GEORGETOWN — Retired S.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice David Walker Harwell has joined Bell Legal Group (BLC) as a senior partner in its Georgetown office.
“Justice Harwell is a legendary figure and a close friend of more than 35 years, so I’m especially proud he has chosen this firm for the next phase of his remarkable career,” said J. Edward Bell, founding partner of the Bell Legal Group. “His personal relationships across the Southeast and his exemplary record will be an invaluable asset to this firm.”
Harwell, a Florence native, brings more than 50 years of legal experience to BLC, including 21 years as a state circuit court judge, 10 in the S.C. Legislature and 20 as a practicing attorney. He will work closely with Bell on select cases and will continue his work in mediation and arbitration as part of his commitment to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), a means of conflict resolution he was instrumental in bringing to South Carolina.
“I look forward to my new association with the Bell Legal Group,” Harwell said. “Ed Bell is assembling a team of attorneys that will bring about better litigation skills, not just in South Carolina, but in the entire Southeast. I’m looking forward to working closely with each of them.
“I have had the opportunity to work with Ed in the past on mediations and I have seen firsthand his legal skills. He came to me at the right time and asked if I would come on board to help ease his growing caseload. He knows my background and I know his, so I believe we’ll make a formidable team.”
Harwell said he is looking forward to returning to the courtroom and doing what he loves most, which is trying cases. His new position will also give him the chance to practice law with his youngest son, Baxter, an attorney with BLG.
“My father epitomizes the idea of a true Southern gentleman lawyer,” said Baxter Harwell. “His integrity and work ethic are legendary. With him it’s all about maintaining integrity, being prepared, hard work and a great sense of humor. I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with him.”
Harwell was born in the Mars Bluff community of Florence County. He graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1958.
He served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1963-1973. From 1973-1980, he was a resident circuit judge of the S.C. T12th Judicial Circuit, comprised of Florence and Marion counties.
He was appointed to the S.C. Supreme Court in 1981 and was named chief justice in 1991. He retired in 1994.
Among his many awards and accomplishments, Harwell received the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian award, from former Gov. David Beasley and the Reid Montgomery Freedom of Information Award from the S.C. Press Association for opening South Carolina’s courtrooms to cameras. He was awarded honorary doctorate degrees from both Francis Marion and Coastal Carolina universities.
Harwell has two sons, R. Bryan Harwell, a U.S. District federal judge in Florence, and William Baxter Harwell, an attorney with the Bell Legal Group. He is married to Debbie Harwell, a radio personality at WRNN in Myrtle Beach.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement