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Six Richardson Plowden Attorneys Selected to 2011 edition of Best Lawyers in America®

Submitted by: Melanie Lux on Aug 20, 2010 at 3:15 pm Tagged with: 2011 Best Lawyers, Richardson Plowden Source: Lux Strategic Communications

COLUMBIA, S.C., August 20, 2010 - - The 2011 edition of The Best Lawyers in America ®has selected six Richardson Plowden attorneys as Best Lawyers: Leslie A. Cotter, Jr., Frederick A. Crawford, Steven W. Hamm, Francis M. Mack, Frank E. Robinson, II, and Franklin J. Smith, Jr.

The Best Lawyers in America is a highly regarded publication used as a referral guide in the legal profession. It represents attorneys in 80 specialties in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Top lawyers in the nation are evaluated and selected by fellow attorneys for the award. The peer-reviewed publication is considered among the most reliable sources for legal referrals.

Cotter was selected by Best Lawyers for his work in Legal Malpractice Law. He focuses his practice on professional malpractice defense, insurance defense litigation, mediation/arbitration, employment and civil rights litigation, and products liability defense. He is a member of the South Carolina Bar and has continuously served in the House of Delegates since 1992, serves on the Nominating Committee of the Bar and is immediate past Chair of the Practice and Procedure Committee. Cotter is a member of the Bar of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and is a permanent member of the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference. He also is a member of the American Bar Association, Defense Research Institute, South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association and the John Belton O’Neall Inn of Court. This is Cotter’s first year being selected to Best Lawyers.

Crawford was recognized by Best Lawyers for his work in Health Care Law. Crawford focuses his practice on accounting malpractice defense, contracts, estate planning, hospital and healthcare law, and corporate law. He is a member of the Richland County Bar Association, American Health Lawyers Association and the Columbia Estate Planning Council.

Hamm was chosen by Best Lawyers for his work in Administrative Law. Hamm focuses his practices on administrative and regulatory law and is the Firm’s lead attorney on government relations. Hamm is a member of the South Carolina Bar, and is licensed to practice in the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit; U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina; U. S. Supreme Court; and U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Court. His distinguished career includes past positions as the state consumer advocate and administrator, South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs; chairman, Federal Reserve Board's National Consumer Advisory Council; president, National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates; and president, National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators

Best Lawyers recognized Mack for his work in Commercial Litigation and Construction Law. Mack focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation in the areas of construction, contract disputes, fidelity and surety law, and insurance defense matters. He also is a certified arbitrator. A licensed engineer, Mack is a member of the American Bar Association, South Carolina Bar, Richland County Bar Association, South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Robinson was honored as a Best Lawyer in the area of Real Estate Law, his 17th year as a Best Lawyer. Robinson focuses his practice on business and commercial law and real estate. He is a member of the American Bar Association, South Carolina Bar and the Richland County Bar Association. He holds the title of Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Smith was selected by Best Lawyers in the area of Construction Law. His practice is focused on construction law, federal contract law, fidelity and surety law, insurance defense, and professional malpractice. Smith also is a certified mediator and arbitrator. He is a member of the American Bar Association, South Carolina Bar, Richland County Bar Association, Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Division of the Forum on the Construction Industry, and the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association, among others.

The attorneys were selected for the 2011 edition of Best Lawyers in America out of a pool of more than three million entries nationwide.

About Richardson Plowden
Established in 1973, Richardson, Plowden & Robinson, P.A., is one of 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.

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