User:Luther Battiste

Luther J. Battiste, III, Esq.

Luther J. Battiste, III is the managing shareholder of Johnson, Toal & Battiste, P.A. and has established himself as a tenacious and respected trial lawyer. He is noted for his vigorous cross examinations and persuasive closing arguments on behalf of his clients. Luther, a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. He has received the highest rating for ability and ethics by Martindale-Hubbell,a National legal rating service. He specializes in complex civil litigation, workers’ compensation, motor vehicle wrecks, medical malpractice and administrative law.

Noted as an exceptional trial lawyer, Luther has been recognized for his skill and commitment to the field through a number of appointments and leaderships roles in local, state and national organizations. Luther is past president of the Columbia Lawyer’s Association and the first African-American president of the Richland County Bar Association and the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association. He serves on the National board of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a prestigious invitation only organization of the nation’s leading trial lawyers. Luther presently serves as vice-president of the Southeastern Region of ABOTA (SEABOTA), which includes chapters in ten states and will become president in 2010. He serves by appointment as an administrative law judge.

In 1983, Luther entered the political arena and made history by becoming one of the first two African-Americans elected to Columbia City Council. He served for fifteen years including two terms as Mayor Pro Tempore. He also served as chairperson of the Richland –Lexington County Airport Commission, which operates the Columbia Airport.

Known for his strong commitment to community service, Luther has served on the board of directors and executive committee of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, on the Board of Trustees of Columbia College, and the advisory councils of the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Columbia Junior College and the University of South Carolina. In 1998, the city of Columbia dedicated the Luther J. Battiste, III Monument and Plaza in honor of his dedicated service as a public servant.

Luther attends St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. He is married to Judy Mitchell Battiste and they have two children, Justin Foster and Jade Nicole.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

American Board of Trial Advocates

American Inns of Court

American Association for Justice

National Bar Association

Southern Trial Lawyers Association

Richland County Bar Association

Columbia Lawyers Association

South Carolina Association for Justice

The Academy of Trial Advocacy

Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference

PROFESSIONAL, CIVIC AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

American Board of Trial Advocates, Board Member

Vice President, Southeastern Region American Board of Trial Advocates

Chairman of Board, Capital City Club

Member, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

Member, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity

Member, NAACP

HONORS AND AWARDS

Super Lawyers

The Best Lawyers in America

30 Most Significant African Americans In Richland County, Historic Columbia Foundation, 2008

John H. Williams Award, Richland County Bar Association, 2007

Bell South African-American Calendar Honoree, 2004

South Carolina Black Hall of Fame Honoree

Walker Solomon Award, Columbia Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, 2003 Vision Magazine Achievers Award, 2001

University of South Carolina Distinguished Alumni Award, 1999

Luther Battiste Monument and Plaza Dedication, 1998

University of South Carolina Black Alumni of the Year Award, 1986