Best's Insurance Professional Resources
Client-Recommended Attorneys, Adjusters and Experts
Best's Insurance Professional Resources
Client-Recommended Attorneys, Adjusters and Experts


Best's Recommended Insurance Attorneys - General Defense

172 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1508, Charleston, SC 29402

Established: 1985

Practice Areas

  • Insurance Defense
  • Automobile
  • General Liability
  • Product Liability
  • Personal Injury
  • Asbestos Litigation
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Coverage Issues
  • Drug
  • Medical Devices
  • General Civil Trial and Appellate Practice
  • Employment Law
  • Admiralty and Maritime Law
  • Civil Rights
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Construction Litigation
  • Environmental Law
  • Health Care
  • Insurance Law
  • Professional Liability
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Premises Liability
  • Toxic Torts
  • Complex Litigation
  • Trucking Litigation
  • Negligence

About Us

The Hood Law Firm, LLC was established in 1985 to provide clients with top-quality trial litigation services in state and federal courts. Under the leadership of Attorney Robert H. Hood, Sr., the firm has grown rapidly to meet the needs of its clients. Today, the Hood Law Firm, LLC is home to more than 25 attorneys. Our attorneys represent a wide variety of clients in civil cases across the United States, including, but not limited to: Fortune 500 companies, Multi-national Corporations, Insurance Companies, Healthcare Organizations, Local Businesses, Regional Businesses, Financial Institutions, Lending Institutions, Construction Companies and Individuals.

The firm primarily handles defense litigation, but does on occasion represent plaintiffs in commercial litigation and personal injury cases. Over the past 25 years, the HLF has consistently maintained its focus on trial practice. This singular focus serves our clients well whether a good result is defined as early resolution, verdict or appeal. Our results speak for themselves. Success is obtained through collaboration with the client in a team approach to achieve the desired goal.

Nothing is more important to our firm than our clients’ satisfaction. We realize how much is riding on the outcome of your case, and our attorneys make it their mission to provide our clients with the personal attention and respect that they deserve. Our lawyers work closely with clients, providing them with knowledgeable advice while listening attentively to their concerns. They strive to keep clients informed on the status of their cases and are always available to answer any questions they may have.

Our experienced trial lawyers work together as a team with clients to develop strategies. Our attorneys are selected for these teams based on their knowledge and skill in that area of law. For example, our construction attorneys have both real-world and educational experience in engineering, and we have a medical malpractice attorney who spent years working as a registered nurse.

All team members work together with experienced trial lawyers to develop strategies and action plans that address all issues in our clients' cases. This approach has earned our firm a reputation for excellence among clients and peers, and an extensive record of successful trial results and settlements.

If you need an experienced trial attorney to represent you or your business, call the Hood Law Firm, LLC or contact us online schedule an initial consultation. The firm provides clients throughout the United States with top-quality representation at all levels of civil court. Let our attorneys put their knowledge and skill to work for you.

Client Information

Insurance Clients

Non-Insurance Clients

  • Altec Industries, Inc.
  • Avis Rent-A-Car System, LLC
  • Car Rental Claims, Inc.
  • CCA Industries, Inc.
  • Charleston Marine Manufacturing Corporation
  • Dollar General Corporation
  • ExxonMobil Corporation
  • Fleming & Hall, LTD
  • Fortune Brands, Inc.
  • The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
  • HCR Manor Care, Inc.
  • The Hertz Corporation
  • Jersey International Group, Inc.
  • John Deere Transportation Services, Inc.
  • Kiawah Island Resort
  • Kindred Healthcare
  • Life Care Centers of America, Inc.
  • Murray Ohio Manufacturing Company
  • Novant Health
  • Psychiatric Solutions, Inc.
  • Rental Adjusting Services
  • Republic Services, Inc.
  • Securitas Security Services USA, Inc.
  • Shell Oil Company
  • The Sherwin-Williams Company
  • Telectronics Pacing Systems, Inc.
  • United Health Services
  • Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.

Personnel Information

Partners


Robert H. Hood

Charleston, SC

Practice Areas
  • Civil Litigation
  • Civil Trial Practice
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Complex Litigation
  • Defense Litigation
  • General Civil Litigation
  • General Defense
  • Insurance Litigation
  • Litigation
  • Malpractice
  • Medical Devices
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Personal Injury
  • Product Liability
Admitted
  • South Carolina, 1969
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court
Additional Biographical Details:

Best Lawyers; South Carolina Super Lawyers; Chambers USA

Memberships:
  • American and Charleston County Bar Associations
  • South Carolina Bar (Chairman, Ethics Committee, 1981-1990)
  • Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (President, 1985-1986)
  • Defense Research Institute (Board of Directors, 1987-1990)
  • Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (President, Charleston Chapter, 1997)
  • Network of Trial Law Firms
  • Product Liability and Advisory Council
  • Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel
  • International Association of Defense Counsel
Education:
  • Sewanee, The University of the South, B.A., 1966
  • University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 1969
Law Review:
South Carolina Law Review
Honors:
Phi Delta Phi

Born: 1944

Molly Hood Craig

Charleston, SC

Practice Areas
  • Product Liability Defense
  • Professional Liability
  • Drug & Medical Device Litigation
Admitted
  • South Carolina, 1994
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court
Additional Biographical Details:

Chambers USA; Best Lawyers; South Carolina Super Lawyers; Who's Who Legal

Memberships:
  • Federal, American and Charleston County Bar Associations
  • South Carolina Bar
  • International Association of Defense Counsel (President, 2013-2014)
  • Defense Research Institute (Board of Directors, 2012-Present)
  • American Board of Trial Advocates (Vice President, 2017-2018)
  • South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association (Past President)
  • International Academy of Trial Lawyers
  • Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (Executive Council, 2007-Present; Chair, Diversity Committee and Meeting Marketing Committee)
  • Network of Trial Law Firms
  • Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel
  • National Center for State Courts (Attorneys' Committee)
Education:
  • Sewanee, The University of the South, B.A., 1991
  • University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 1994
Honors:
Recipient, 2011 Gold Compleat Lawyer Award given by the University of South Carolina School of Law Alumni Association; National Coordinator of iCivics; South Carolina Coordinator of Our Courts, 2009

Born: 1969

Robert H. Hood Jr.

Charleston, SC

Practice Areas
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Construction Litigation
  • General Civil Litigation
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Product Liability
  • Toxic Torts
  • Negligence
  • Professional Liability
Admitted
  • South Carolina, 1997
  • North Carolina, 1998
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of North Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
Additional Biographical Details:

Best Lawyers; South Carolina Super Lawyers; Chambers, USA

Memberships:
  • American and Charleston County Bar Associations
  • South Carolina Bar
  • North Carolina Bar
  • Network of Trial Law Firms
  • Defense Research Institute
  • Association of Defense Trial Attorneys
  • International Association of Defense Counsel
  • South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association
Education:
  • Sewanee, The University of the South, B.A., 1994
  • University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 1997

Born: 1972

John Blanton O'Neal, IV

Charleston, SC

Years of Experience: 17

Practice Areas
  • Construction Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Insurance Litigation
  • Product Liability
  • Bad Faith
  • Insurance Coverage
Admitted
  • South Carolina, 2000
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
Additional Biographical Details:

Best Lawyers

Memberships:
  • American and Charleston County Bar Associations
  • South Carolina Bar
  • American Society of Civil Engineers
  • South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association
  • Defense Research Institute
Education:
  • Georgia Institute of Technology, B.C.E. (Dean's List), 1996
  • University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 2000

Born: 1974

Jennifer F. Nutter

Charleston, SC

Practice Areas
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Product Liability Defense
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Trucking Liability
  • Insurance Defense
Admitted
  • South Carolina, 2001
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
Memberships:
  • American and Charleston County Bar Associations
  • South Carolina Bar
  • South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association
  • Defense Research Institute
Education:
  • Furman University, B.A., 1998
  • University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 2001

Born: 1976

Elloree A. Ganes

Charleston, SC

Practice Areas
  • Insurance Defense
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Nursing Home Liability
  • Government Tort Liability
  • Constitutional Law & Section 1983 Claims
Admitted
  • South Carolina, 2002
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina, 2003
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
Additional Biographical Details:

South Carolina Super Lawyers; Best Lawyers

Memberships:
  • Federal and Charleston County Bar Associations
  • South Carolina Bar
  • South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association
  • Defense Research Institute
Education:
  • Charleston Southern University, B.S. (cum laude), 1999
  • University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 2002

Born: 1977

James B. Hood

Charleston, SC

Practice Areas
  • Admiralty and Maritime Law
  • Negligence
  • Personal Injury
  • Product Liability
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Insurance Coverage
Admitted
  • South Carolina, 2003
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
Additional Biographical Details:

Best Lawyers; South Carolina Super Lawyers; Chambers, USA

Memberships:
  • American and Charleston County Bar Associations
  • South Carolina Bar
  • South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association (Treasurer, 2009-Present)
  • Network of Trial Law Firms
  • Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (Executive Council, 2016-Present)
  • Defense Research Institute
  • International Association of Defense Counsel
Education:
  • Sewanee, The University of the South, B.A., 1999
  • University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 2002
  • Tulane University Law School, LL.M., 2003

Born: 1977

William M. O'Neil

Charleston, SC

Practice Areas
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Construction Litigation
  • Personal Injury
  • Employment Law
  • Commercial General Liability
  • Insurance Coverage
Admitted
  • South Carolina, 2005
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina, 2006
Memberships:
  • American and Charleston County Bar Associations
  • South Carolina Bar
  • South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association
  • Defense Research Institute
Education:
  • Vanderbilt University, B.A., 1993
  • University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 2005

Born: 1971

Brian E. Johnson

Charleston, SC

Practice Areas
  • Civil Litigation
  • Health Care
  • Insurance Law
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Commercial Litigation
Admitted
  • South Carolina, 2007
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
Additional Biographical Details:

South Carolina Super Lawyers

Memberships:
  • South Carolina Bar
  • Charleston County Bar Association
  • South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association
Education:
  • Clemson University, B.S., 2003
  • University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 2007

Born: 1981

Jean Marie Jennings

Charleston, SC

Admitted
  • South Carolina, 2012
Memberships:
  • South Carolina Bar
  • Charleston County Bar Association
Education:
  • Washington and Lee University, B.S., 2002
  • Charleston School of Law, J.D. (cum laude), 2012

Born: 1980

John O. Radeck Jr.

Charleston, SC

Practice Areas
  • Civil Litigation
Admitted
  • South Carolina, 2009
  • Massachusetts, 2011
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina, 2015
Memberships:
  • South Carolina Bar
  • Charleston County Bar Association
  • South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association
Education:
  • The University of Georgia, B.A./B.B.A. (magna cum laude), 2005
  • Charleston School of Law, J.D. (cum laude), 2009

Of Counsel


Deborah Harrison Sheffield

Charleston, SC

Admitted
  • South Carolina, 1984
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina, 1989
Education:
  • University of South Carolina, B.A. (magna cum laude), 1981
  • University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 1984

Born: 1959

Associates


Virginia A. Rogers Floyd

Charleston, SC

Practice Areas
  • Civil Litigation
Admitted
  • South Carolina, 2014
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina, 2015
Memberships:
  • Charleston County Bar Association
Education:
  • Furman University, B.A., History (magna cum laude), 2011
  • Charleston School of Law, J.D. (cum laude), 2014
Clerkship:
Law Clerk, South Carolina Circuit Court

Born: 1989

J. Collier Jones

Charleston, SC

Practice Areas
  • Civil Litigation
  • Medical Malpractice Defense
  • Premises Liability
  • Insurance Law
  • Negligence
Admitted
  • South Carolina, 2014
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
Memberships:
  • American and Charleston County Bar Associations
  • South Carolina Bar
Education:
  • University of South Carolina, B.S. Business Admin., 2010
  • University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 2014

Born: 1988

James W. Clement

Charleston, SC

Admitted
  • South Carolina, 2016
Memberships:
  • South Carolina Bar
  • Charleston County Bar Association
  • South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association
Education:
  • University of South Carolina, B.S. Finance (cum laude), 2010
  • Tulane University Law School, J.D., 2013

Maryrose L. Pritchard

Charleston, SC

Admitted
  • South Carolina, 2016
Memberships:
  • South Carolina Bar (Young Lawyers Division)
  • Charleston County Bar Association
  • South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association
Education:
  • University of South Carolina, B.A., 2012
  • University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D. (cum laude), 2016

Brian J. Kern

Charleston, SC

Admitted
  • South Carolina, 2010
Memberships:
  • American and Charleston County Bar Associations
  • South Carolina Bar
Education:
  • Clemson University, B.S., 2002
  • Charleston School of Law, J.D., 2009

Julia A. Bradshaw

Charleston, SC

Practice Areas
  • Civil Litigation
Admitted
  • South Carolina, 2018
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
Memberships:
  • American and Charleston County Bar Associations
  • South Carolina Bar (Young Lawyers Division)
  • South Carolina Women Lawyers’ Association
  • South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association
Education:
  • Wofford College, B.A., 2014
  • University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 2018
Honors:
Mock Trial; Phi Delta Phi

Evan Sobocinski

Charleston, SC

Practice Areas
  • Civil Litigation
Admitted
  • South Carolina, 2019
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
Memberships:
  • South Carolina Bar
  • Charleston County Bar Association
  • South Carolina Sports and Entertainment Law Society (President)
  • South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association
Education:
  • Newberry College, B.S. (magna cum laude), 2015
  • University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D. (cum laude, Dean's List), 2019
Law Review:
South Carolina Law Review, Articles Editor
Honors:
Order of the Wig and Robe; CALI Award: Criminal Adjudication; President’s List

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