Turner Padget welcomes John Robert Ayers and Matthew Skipper to Columbia office

November 4, 2026

Turner Padget Graham & Laney, P.A. announced that John Robert Ayers and Matthew J. Skipper have joined the firm’s Columbia office as associates. John Robert is a member of the firm’s Business and Commercial Litigation team, and Matthew is a member of its Product Liability team.

“John Robert and Matthew each gained experience with our firm as law clerks, and we are pleased to welcome them as associates,” said C. Pierce Campbell, CEO of Turner Padget. “Their familiarity with our team and commitment to client service will serve them well as they begin their legal careers.”

John Robert Ayers

John Robert represents businesses and individuals in commercial and civil matters, including contract disputes, landlord-tenant matters, homeowners association litigation, probate and trust litigation, and real estate disputes. He spent two summers clerking with Turner Padget and served as events director on the executive board of Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Clemson University and graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law.

Matthew J. Skipper

Matthew represents small and midsize businesses and corporate manufacturers in product liability and insurance defense matters. He clerked with Turner Padget for two summers and during his final semester of law school.

A South Carolina native, he earned degrees in political science and sociology, summa cum laude, from Francis Marion University and his law degree, magna cum laude, from the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law. He was named to the Order of the Coif and the Order of the Wig and Robe.