William Johnson, Frank Davis named 2025 Best Lawyers® ‘Lawyer of the Year’ for Economic Development Law
February 24, 2025
The 2025 edition of Best Lawyers® has named two Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd P.A. shareholders “Lawyer of the Year” for Economic Development Law in their respective regions.
HSB’s Economic Development practice group leader William R. Johnson was recognized for his work in Columbia, South Carolina, while Frank T. Davis III received a nod for his contributions in Greenville, South Carolina.
This year marks the second time Johnson has been named Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” for Economic Development Law in Columbia — having previously been recognized with the award in 2019. He was also named 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” for Business Organizations in Columbia.
Davis was previously named Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” for Economic Development Law in Greenville in 2021 and 2023.
The Lawyer of the Year accolade is one of Best Lawyers’ highest distinctions, awarded to one lawyer per practice area in each jurisdiction to recognize only the most exceptional legal talent. For 2025, just over 5,000 attorneys nationwide received this honor, selected through Best Lawyers’ rigorous peer-review process.
Johnson has helped facilitate over $10 billion in domestic and foreign investment in South Carolina. His economic development work includes negotiating and drafting fee in lieu of tax (FILOT) agreements, structuring special source revenue credit (SSRC) arrangements and advising on incentives such as tax, job and economic development grants. Johnson also guides companies through state and local tax planning and property tax appeals, and represents local governments on FILOT and SSRC administration and GASB 77 compliance.
Davis represents both publicly and privately held companies, including family businesses, in acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, strategic alliances, economic development transactions and general contract negotiations. He has extensive experience advising international companies on U.S. transactions and operations, as well as coordinating multi-disciplinary teams.
About Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
Established in 1887, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd is a full-service law firm providing creative and efficient solutions for local, national and international clients. With more than 110 attorneys located throughout the Carolinas, we are well-positioned to meet the complex legal needs of our clients. Learn more at www.hsblawfirm.com.
