James E. Lockemy, retired Chief Judge of the South Carolina Court of Appeals joins Richardson Plowden
October 22, 2024
Richardson Plowden & Robinson, P.A. announced that the retired Honorable Chief Judge of the South Carolina Court of Appeals, James E. Lockemy, has joined the Firm’s Myrtle Beach Office. With an illustrious career spanning over four decades, Judge Lockemy brings unparalleled experience. The Firm is proud to have him joining its distinguished team of legal professionals, where he will focus his practice in mediation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Judge Lockemy to Richardson Plowden,” says S. Nelson Weston, Jr., Richardson Plowden’s managing shareholder. “He has an expansive legal career and profound understanding of the law. His presence as a colleague and resource to our Firm further solidifies our commitment to providing exceptional legal counsel to our clients.”
Prior to joining Richardson Plowden, Judge Lockemy served as a South Carolina Circuit Court Judge for 18 years, presiding over a wide array of complex legal matters. He then served a seven-year tenure as Chief Judge of the South Carolina Court of Appeals, where he became the first Native American to hold the position. His experience leading the courtroom distinguishes him as a seasoned legal practitioner with a keen insight into the intricacies of the judicial process.
In addition to his judicial roles, Judge Lockemy’s career includes service in the South Carolina House of Representatives, where he gained invaluable experience in legislative affairs and policy-making. He worked in Washington, D.C. for two years as a legislative assistant to Senator Strom Thurmond and as Sub-Committee Minority Counsel for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.
“What an incredible honor it is to have Judge Lockemy joining our Firm,” says attorney David A. Anderson, a member of the Richardson Plowden executive committee. “Even though I will miss appearing before Judge Lockemy in the courtroom, I look forward to working alongside him as a colleague.”
Judge Lockemy’s addition to Richardson Plowden underscores the Firm’s ongoing commitment to attracting top-tier legal talent, further emphasizing its position as a Best Law Firm by Best Lawyers. In addition to his legal experience, Judge Lockemy has also served as an adjunct professor of American Legal History at the University of South Carolina School of Law. He has also served more than 43 years in the military, which included an active-duty tour in war-torn Kosovo, and 26 years in the South Carolina National Guard.
Judge Lockemy attended The Citadel and earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Pembroke State University in 1971. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1974 and his Master’s Degree in History from The Citadel in 2012. In 2016, he became a Ph.D. Candidate in History at the University of South Carolina.
Judge Lockemy retired from the U.S. Army as a full Colonel, and then later as a Major General in the South Carolina Military Department. He is the recipient of 17 military awards, including The Legion of Merit by the U.S. Army. He is an active member in his local community where he has been recognized as the Dillon County Citizen of the Year and Veteran of the Year. He has received South Carolina’s Highest Civilian Honor, the Order of the Palmetto, which is given by South Carolina’s Governor. He is a Member of the Executive Council and Past President of the National Guard Association of South Carolina. In addition to numerous other notable recognitions and positions, Judge Lockemy has also served as the president of the South Carolina Circuit Court Judges’ Association and Chaired the Appellate Judges Conference of the American Bar Association, where he served on the Board of Governors and is chair-elect of the judicial division.
“We are excited to welcome Judge Lockemy back into private practice,” adds Richardson Plowden attorney, Marian Scalise. “His wealth of experience and dedication to the law will undoubtedly ensure his success. We look forward to learning and growing from the invaluable insights he will bring to our team.”
About Richardson Plowden
Established in 1973, Richardson, Plowden & Robinson, P.A. is among the 15 largest law firms in South Carolina, with more than 40 attorneys in offices in Columbia, Myrtle Beach and Charleston. A full-service law firm, Richardson Plowden has more than 25 practice areas providing legal counsel to local, state and national clients. For more information, visit www.RichardsonPlowden.com.
