Nine join school's Board of Advisors

Lawyers, judges to provide input to school's governing board, students

CHARLESTON, S.C., May 4, 2009 -- Nine distinguished judges and lawyers from across the state have been named to the Charleston School of Law's Board of Advisors, Chairman Alex Sanders announced today.

"We're so pleased that our students will benefit from the experience of these distinguished members of the judiciary and Bar," Sanders said. "Their willingness to help us chart the direction of our new kind of law school that values public service is welcomed and appreciated."

Joining the Board of Advisors are (in alphabetical order):

• Thomas C. Brittain: A Myrtle Beach attorney with Hearn, Brittain & Martin, Tommy Brittain has been involved in significant civil and criminal trials in recent history. He is a graduate of Wofford College and holds a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

• The Hon. Charles W. Jones: Spartanburg Magistrate Charlie Jones practiced law with Whiteside, Smith, Jones and Duncan for 30 years before becoming a full-time magistrate in 2006. He is a 1973 graduate of Wofford College and a 1976 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law.

• J. Rene Josey: Florence attorney Rene Josey, a former U.S. attorney for the District of South Carolina, practices with Turner, Padget, Graham & Laney, P.A., and has extensive trial experience focusing on trial and appellate litigation, primarily in the federal courts. He is a graduate of Clemson University and holds a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

• William Edward Lawson: Myrtle Beach attorney Ed Lawson concentrates on construction, products liability, trucking and transportation, and insurance-related matters in his practice with Turner, Padget, Graham & Laney, P.A. In private practice since 1982, he is a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College and East Tennessee State University. He holds a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

• The Hon. J.C. Nicholson Jr.: S.C. Circuit Judge J.C. (Buddy) Nicholson Jr. of Anderson has been serving on the bench since being elected by the legislature in 1999. Prior to being selected to be a judge, he served as an Air Force pilot, assistant solicitor and an attorney in private practice in Anderson with Epps & Krause. He is a graduate of The Citadel and holds a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

• Gary W. Poliakoff: Spartanburg litigator Gary Poliakoff is a trial attorney with 31 years of experience and is board certified in Civil Trial Advocacy (NBTA). The winner of numerous awards for legal and public service, he is a graduate of Washington and Lee University and holds a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

• John C. Stewart Jr.: Myrtle Beach attorney John Stewart is a partner of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP where he practices real estate, commercial and banking law. Former vice chairman of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority, he is active in civic affairs. Stewart holds a bachelor's degree from The Citadel and a law degree from Tulane University Law School.

• The Hon. John H. Waller Jr.: S.C. Supreme Court Justice John H. Waller Jr., is a Mullins native who has spent his life performing public service. As a single practitioner in Mullins, he was elected five times to serve in the S.C. House of Representatives, including a term as House Majority Leader. Elected to the state Senate in 1976, Waller was elected by his legislative peers in 1980 to be a state circuit judge. He held that position until 1994 when he was elected to the state Supreme Court. Waller has a bachelor's degree from Wofford College and a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

• Daniel B. White: Greenville attorney Danny White is listed among the Best Lawyers in America in four categories: products liability, commercial litigation, railroad law and personal injury litigation. Past president of the S.C. Bar (2005-06), White is a member of several national professional associations. He has a bachelor's degree from Davidson College and a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

• More information: Andy Brack, 843.670.3996