, James E Smith Jr PA (1996-2022)
  • Representative, South Carolina House of Representatives (1996-2018)
  • Associate, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough (1995-1996)

Education

  • University of South Carolina School of Law, JD
  • University of South Carolina, BA

Admissions

  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Georgia
  • U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.

  • Most Distinguished Young Alumni Award USC
  • Sgt. William Jasper Freedom Award SC Chamber of Commerce
  • Civic Star Award Richland County Bar
  • Distinguished Service Award USC College of Arts and Sciences
  • Wilkins Legislative Leadership Award, The Riley Institute
  • Distinguished Service Award USC Veteran Alumni Council
  • The Compleat Lawyer Award – Gold Medallion
  • Veteran of the Week, South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs
  • Board Member, Big Red Barn Retreat (2023-Present)
  • Member, Patriot’s Point Development Authority (2023-Present)
  • Board Member, Main Street District (2020-Present)
  • Board Member, Secretary, The River Alliance (2020- Present)
  • Board Member, The Humanities Council SC (2017-Present)
  • Board Member, Friends of the Edisto (2014 – Present)
  • Charter Board Member, Vice Chair, Congaree Riverkeeper (2010-Present)
  • Joint Forces Command Joint Operations Center, South Carolina Army National Guard (2016-Present)
  • Infantry Officer, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan (2007-2008)
  • Judge Advocate General’s Corps., United States Army Reserves and South Carolina Army National Guard (1996-2003)

Awards

  • Bronze Star Metal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Purple Heart