SC Commerce announces new general counsel

The South Carolina Department of Commerce​ (S.C. Commerce) today announced that Patrick Turner has joined the agency as general counsel. Turner will oversee the agency’s legal division, providing counsel on many areas of law, litigation and compliance.

With a career spanning more than three decades, Turner has a strong background in general business, regulatory and administrative law. For 30 years, Turner served as in-house counsel at AT&T and its predecessor companies, navigating state and federal regulation and public policy. Most recently, he founded PWT Law, LLC to provide legal, mediation and consulting services.

Turner, an Upstate native, earned his bachelor’s degree from Clemson University before studying at the University of South Carolina’s Joseph F. Rice School of Law.

“We are excited to welcome Patrick to the S.C. Commerce team,” said Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III. “Patrick’s firsthand experience with business law and public policy will support the agency’s continued mission to advance South Carolina’s position as a global economic leader.”