Laurens Native James Conway “Jim” Todd IV Elected Family Court Judge

James Conway “Jim” Todd IV, a Laurens native, has been elected to serve as a Family Court judge for the 8th Judicial Circuit. His election by the South Carolina General Assembly last week marks a significant milestone in his legal career, as he steps into a role dedicated to handling some of the most complex and personal cases within the judiciary.

Todd expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “It’s an honor to be elected by the South Carolina General Assembly to serve in this vital role within the judiciary. I appreciate their confidence and trust in my abilities, and I look forward to making a positive impact in this new role.”

A Passion for Family Law

Todd’s journey to the bench has been shaped by a deep commitment to serving others. His legal career spans various areas, including criminal prosecution, general litigation, and family law, the latter of which he found to be the most personally rewarding.

“I get great personal satisfaction in helping others in need, especially during some of their most difficult times in life,” Todd said. “Family law allowed me to do this routinely, and I believe I was most effective in this area of the law.”

Todd’s experience includes serving as an Assistant Solicitor in the 8th Judicial Circuit, where he prosecuted hundreds of cases, including serious felonies. That role, he noted, helped sharpen his trial skills—an essential component of his legal career.

“When parties are unable to reach a settlement in Family Court, a trial is the final step,” he said. “It is important to be comfortable with trial work, and that experience helped shape me into a well-rounded lawyer.”

In his most recent role in private practice, Todd served as a Regional Managing Attorney, where he balanced leadership responsibilities with an active caseload. Overseeing attorneys and legal staff, he gained valuable experience in high-pressure environments, a skillset he believes will serve him well on the bench.

Reflecting on this experience, Todd noted, “Managing both my own caseload and a team of attorneys has given me invaluable insight into the complexities of the legal system. It taught me how to navigate a fast-paced work environment while also exposing me to a wide range of legal challenges across the state. I believe these experiences will help me approach my new role with a well-rounded perspective.”

Commitment to Service

Todd’s decision to seek a Family Court judgeship was influenced by his desire to help more people. When former Family Court Judge Matthew Turner (also from Laurens) was elected to the South Carolina Court of Appeals, Todd was encouraged by colleagues and community members to consider stepping up to fill the role.

“I never set out on day one thinking that my final stop would be a Family Court judge,” Todd admitted. “However, I knew how passionate I was about family law. When my predecessor was elected to the Court of Appeals, I was approached by many individuals who encouraged me to run to fill the seat. After a long nine months, I was fortunate enough to be elected.”

For Todd, the opportunity to impact thousands of lives as a judge was a driving force behind his decision.

“If I remained in private practice, I would only get the opportunity to help several hundred clients over the next few years,” he explained. “As a Family Court judge, I believe I would have the ability to help potentially thousands in that same timeframe, and that would give me great personal satisfaction.”

As he prepares to take the bench, Todd emphasizes the qualities he believes are essential for a Family Court judge.

“I believe that all members of the judiciary should treat anyone that comes into a courtroom with dignity and respect,” he said. “One has to be patient, listen, and allow the litigants to be heard, as it is their day in court.”

A Hometown Influence

Born and raised in Laurens, Todd credits his upbringing with shaping his values and work ethic.

“My parents instilled a strong work ethic and a desire to help people,” he shared. “Growing up in a small town helped shape me into a well-rounded and compassionate person. They taught me that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, no matter their background or community standing.”

As he takes on his new role, Todd is committed to carrying those principles forward. While he declined to comment on specific challenges facing the Family Court system, his career and personal values indicate a dedication to fairness, integrity, and service.

With his election, Todd brings not only legal expertise but also a deep-rooted commitment to his community—one that will now extend to families throughout the 8th Judicial Circuit.

Laurens County has a rich tradition of producing dedicated public servants, and Jim Todd is a proud example of that legacy.