Experienced. Skilled. Creative problem-solvers.
Attorneys
One of the founders of the firm, Jim Morton has practiced criminal law in South Carolina for three decades. He has served at various times as a public defender, prosecutor and defense attorney, work that has given him a broad legal perspective and a wide range of experience.
Jim has defended clients in cases that have drawn national attention, and he has handled death penalty cases. He has handled complex and unusual trials, including cold cases, DNA evidence, false confessions and hypnosis. While practicing as a defense attorney, Jim has been selected to be a special prosecutor to prosecute homicide cases in York, Chesterfield and Sumter counties.
His practice also includes misdemeanor and felony drunk driving charges and other crimes.
Jim has served on the South Carolina Supreme Court Commission on Lawyer Conduct since 2007. That agency investigates allegations of attorney misconduct. Before attending the University of South Carolina School of Law, Jim was assistant to the sergeant at arms for the U.S. Senate.
He has served the community as well through positions on statewide boards of directors and advisory councils.
Jim and his wife, Mary Frances, live in Rock Hill with their children, Frances and James.
- State of South Carolina
- U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- University of South Carolina, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, 1976
- University of South Carolina School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1985
- South Carolina Supreme Court Commission on Lawyer Conduct, 2007 – 2020
- American Civil Liberties Union of SC, Board Member, 2013 – 2021
- USC School of Law Mentor
- York County Free Medical Clinic Board, Vice Chair (past)
- York County Public Defenders, Board Member (past)
- Rock Hill Area Council of the Chamber of Commerce (past)
- Palmetto YMCA Board Member (past)
- Hollings Cancer Center Citizens Advisory Council (past)
- MUSC Board of Visitors 2014 –15
- Rock Hill Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals, 2015
- York County Democratic Party Chairman, 2001 – 2006
- Prosecutor, Richland County Solicitor’s Office, 1987 – 1991
- Richland County Assistant Public Defender, 1985 – 1987
- Assistant to the Sergeant at Arms, United States Senate, 1977 – 1982
- AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
Disclaimer: The following examples are intended only to be representative of Mr. Morton’s practice. These examples are not intended to, and cannot be relied upon to predict the results in any other case.
Criminal Defense
- Prosecuted defendant for stabbing death of a Bible school student.
- Represented 90-yr old veteran with no prior record who used a hatchet to beat his wife of 65 years to death while she slept.
Personal Injury
- Represented client in Workers’ Compensation settlement and in subsequent out-of-state lawsuit against the large national employer and third-party equipment manufacturer
- Negotiated a settlement arising from motor vehicle accident and established life-care plan for client
- Sued nursing home for negligent administration of medication to patient.
- Negotiated a large settlement against a logging company for dropping a log onto a public highway and crushing the roof of a passing automobile.
- Filed and settled a bad faith case against well-known insurance company resulting from motorcycle accident.
- Represented victims of dog bites.
- Represented surviving spouses, children, heirs, and estates in numerous wrongful death actions.
- Successfully represented clients in numerous personal injury settlements/suits.
Support Staff
Mallory Henderson
Legal Secretary
