Legal Services in Greenville
In the heart of the upstate, Greenville legal services are known for their diverse practice areas and sectors. The attorney community is widespread in their areas of expertise, which correlates with the vast, and sometimes unique, legal needs of the citizens of the city and surrounding counties. According to a published 2019 study by the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, there are an estimated 800 plus practicing lawyers based in Greenville, SC. They serve a population of approximately 500,000 citizens in the region.
Lawyers in Greenville practice in a wide a range of sectors, and common types of cases handled relate to both individual and corporate representation. Well-known areas of practice include family and divorce law, business law, litigation, employment law, intellectual property, bankruptcy and nonprofit formation. There are also attorneys specializing in industries specific to the Upstate including manufacturing , transportation, real estate, and green energy law in South Carolina.
The range of services covered by lawyers in the area can sometimes be confusing to those needing legal assistance. Residents in need of support should keep in mind the difference between a private law firm, legal aid services, and other non-profit legal aid type organizations.
Legal Aid Services of Greenville, SC provides general advice and limited legal assistance to financially eligible persons who reside in Greenville County. There are also other non-profit legal services groups aimed at helping low-income families and individuals. In general, legal aid of this type will not handle matters that involve compensatory damages, criminal, immigration, or civil rights issues. These groups are run by their own guidelines and regulations and sometimes are less expensive or even free to clients that qualify.
Leading Legal Firms in Greenville
The leading law firms in Greenville, South Carolina bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the local legal landscape. Established as pillars of the community, each of these practices has carved out its own niche in various areas of law.
Smith Moore Leatherwood is one of the most prominent firms in Greenville, with over 35 practice areas and a strong reputation for business law. With a team of over 120 dedicated lawyers, they serve an extensive list of corporate clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. They are particularly well-known for their employment and litigation practices, where they have achieved numerous successful outcomes for clients.
Pinnacle Law Firm specializes in real estate and business law, representing developers, lenders, and other commercial entities. The firm has a long history in the area and has built a solid portfolio of satisfied clients. Their lawyers are experts in commercial real estate transactions and litigation, offering a comprehensive range of services to their clients.
Palmetto Legal Group focuses on providing family law services and has earned a reputation as one of the best in the area. Their team is experienced in all aspects of family law, including divorce, child custody, and property division. They take a personalized approach to every case, offering clients the guidance and support they need throughout the legal process.
The McElreath Law Firm is a boutique firm known for their criminal defense services. They have extensive experience defending clients in a wide range of criminal cases, from minor offenses to serious felony charges. Their lawyers are committed to providing the best possible representation for their clients, no matter the circumstances.
With proven experience, a local presence, and a strong commitment to providing the best possible legal services, these top law firms in Greenville continue to have a significant impact on the legal landscape. Whether you need help with business, family, or criminal law, you can find a firm right for you.
The Process for Selecting a Legal Service
When selecting a legal service to handle your legal matters in Greenville, there are several factors you should take into account to ensure you are hiring the right firm for your needs. First and foremost, you should consider the area of expertise of the lawyers at the firm and whether they have a proven track record of successful representation in similar cases. For example, if you need a divorce lawyer, you would want to hire a firm that specializes in family law. If you are facing criminal charges, you need assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the laws and courts in the area.
Another factor to consider is the cost of the legal services you plan to use. It is important to find a firm that will not only provide you with the quality of representation you require but also the pricing structure that suits your budget. Generally, you will want to have an initial consultation with the firm so you can better determine how much their fees will be. If they charge for this consultation, you should compare that charge with other firms to see if they are still among the most affordable options available.
You should also look at the reviews and testimonials for different firms, their lawyers and the quality of their work. You can search online for these reviews and feedback, as you will likely be surprised to learn that some of the most commonly-known firms and the most "popular" lawyers in town may not have as many positive reviews as you think they do. A simple search of "Attorney XYZ reviews New Jersey" or "XYZ Law Firm reviews New Jersey" can be very enlightening in terms of how well a firm stacks up against the competition.
It’s a major mistake for you to focus so much on getting the cheapest possible legal representation that you overlook things like the knowledge, experience, success and positive reputation of an attorney. Cutting corners could end up costing you more money and time in the long run, particularly if you have a complex case or a particularly difficult legal issue.
Legal Service Pricing in Greenville
Greenville offers a diverse range of legal services with varying costs based on the complexity of the issues at hand. Typically, legal practitioners charge clients on an hourly basis. The rate per hour is influenced by an attorney’s level of experience and is set within the context of the cost of living for the specific locality. For the most part, you will be expected to provide a retainer fee upfront that will be drawn from as time is accumulated over the life of the case. It’s customary to get an idea of the retainer fee before hiring an attorney, but since costs can vary it’s prudent to ask the right questions. If you’re unsure and would like some examples of average fees in the area you can refer to the South Carolina Bar, which can provide you with information on general fee guidelines.
Free and Affordable Legal Aid
Pro bono (meaning "for the public good") legal help and legal assistance at low cost can help those who struggle to afford attorney fees but require legal advice and representation. Nonprofits serve as vital resources in this community for those who cannot otherwise access legal counsel. Below is a selection of these organizations; contact them directly for information regarding what they offer, what services they can provide and their requirements for qualification.
The United Ministries organization provides a variety of services to individuals and families in the Greenville area. One of its programs is a legal advocacy program that helps people with civil legal issues. Volunteer attorneys deliver this legal help through the program. United Ministries requires potential clients to schedule an appointment and attend an informational session before they can make a referral for legal advocacy. To qualify, clients must be low income individuals or families referred through the organization’s Client Services Program. The legal advocacy program particularly serves people with housing needs.
Also called Family Court Self Help Center, this program provides support for people engaged in family court matters . Volunteers help with divorce, separation and custody issues. The organization helps individuals with forms and also provides guidance in defining issues that are at stake and preparing clients for court appearances. However, Family Court Self Help Center cannot provide legal advice.
Crisis Ministries provides housing assistance, food and other kinds of help to people who are in economic crisis, and this organization also is a hub for legal and advocacy services for low income people and families in crisis. The organization’s legal services include court advocacy and referrals to attorneys when applicable. In addition, the group may assist people with legal problems that stem from domestic abuse or domestic violence.
Legal Aid of South Carolina serves low income and vulnerable populations statewide. This organization provides clients with free legal assistance with a variety of problems and concerns. The topics of focus for client work include family law, consumer issues, education law, healthcare, public benefits, housing law and inmate issues. Legal Aid of South Carolina assists qualified clients with civil problems.
Common Legal Inquiries in Greenville
The following answers to frequently asked legal questions are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For more information about these topics, potential clients are encouraged to consult with the firm or other knowledgeable attorneys.
Do I need a lawyer to handle my legal issue?
While there is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer, it is advisable. A lawyer can help you make decisions based on your situation and keep you from getting your case dismissed on a procedural technicality.
How long will my case take?
There is no one answer for most cases. Usually, your attorney will be able to give you an estimate of how long they will take based on the type of legal matter.
Can you represent me in court if I live elsewhere?
The attorneys at The Nimmons Law Firm are licensed to practice law in the State of South Carolina. We do not currently handle cases outside of South Carolina. However, we can refer you to lawyers in your area.
Will I be billed immediately for your services?
While we do advise clients to pay a retainer fee at the beginning of representation, our clients are billed bi-monthly for services rendered. Normally, our clients are billed for services at the beginning of the month for work performed during the prior month.
What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and felony?
Generally, misdemeanors are less serious violations of the law and are usually punished with fines and/or jail time of a year or less. Felonies are the more serious crimes and are typically punished with heavier sentences in prison.
What types of fees do you charge?
We charge flat fees for services in certain criminal matters. In family law and judicial mortgage foreclosure cases, we charge a flat fee for services provided. For personal injury matters, we charge a contingency fee. While we do not charge a retainer fee for our regular civil and business litigation matters, our clients are required to maintain a retainer balance to pay for costs and expenses. This balance varies per client depending on the complexity of the matter and possible third-party costs that will arise in the litigation process.
Legal Services Contact Information
Many legal services organizations in the Greenville area prefer to be reached by phone. Important phone numbers are listed below.
Legal Services of the Upstate
Phone: 864-679-8888
Website: [email protected]
South Carolina Bar Association (SC Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts)
Phone: 864-271-2942
Website: www.scbar.org
Greenville County United Way D.A.R.E.+ Initiative
Phone: 864-467-3580
Website: gwunitedway.org
United Ministries
Phone: 864-232-6468
Website: www.united-ministries.org
Coastal Legal Services
Phone: 888-275-7755
Website: www.coastallegalservices.org