Steven Pugh and Franklin Smith, Jr., of Richardson Plowden Selected to Greater Columbia Business Monthly Midland’s 2013 Legal Elite
October 8, 2013
COLUMBIA, SC – October 8, 2013 – Richardson Plowden & Robinson, P.A. announced that attorneys Steven J. Pugh and Franklin J. Smith, Jr., were selected by their peers as Greater Columbia Business Monthly‘s Midlands Legal Elite. Pugh was selected for his work in Civil Litigation and Smith was selected for his work in Construction Law.
Each year, Greater Columbia Business Monthly polls attorneys from the Midlands to vote for who they think are the best lawyers in 20 different practice areas. Greater Columbia Business Monthly then selects the top attorneys voted in each of the practice areas for recognition in its October publication. Those selected will be recognized at a reception on October 15.
Pugh focuses his practice on litigation. He is the managing shareholder of Richardson Plowden and also serves on the Firm’s Executive Committee. His practice includes the defense of product liability claims, toxic torts, commercial disputes and transportation cases. He has tried a wide variety of cases from multi-million dollar commercial foreclosures to wrongful death claims. Pugh graduated cum laude from The Citadel with a bachelor’s degree in English. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He is a member of the South Carolina Bar, North Carolina Bar, and the State Bar of Texas. He is also a member of the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association and the International Association of Defense Counsel. He serves on the board and various committees with The Harmonie Group, including the Transportation, Speakers, and chairs the Marketing Committee.
Smith focuses his practice on construction law, including federal contract law, fidelity and surety law, insurance defense, and professional malpractice. Smith also is a certified mediator and arbitrator. He graduated cum laude from Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He completed his Juris Doctor at the University of South Carolina School of Law. Smith is a member of the American Bar Association, South Carolina Bar, and Richland County Bar Association. He is also a member of the Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Division of the Forum on the Construction Industry, is a member of the panel of arbitrators for the American Arbitration Association, is on the Board of Advisors for the Clemson University Civil Engineering Department, and is a member of the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association. Smith has also been recognized as a South Carolina Super Lawyer and a Best Lawyer in America®. In 2010 and 2012, Best Lawyers distinguished Smith as Columbia, SC, Construction Law Lawyer of the Year.
About Richardson Plowden
Established in 1973, Richardson Plowden Robinson, P.A., is among the 20 largest law firms in South Carolina, with more than 30 attorneys in offices in Columbia and Myrtle Beach. 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.
