Luther Battiste recognized by Emory Law School as a 2026 Alumni Award recipient
June 16, 2026
Emory University School of Law has recognized Columbia attorney and civic leader Luther J. Battiste III with a Distinguished Alumni Award, the law school’s highest honor. The award celebrates his distinguished legal career, public service and longstanding support of the law school.
In announcing the award, Emory Law School said this year’s honorees represent “the incredible spectrum of legal practice” and have demonstrated “exceptional leadership in their professions while maintaining a strong commitment to the university through service, mentorship and philanthropy.”
Battiste is a founding shareholder of Columbia-based law firm Johnson, Toal & Battiste, P.A., where he has built a reputation as one of South Carolina’s most respected trial attorneys. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina in 1971 and a juris doctor degree from Emory University School of Law in 1974.
Throughout his legal career, Battiste has received numerous professional honors, including repeated recognition in The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. He also holds the prestigious AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest designation for legal ability and ethics.
In 2020, Battiste made national legal history when he became the first African American president of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an invitation-only organization comprised of many of the nation’s leading plaintiff and defense trial lawyers. He previously served as president of the Columbia Lawyers Association, the Richland County Bar Association, the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association and the Southeastern Region of ABOTA.
Beyond the courtroom, Battiste has played a significant role in public service and community leadership. In 1983, he became one of the first two African Americans elected to Columbia City Council since Reconstruction. He served on the council for 15 years, including two terms as mayor pro tempore. In recognition of his service, the City of Columbia dedicated the Luther J. Battiste III Monument and Plaza in 1998.
Battiste has also served as chairman of the Richland-Lexington Airport Commission, president of the board of the Columbia Museum of Art, chairman of the Board of Governors of the Capital City Club and chair of University Associates at the University of South Carolina. He additionally served for 15 years on the board of South State Bank and has been a board member of Columbia College.
Among his many honors are the University of South Carolina Distinguished Alumni Award, induction into the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame and the Richland County Bar Association’s John W. Williams Award, the organization’s highest honor.
