About Our Firm

The BRYAN LAW FIRM of SC, L.L.P., located in Sumter, SC, was created by the formation of a partnership between G. Werber Bryan and A.S. Bahnmuller in 1962. Mr. Bryan, a Sumter Native, had been a sole practitioner for approximately twenty years when he associated Mr. Bahnmuller, a native of New York, in 1960. Two years later the two went into partnership and the law firm was created.

In 1966, Howard P. King, a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, joined the firm as an associate. He became a partner in 1969 and remained with the firm until 1996 when he was elected to serve as Resident Judge for the Third Judicial Circuit.

In 1969, David W. Goldman, a graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law and a native of New York, became associated with the firm. In 1972, Mr. Goldman became a partner and he remained with the firm until his retirement in December, 2007.

In 1972, Joseph T. McElveen, Jr., a native of Sumter and graduate of the University of South Carolina Law School, became associated with the firm. In 1975, he became a partner. Mr. McElveen served in the House of Representatives (South Carolina Legislature) from 1986 to 1996. He also served as Mayor of the City of Sumter for 20 years, serving from November, 2000, through November, 2020.

In 1980 the firm constructed an addition to its building at 17 East Calhoun Street in Sumter and associated two additional lawyers, John P. Ford and Charles L. Griffin, III, who became partners in 1981. Mr. Ford, a native of Michigan and graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law, had been practicing law in Sumter for approximately four years after having served for six years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He served as the firm’s managing partner for many years and retired from the firm in December, 2007. Mr. Griffin, a native of Pinewood, South Carolina, and a graduate of Wofford College and the University of South Carolina School of Law, was a representative in the South Carolina Legislature from the Pinewood District (1975-1986). Mr. Griffin remained with the firm until his retirement in March, 2004.

In September, 1987, Thomas M. Bultman, a native of Sumter and graduate of The Citadel and the University of South Carolina Law School, joined the firm as an associate. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Bultman served as a former assistant solicitor for the Third Judicial Circuit. On January 1, 1992, Mr. Bultman became a partner and remained with the firm until March, 2018, when he was elected to serve as a Family Court Judge.

Joseph Thomas McElveen, III, a native of Sumter, South Carolina, and son of partner, Joseph T. McElveen, Jr. joined the firm as an associate on May 24, 2004. Mr. McElveen received a bachelor’s degree in History from Davidson College in 2000 and received his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2003. On January 1, 2008, he became a partner in the firm. Mr. McElveen currently serves District 35 in the South Carolina Senate.

John R. Moorman joined the firm as an associate on April 1, 2007. Mr. Moorman graduated Magna Cum Laude with Honors from Presbyterian College with a bachelor’s degree in History and received his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2003. On January 1, 2009, he became a partner in the firm and now serves as the managing partner.

The firm currently occupies a 10,000 square foot building at 17 East Calhoun Street, Sumter, South Carolina, and employs nonlegal staff in various capacities, including paralegals, legal assistants, receptionist, bookkeeper, and office manager. We engage in a general civil practice with primary emphasis upon personal injury, wrongful death, workers’ compensation, and criminal defense. The litigation section practices in all state and federal courts.

FEES

There is no fee for the initial consultation for criminal cases or contingency cases, including automobile wrecks, motorcycle wrecks, bicycle wrecks, tractor trailer wrecks, slip and fall, workers compensation, and wrongful death. With cases handled on a contingency fee basis, you only pay attorney fees and costs if the outcome is successful and we obtain a settlement or jury verdict on your behalf. The attorney fees in contingency fee cases are computed before deducting the expenses related to your case. The fee to obtain representation for criminal cases will be discussed with you when you meet with the attorney.

If you are looking for an attorney in a specific practice area, please e-mail us at legal@bryanlaw.com or contact us by telephone at (803) 775-1263. If you do not receive a response within a reasonable amount of time, please verify that we have received your message. Once you explain the legal issue that you are seeking help with, you will be referred to the lawyer in our firm who is qualified and experienced in that area of practice.

Bryan Law FIrm Building Photo

If you are looking for an attorney in a specific practice area, please e-mail us at legal@bryanlaw.com, and we will see that someone contacts you as soon as possible.

Call the Bryan Law Firm today, 803-775-1263 or toll free 1-866-589-8857

Personal Injury

PERSONAL INJURY

Including automobile wrecks, motorcycle wrecks, bicycle wrecks, tractor-trailer wrecks, slip and fall, and wrongful death

Worker's Compensation

WORKERS' COMPENSATION

If you are injured at work, please give us a call

Criminal Defense

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Including DUI cases

Mediation Services

MEDIATION SERVICES

Including Circuit Court Mediation and Probate Court Mediation