COLLINS & LACY, P.C. - Key Persons
Andrew T. Smith is an Associate in the Retail & Hospitality practice group.
Prior to joining Collins & Lacy, Smith served in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office as Assistant Solicitor. There, he represented the State at all points of criminal prosecution, including bond hearings, magistrate appeals, preliminary hearing, guilty pleas and trial.
In his role as Assistant Solicitor, Smith independently managed an average active caseload of 600. He was responsible for reviewing case facts, consulting with arresting agencies, interviewing witnesses and victims, determining the appropriate charge and indicting the charge for prosecution.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Collins & Lacy Attorney
- Senior Shareholder / Shareholder Christian Stegmaier Is President of Collins & Lacy and Chair of the Management Committee. He Is Also Chair of the Firm 's Retail & Hospitality Practice Group
With nearly 25 years in practice, Christian is a nationally recognized thought leader and attorney in retail and hospitality law. He maintains a state and national practice representing the leaders in retail, hospitality, live music and entertainment promotion and presentation, amusement and specialty attractions, and private clubs. He defends claims involving premises liability, loss prevention, food adulteration, and third-party torts. He is known as a go-to lawyer in South Carolina in Dram Shop/Alcohol Liability litigation.
As a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Christian has a demonstrated track record of taking matters to trial and prevailing.
Additionally, Christian is skilled in appellate advocacy. Building on his experience as law clerk to The Honorable Ralph King Anderson, Jr., Judge of the South Carolina Court, and appearing more than 45 times before various state and federal appellate tribunals as counsel, Christian is well recognized in the appellate law community for his careful research and effective briefing, as well as his engaging oral argument style.
Finally, Christian maintains an active practice in complex litigation, business litigation, and insurance law, which includes coverage matters and bad faith litigation. He represents some of the world's largest insurers in their South Carolina matters.
Regarding professional affiliations, Christian is an active member of DRI Retail & Hospitality (past committee chair),Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys, International Amusement & Leisure Defense Association, CLM, South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association, and Primerus (chair, Premises Liability Practice Group). He is an active writer and presenter in a variety of matters, including ethics, leadership and management, trial tactics, appellate advocacy, mediation strategies, retail and hospitality law, and insurance/bad faith issues.
Christian has been recognized for his skill and reputation by SuperLawyers, Best Lawyers, and South Carolina Lawyers Weekly Leadership in Law.
In addition to his practice, Christian has been a member of the adjunct facility at the University of South Carolina's nationally acclaimed College of Hospitality, Retail & Sport Management. He has taught Hotel & Restaurant Law (HRTM 357) to upperclassmen HRTM majors. Also, he is a Major in the South Carolina State Guard, where he is Staff Judge Advocate and commander of the JAG Detachment.
A lifelong Lutheran, Christian and his family attend New Hope Lutheran Church where he has served as president of the congregation.
Christian is a recipient of the Eagle Scout award and remains an engaged supporter of the Boy Scouts of America.
Chris Adams is a Collins & Lacy shareholder, Circuit Court Mediator, and is a member of the firm's Management Committee. His law practice focuses on construction litigation. He defends general contractors, developers, architects, engineers, manufacturers, and subcontractors in areas of construction defect litigation, mechanics liens, and design professional litigation, as well as cases involving catastrophic bodily injury that occur on construction sites. Additionally, he defends designers, manufacturers, and sellers of consumer and construction products.
Chris adams attended the University of South Carolina for his undergraduate studies and law school. While at USC, Chris was a member of the baseball team from 1990-1992 and was an SEC Scholar Athlete. After law school, Chris clerked for The Late Honorable James Johnson, Jr., Eighth Judicial Circuit and worked as an Assistant Solicitor for the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor's Office in Lexington, South Carolina.
Chris's reputation has earned him an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell, and he is a charter fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America (CLSA). CLSA is an invitation-only construction lawyer honorary society with membership limited to 1,200 practicing Fellows from the United States and internationally.
Claude Prevost is a Shareholder at Collins & Lacy.
His focus is in the areas of: construction defect litigation; professional liability; products liability; premises liability; trucking defense; catastrophic injury and death.
Claude is a cum laude graduate of Wofford College and received his Juris Doctor from the Charleston School of Law. During law school, Claude served as an intern for The Honorable Sol Blatt, Jr. in Charleston. The following year, he served as an intern for The Honorable Bristow Marchant in Columbia. Claude performed 300 hours of Pro Bono work during law school prior to joining Collins & Lacy. He has been named a Rising Star® by South Carolina Super Lawyers 2016-2020 for his work in construction litigation.
Job Titles:
- Special Counsel / Attorney Evan M. Gessner Practices in the Retail & Hospitality Group As Special Counsel
Prior to joining Collins & Lacy, Gessner served in a number of litigation roles in both state and federal trial and appellate courts. He has experience with claims involving alleged torts, breaches of contract, and civil right violations without supervision.
Additionally, Gessner worked for a several years as Assistant General Counsel at the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services where he performed all legal services related to the Managed Care Program and Program Integrity Division.
He has represented and advised governmental agencies and employees in all aspects of litigation in both state and federal trial and appellate courts.
Gessner was raised in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 2008. He was admitted before the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina in 2008, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in 2009.
Henry McMaster, Jr. is an Associate in the Retail & Hospitality practice group.
Previously, Henry was an Assistant Solicitor in the 6th Judicial Circuit where he prosecuted crimes of all levels, including domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct, and murder. He also managed juvenile adjudication and was a member of the Veteran's Court Program.
Henry is active in the Young Lawyers Division of the SC Bar, where he is a member of the Leadership Class of 2022, as well as a Co-Chair for the Make A Wish committee. He is also a member of the USC School of Law Young Alumni Council.
Henry attended the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he was nominated the Chief Magistrate of the Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society as well as the John Belton O'Neall Inn of Court.
During his 2nd and 3rd years of law school, he clerked at the Office of the South Carolina Attorney General, both in criminal appeals and prosecution. After earning his juris doctor in 2016, he clerked for The Honorable Michael G. Nettles of the South Carolina Circuit Court in Florence, S.C. He was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 2017.
Luke Richardson is an Associate with the firm's Trucking Defense and Professional Liability Practice Groups in Columbia.
Luke defends businesses and professionals in litigation and investigations statewide before courts and various licensing boards. Typical clients include:
motor carriers
shippers & brokers
health care providers
insurers
brokers & agents
Luke earned his bachelor of arts in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, at the University of South Carolina School of Law. Before joining Collins & Lacy, he served as law clerk for The Honorable R. Scott Sprouse in Walhalla, South Carolina.
Outside of work, Luke is an outdoor enthusiast who can be found camping, backpacking, hiking, canoeing, and kayaking. He also enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife.
Prior to coming to Collins & Lacy, Flowers served as an Enforcement Attorney for the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs. His career then took him into a legal role representing individuals and businesses for Chapter 7 and 13 Bankruptcy cases. He became a member of the J. Bratton Davis Bankruptcy Law Inn of Court. Flowers then moved into a position as a litigation associate defending clients for general liability, Section 1983 government defense, transportation and trucking legal matters.
At USC's School of Law, Jacob was a member of the school's Moot Court Bar. He was awarded "Order of the Barrister" for excellence in oral advocacy. Additionally, he served as a law clerk for the South Carolina Attorney General's Office in the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division.
Jamie Williams is a Collins & Lacy shareholder focusing in construction law. He represents general contractors, subcontractors, developers, architects, engineers, and product manufacturers. Jamie assists clients in every step of the process including taking part in property inspections associated with liability cases. Additionally, he defends designers, manufacturers, and sellers of consumer and construction products.
Prior to embarking on his legal career, Jamie worked in the construction industry where he gained hands-on experience and knowledge related to issues that often arise in construction litigation. Jamie also performed commercial and residential real estate title work. Following graduation from Law School, Jamie began his legal career representing national and regional financial institutions in matters involving collection, foreclosure, and loss-mitigation.
Job Titles:
- Trial Lawyer of the Year Award, South Carolina Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates ( ABOTA ) ( 2002 )
Joel Collins co-founded Collins & Lacy, P.C. in 1984. He has devoted his practice to professional liability law, white-collar criminal defense, and complex civil litigation. Joel defends a variety of licensed professionals including healthcare providers, pharmacists, financial advisors, attorneys, and insurance brokers and agents in claims against their job performance. He also has extensive experience with white-collar criminal defense cases involving alleged abuse of federally funded programs, income tax evasion, securities fraud, and racketeering. Joel is skilled in defending complex civil litigation suits involving a variety of civil disputes including professional malpractice, breach of contract, breach of non-compete agreements, and tortious interference with contractual rights.
Upon graduation from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1968, Joel served four years in the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAGC) of the United States Army and served one year in Viet Nam with the Americal Division, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medals. Joel also served as an assistant professor of law at the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. He then spent two years with the Frankfurt, Germany law firm of O'Haire and Fiore, after which he was appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina, focusing on the investigation and prosecution of white-collar criminal cases.
In 1982, after three years with a large national firm, Joel established his own South Carolina practice, which later became Collins & Lacy. He has held numerous leadership positions in civic organizations including Rotary, National Safety Council and the ABOTA Foundation, including his past role as National President of ABOTA. Joel also enjoys a variety of volunteer activities in the community. Joel's professional standing and his reputation in the courtroom have led his peers to consider him one of South Carolina's preeminent attorneys, according to Martindale-Hubbell. He is also honored by South Carolina Super Lawyers© and Best Lawyers in America©, two of the oldest and most respected peer-reviews in the legal profession. In 2012, Primerus honored Joel with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his longtime support and service to Primerus.
In 2018, Joel received the Governor's Order of the Palmetto award, the state's highest civilian honor. Since 1971, the Order of the Palmetto has been awarded to citizens for remarkable service and contribution to South Carolina and her people. Also in 2018, Joel was inducted into the SC Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame (inaugural class), honoring attorneys age 60 and older who have had significant impacts on the legal profession in the Palmetto State.
Kelsey Brudvig is a Collins & Lacy shareholder practicing in the areas of Retail & Hospitality law and Professional Liability. She defends national and regional leaders in the retail, hospitality, and entertainment sectors doing business in South Carolina in claims involving premises liability, loss prevention, food adulteration, third party torts, and alcohol liability. Kelsey is also involved in matters pertaining to ADA issues and licensure and other administrative decisions of state regulatory agencies.
Kelsey received her undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky and earned her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, at the Charleston School of Law. Prior to joining Collins & Lacy, Kelsey served as a staff attorney at the South Carolina Supreme Court.
Kyle Brady practices in the Retail & Hospitality group defending clients for premises liability, alcohol liability, adulterated food claims and regulatory agency sanctions.
Kyle received his bachelor's degree in Political Science/Spanish and earned his Juris Doctor at the Wake Forest University School of Law.
Before joining Collins & Lacy, Molly worked for several years representing school districts and their boards in the areas of school and employment law. Her work included defense, litigation, as well as the development of policies and procedures. She brings significant experience in both state agency defense and litigation. She is experienced with employment law, personnel concerns, contractual matters, financial matters, and all types of litigation.
Molly served for six years as an Assistant Solicitor for the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office where she managed prosecution focusing on domestic violence, successfully obtaining harsher penalties for abusers on behalf of victims. She also prosecuted sexual assaults, burglaries, murders, and other violent crimes.
Philip Coury is an associate in the Trucking/Transportation and Construction practice groups.
Prior to joining Collins & Lacy, Coury served in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office as Assistant Solicitor. There, he represented the State at all points of criminal prosecution and resolved more than 400 criminal cases in his first year.
In his role as Assistant Solicitor, Coury independently managed an average active caseload of 600. He was responsible for reviewing case facts, consulting with arresting agencies, interviewing witnesses and victims, determining the appropriate charge, indicting the charge for prosecution and bringing cases to trial.
Attorney Robert M. Peele, III, a Collins & Lacy Shareholder, has been practicing law in South Carolina for ten years. He has more than seven years of experience defending civil litigation claims and has tried cases in State Court involving premises liability, construction defects, and negligence claims. At Collins & Lacy, Rob's experience allows him to focus his practice in three main areas.
Stan Lacy co-founded Collins & Lacy, P.C. in 1984. He has devoted his practice to workers' compensation defense and is also a certified South Carolina Circuit Court Mediator. Stan practiced law for over 40 years and practiced exclusively in Workers' Compensation law for more than 35 years. His legal career includes arguing many landmark cases to the Supreme Court, managing appeals to all appellate court levels, and working on industry-changing legislation on behalf of South Carolina. In 1991, former Governor Carroll Campbell appointed Stan to the Advisory Committee for the Improvement of Workers' Compensation Laws in South Carolina where he worked with the legislature to review and revise legislation affecting the state's workers' compensation system. Stan "retired" in 2017 but he still comes to the office to mentor associates and to administer his vigorous mediation practice.
Stan graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1967. While at the University of Virginia, he served as President of the Engineering School, President of Sigma Pi Fraternity, and was a member of the Trigon Society. He then served four years in the United States Air Force, became a captain, and was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for his work on the Vietnamization of the war in Southeast Asia. He also received the Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Ribbon. In 1974, Stan earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He began teaching workers' compensation as an adjunct instructor at the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1981 and has continued to teach ever since. He also frequently conducts workshops on compensation laws for clients and businesses. Stan also contributes timely and relevant posts to the Collins & Lacy Workers' Compensation Lawl Blog and the national Workers' Compensation Law Prof Blog.
Stan is considered by his peers to be one of South Carolina's pre-eminent attorneys according to Martindale-Hubbell and is consistently selected to be included in South Carolina Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America, two of the oldest and most respected peer-review publications in the legal profession. In 2012, Best Lawyers named Stan as the "Columbia, SC Best Lawyers Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Lawyer of the Year". The "Lawyer of the Year" is a designation awarded within high-profile legal specialties in large legal communities. Only a single lawyer in each specialty in each community is honored as the "Lawyer of the Year." Stan was also the Platinum recipient of the 2016 Compleat Lawyer Award, given by the University of South Carolina School of Law. Recently, an Inn of Court was established by the workers' compensation bar who honored him by naming the chapter "The Stanford E. Lacy Workers' Compensation Inn of Court."
Stan Lacy co-founded Collins & Lacy, P.C. in 1984. He has devoted his practice to workers' compensation defense and is also a certified South Carolina Circuit Court Mediator. Stan practiced law for over 40 years and practiced exclusively in Workers' Compensation law for more than 35 years. His legal career includes arguing many landmark cases to the Supreme Court, managing appeals to all appellate court levels, and working on industry-changing legislation on behalf of South Carolina. In 1991, former Governor Carroll Campbell appointed Stan to the Advisory Committee for the Improvement of Workers' Compensation Laws in South Carolina where he worked with the legislature to review and revise legislation affecting the state's workers' compensation system. Stan "retired" in 2017 but he still comes to the office to mentor associates and to administer his vigorous mediation practice.
Stan graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1967. While at the University of Virginia, he served as President of the Engineering School, President of Sigma Pi Fraternity, and was a member of the Trigon Society. He then served four years in the United States Air Force, became a captain, and was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for his work on the Vietnamization of the war in Southeast Asia. He also received the Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Ribbon. In 1974, Stan earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He began teaching workers' compensation as an adjunct instructor at the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1981 and has continued to teach ever since. He also frequently conducts workshops on compensation laws for clients and businesses. Stan also contributes timely and relevant posts to the Collins & Lacy Workers' Compensation Lawl Blog and the national Workers' Compensation Law Prof Blog.
Stan is considered by his peers to be one of South Carolina's pre-eminent attorneys according to Martindale-Hubbell and is consistently selected to be included in South Carolina Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America, two of the oldest and most respected peer-review publications in the legal profession. In 2012, Best Lawyers named Stan as the "Columbia, SC Best Lawyers Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Lawyer of the Year". The "Lawyer of the Year" is a designation awarded within high-profile legal specialties in large legal communities. Only a single lawyer in each specialty in each community is honored as the "Lawyer of the Year." Stan was also the Platinum recipient of the 2016 Compleat Lawyer Award, given by the University of South Carolina School of Law. Recently, an Inn of Court was established by the workers' compensation bar who honored him by naming the chapter "The Stanford E. Lacy Workers' Compensation Inn of Court."