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At Montgomery, Patterson, Potts & Willard, L.L.P., our goal is simple: reaching beyond limits and expectations to provide our clients with the best possible legal service. We have earned a reputation for integrity, dedication, personal interaction, and excellence in client service and will do everything we can to maintain it.

A COMMITMENT TO CLIENT SERVICE

Montgomery, Patterson, Potts & Willard, L.L.P. is a general practice law firm located in Columbia, South Carolina. We offer a wide range of specialized legal services. Our attorneys' areas of expertise include litigation, business planning, business transactions, general counsel work, residential and commercial real estate, construction contracts, and environmental law.

Each of our attorneys is committed to providing our clients with the expertise and excellence in service that have become our trademarks. As you navigate the rocky terrain of the legal system, Montgomery, Patterson, Potts & Willard, L.L.P. can provide the strategy, service, and knowledge you need to shape and determine the outcome of your unique challenge.

Our attorneys have the education, experience, and dedication necessary to achieve success before both state and federal courts and regulatory agencies. Our attorneys have a profound understanding of the legal system and have achieved distinction in the field for their knowledge and experience. Most importantly, the attorneys at Montgomery, Patterson, Potts & Willard, L.L.P. have the energy and commitment to work diligently and thoroughly to attain each client's objectives.

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR SERVICE

Our high standards of service have been in place since we first opened our doors.

Each of our partners, and our staff of paralegals and research assistants are dedicated to working with clients to achieve their objectives. Each member of our legal team contributes their specialized training, interests, and experience to reach our main goal: providing legal representation that is efficient, professional, thorough, and – most importantly – personalized to suit each client's particular needs.

MAIN AREAS OF SERVICE

Bankruptcy

To effectively advise clients during transactions, as well as when dealing with funds owed a client, the attorneys at Montgomery, Patterson, Potts & Willard, L.L.P. maintain proficiency in restructuring and bankruptcy. We have extensive experience in creditor workouts and bankruptcy law. Our attorneys represent lenders in connection with loans secured by real estate, accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, vehicles, and other collateral as well as unsecured creditors and unsecured creditors' committees in proceedings under Chapters 7, 11, and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Business Litigation

At Montgomery, Patterson, Potts & Willard, L.L.P.we provide our clients counsel in the areas of business, securities, and financial fraud. Our attorneys deal with many aspects of cases and disputes involving corporate governance, internal investigations, contract disputes, corporate takeovers (including both offensive and defensive activity), proxy rules, fiduciary and professional liability law, and board of directors liability actions. Our attorneys provide assistance to clients' in-house counsel and handle federal and state court litigation related to our clients' business needs.

General Litigation

Attorneys at Montgomery, Patterson, Potts & Willard, L.L.P. handle various forms of litigation, representing clients in jury and non-jury cases at the state and federal level. Our legal staff has significant experience and success in the courtroom, and continuing education and development allow us to stay up-to-date on the most effective trial techniques. Our attorneys also work on appellate cases for several major employers and associations.

Business Law

As South Carolina's business community expands, Montgomery, Patterson, Potts & Willard, L.L.P.offers the representation necessary to handle all types of business law. Our attorneys represent clients on a wide variety of business matters, from business contracts, negotiations, and transactions to corporate mergers, acquisitions, and leveraged buy-outs. We also handle various consumer financing transactions and business purchases and sales.

Computers

Attorneys at Montgomery, Patterson, Potts & Willard, L.L.P. are experienced in representing businesses with respect to their computer and technology needs. Lawyers in the firm are recognized for their knowledge of licensing; research and development activities; joint ventures and other strategic alliances; marketing and distribution, including foreign export; venture capital; outsourcing and facilities management; procurement; and inventor/employee issues. The firm represents companies in the areas of computer software, systems integration, and electronics.

Construction Contracts

Because of the rapid growth of South Carolina, we have seen an increase in the need for construction representation. We provide legal services to construction companies, equipment and material providers, and architectural firms. Our practice involves all aspects of construction and engineering law, from litigation and arbitration of disputes to licensing hearings and contract negotiation.

Employment and Labor Law

Our firm provides employment and labor law services for clients, offering assistance in the planning and implementation of personnel practices that ensure compliance with all employment laws. Our attorneys are also experienced in employment litigation of all kinds, including cases involving discrimination, labor organizations and unions, tort claims, employee benefit plans, occupational safety, employee health coverage, and workers' compensation cases.

Environmental Law

Attorneys at Montgomery, Patterson, Potts & Willard, L.L.P. are well-versed in environmental law and regulations and defend clients in federal and state proceedings involving environmental law. We offer our clients expertise in dealing with regulations and statutes regarding hazardous wastes, waste disposal, emergency planning, and discharge.

Insurance

Montgomery, Patterson, Potts & Willard, L.L.P. attorneys regularly represent insurance and reinsurance companies in coverage disputes and deal extensively in assisting our clients in managing issues of policy coverage, interpretation, and exclusions. We have successfully handled numerous matters involving broadbased policies, such as umbrella coverages and comprehensive general liability, ERISA, Disability and Life Insurance Policies with more specific coverage areas including automobile and homeowners; and with policies for professional and corporate clients, such as those for directors and officers, professional liability and environmental impairment. Members of our firm have extensive experience in cases dealing with the specifics of policies, including errors and omissions, and excess and surplus. We regularly participate in coverage cases for our clients and have prosecuted and defended a number declaratory judgment actions to resolve coverage questions.

Premises Liability

Allegations of malicious presentation, false imprisonment, "dram shop" litigation, libel and slander, slip and fall, third party criminal assault, and abuse of process are some of the issues which the firm's attorneys have faced when representing clients involved in premises liability cases. Montgomery, Patterson, Potts & Willard, L.L.P. represents several hotel franchisors and franchisees in liability cases, and we have represented store chains and retail stores throughout South Carolina.

Residential and Commercial Real Estate

Attorneys of the firm specialize in assisting sellers, purchasers, and financial institutions in structuring various real estate transactions. We offer expertise on leasing and managing commercial and industrial properties, zoning and permit requirements, compliance with federal regulations, contract negotiation, and financing arrangements.

Tax Law

Attorneys of the firm represent clients in the planning and preparation of wills and trusts and in the administration of decedents' estates. We are involved in various corporate and commercial transactions, advising clients on both federal and state tax law, state income taxes, and sales tax issues.

Workers' Compensation

Montgomery, Patterson, Potts & Willard, L.L.P. possesses a significant workers' compensation practice and represents insurance carriers and employers all over South Carolina. We handle hearings, viewings, and clincher agreements, as well as questions regarding coverage and injury. We strive to represent our clients in the most cost effective and efficient manner possible.

ENHANCING SERVICE WITH TECHNOLOGY

At Montgomery, Patterson, Potts & Willard, L.L.P., our technological capabilities and knowledge allow us to provide the most accurate and thorough research available as well as timely, confidential, up-to-the-minute counsel.

We use our modern technological services, such as advanced document assembly, computerized simulations, and information management systems, to better serve our clients. Taking advantage of these tools has a dual result: it enables us to serve all of our clients more efficiently and more effectively.

During complex cases, our computerized data systems enable us to utilize in-depth jury research, giving our clients a powerful advantage in the courtroom. We are also able to link directly with client computers, allowing the most rapid exchange of information and immediate feedback and response, if necessary.

By keeping up with the rapid advancement of technology, we are able to make sure our clients are ahead of the curve in any legal circumstance. However, our use of technology will never take the place of the personal attention each client receives at Montgomery, Patterson, Potts & Willard, L.L.P.. Our staff uses technology as a tool – along with innovation, expertise, and dedication – to provide each client with the best possible legal service.

PERSONAL SERVICE LEADS TO SATISFIED CLIENTS

At Montgomery, Patterson, Potts & Willard, L.L.P.. our goal is to provide the most comprehensive, ethical, and cost-effective legal service for each of our clients. We constantly strive to improve our ability to address each client's particular needs – and our satisfied clients provide the best evidence of our effectiveness.