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About Us

When facing a serious legal challenge, experience and judgment matter. At Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law, clients work with a team that brings decades of courtroom, prosecution, judicial, and litigation experience to complex legal matters across Upstate and Columbia, SC. From high-stakes civil disputes to federal criminal defense and government investigations, our firm represents individuals, businesses, and organizations in matters that demand strategic thinking and strong advocacy.

Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law is built on a foundation of preparation, integrity, and client-focused representation. Our firm’s attorneys have handled some of the most significant and complex cases in South Carolina and throughout the country, earning recognition for our work in trial litigation, investigations, and dispute resolution. Clients turn to our firm when the stakes are high and the outcome matters. Learn more about our criminal defense attorneys in SC.

Close-up shot of Wilkins Davis in Greenville, SC
WALT wILKINS
An attorney at Wilkins Davis in Greenville, SC
William W. “Billy” Wilkins
An attorney at Wilkins Davis in Greenville, SC
Lane Davis
The team members of Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law are working together in Upstate and Columbia, SC

Our Law Firm Overview

Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law is a litigation-focused law firm serving clients throughout Upstate and Columbia, SC. Our firm handles a broad range of matters involving criminal defense, civil litigation, corporate investigations, victim representation, and federal legal issues.

With backgrounds that include federal court leadership, prosecution, and extensive trial work, the attorneys at Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law understand how legal disputes develop from every angle. That perspective allows our firm to build thoughtful legal strategies tailored to the facts of each case and the goals of each client.

Whether representing an individual facing criminal allegations, a company responding to an investigation, or a client involved in a complex business dispute, our firm focuses on practical guidance, detailed preparation, and strong courtroom advocacy.

Our Mission & Vision to Represent Our Clients

At Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law, the mission is simple: provide clients with experienced legal representation grounded in professionalism, responsiveness, and a commitment to pursuing the best possible outcome under the circumstances.

Legal issues can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life or business. Our firm believes clients deserve clear communication, honest guidance, and attorneys who are fully prepared to handle difficult and complex matters. Every case receives careful attention and a strategy designed around the specific legal and personal concerns involved.

Our firm’s vision is to continue serving as a trusted resource for clients throughout South Carolina who need skilled representation in litigation, investigations, and defense matters. You’ve come to the right place for government investigations and defense attorneys.

Our Legal Practice Areas

Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law represents clients in a variety of complex legal matters throughout Upstate and Columbia, SC. We provide legal representation in the following areas:

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Complex Civil Litigation:

As a civil litigation law firm, Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law handles disputes involving businesses, contracts, partnerships, fraud allegations, and other high-value claims. A complex civil litigation attorney from our firm can assist clients with resolving disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or trial when necessary. Our firm understands that civil litigation often involves significant financial and reputational concerns, requiring a strategic and detail-oriented approach.

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Criminal Defense:

Our firm provides representation for individuals facing serious criminal charges in state and federal court. As a criminal defense attorney team, Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law handles matters involving white-collar offenses, fraud allegations, conspiracy charges, and other criminal cases where strong legal advocacy is essential. The attorneys work to protect client rights while building a defense strategy tailored to the facts of the case.

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Corporate Compliance & Internal Investigations:

Businesses today face increasing regulatory oversight and compliance obligations. Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law assists companies with corporate compliance matters, internal investigations, and responses to allegations involving misconduct, fraud, or regulatory violations. Our firm works with organizations to evaluate concerns, conduct investigations, and manage legal risk while protecting the interests of the business.

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Victim Representation:

Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law also represents individuals harmed by criminal conduct or wrongdoing. Through crime victim representation, our firm helps clients understand their rights, navigate legal proceedings, and pursue available remedies when appropriate. These cases often involve sensitive and difficult circumstances that require both professionalism and compassion.

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Federal Government Investigations:

Federal investigations can move quickly and carry serious consequences for individuals and organizations alike. Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law represents clients involved in federal government investigations involving agencies such as the FBI, DOJ, and other federal authorities. Our firm provides guidance during investigations, interviews, subpoenas, and related legal proceedings.

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Forfeiture Defense:

Asset forfeiture cases can place substantial financial pressure on individuals and businesses. Our firm represents clients in forfeiture defense matters involving seized property, financial accounts, or other assets connected to criminal investigations or allegations. Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law works to challenge improper forfeitures and protect client property rights.

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White-Collar Federal Crimes Defense:

White-collar criminal cases often involve detailed financial records, federal investigators, and complex legal issues. Our firm defends clients facing allegations involving fraud, embezzlement, public corruption, financial crimes, and related federal offenses. Careful preparation and a thorough understanding of federal procedures are critical in these cases.

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Federal Conspiracy Charge Defense:

Federal conspiracy allegations can significantly expand the scope of a criminal investigation. Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law represents individuals accused of participating in conspiracies involving financial crimes, drug offenses, or other federal charges. Our firm carefully examines the evidence, government procedures, and legal arguments involved in these complex matters.

Our Service Areas in South Carolina

Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law proudly serves clients throughout several regions in South Carolina. Learn more about how we can help you:

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Greenville, SC:

Our firm represents individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout Greenville and the surrounding communities in a wide range of litigation and defense matters.

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Columbia, SC:

Clients in Columbia rely on Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law for representation involving criminal defense, government investigations, civil litigation, and corporate legal matters.

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Upstate, SC:

Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law serves clients across the Upstate region, providing experienced representation in complex legal disputes and high-stakes cases.

Advantages of Choosing Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law

Clients choose Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law because our firm combines extensive litigation experience with a practical, client-focused approach. The attorneys bring backgrounds in prosecution, federal courts, and complex trial litigation, giving clients valuable insight into challenging legal matters. Advantages of working with our firm include:

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Decades of courtroom and litigation experience

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Representation in high-stakes and complex cases

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Strategic, detail-oriented legal preparation

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Strong advocacy in state and federal matters

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Client-focused communication and guidance

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Experience handling investigations and regulatory matters

Our civil litigation attorneys understand that legal challenges can affect a person’s future, reputation, business, and financial stability. Every case is approached with seriousness, preparation, and attention to detail.

Contact Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law

If you are facing a legal dispute, criminal allegation, investigation, or other complex legal matter, Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law is prepared to help. Our firm represents clients throughout Upstate and Columbia, SC, with experienced legal counsel focused on protecting client interests and pursuing effective solutions.

Contact Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our firm can assist with your legal matter.

“At Wilkins  Davis, we bring the same dedication and tenacity I honed as Solicitor to every client we serve. Our firm is built on a foundation of trust, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of justice, ensuring that each individual receives personalized attention and robust representation tailored to their needs. We’re here to guide you through life’s toughest moments with compassion and expertise, delivering results that matter.”
 
— Walt Wilkins
 

Meet William W. “Billy” Wilkins

Practice Areas:
Shareholder Litigation, Business & Commercial Disputes, Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Appellate, Government Investigations & White Collar Defense

William W. “Billy” Wilkins is a former Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, former United States District Judge, and the first Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission. His legal and public service career spans more than five decades and includes landmark contributions to federal sentencing policy, military service, and leadership in both the judiciary and the private sector.

Career Timeline

Early Legal & Public Service

  • Native of Greenville, SC

  • Clerked for a federal appeals court judge and served as a legislative assistant to a U.S. Senator

  • Elected Solicitor (District Attorney), 13th Judicial Circuit (1974); re-elected in 1978

  • Established South Carolina’s first:

    • Joint state-federal task force

    • Victim-Witness Assistance Program

    • Child Abuse Prosecution Unit

    • Pretrial Diversion Program

  • Honored annually through the “Billy Wilkins Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement”

Federal Judicial Service

  • Appointed by President Reagan as U.S. District Judge, District of South Carolina (1981)

  • Named first Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission (1985–1994)

  • Appointed U.S. Circuit Judge, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals (1986)

  • Elevated to Chief Judge, Fourth Circuit (2003–2007); took senior status in 2007

  • Chair, Committee on Criminal Law (appointed by Chief Justice Rehnquist)

  • Member, Judicial Conference of the United States

Academic Roles

  • Taught Criminal Law & Procedure, Constitutional Law, and Family Law for 24 years at Greenville Technical College

Education

  • J.D., University of South Carolina School of Law

    • Editor-in-Chief, South Carolina Law Review

    • Captain, Moot Court Team

    • Order of Wig and Robe

    • Outstanding Graduate of the Year

Military Service

  • 27 years of combined service in U.S. Army (active/reserve) and South Carolina National Guard

  • Served in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps and as State Judge Advocate

  • Retired Brigadier General

  • Recipient, Legion of Merit for Meritorious Service

Community & Professional Involvement

  • Certified Arbitrator, American Arbitration Association (2009–present)

  • Permanent Member, Judicial Conference of the United States

  • Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

  • Member, American Bar Association

  • Member, South Carolina Bar

Honors & Awards

  • Best Lawyers in America® (2025): Appellate Practice, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar

  • Honorary Doctor of Laws: University of South Carolina, Charleston School of Law, Anderson University

  • Honorary Doctor of Public Service: Coastal Carolina University

  • Martindale Hubbell “AV Preeminent” Rating

  • ABA Lifetime Achievement Award

  • Order of the Palmetto, S.C.'s highest civilian honor

  • Exemplary Service Award, SC Chapter, American Board of Trial Advocacy

  • Best Lawyers in America: White-Collar, Bet-the-Company, and Appellate (since 2010)

  • Chambers USA: “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business” (since 2010)

  • “Lawyer of the Year,” Greenville, SC – Best Lawyers (2013, 2014, 2016, 2020–2025)

  • “Legal Elite of the Upstate,” Greenville Business Magazine (multiple categories, 2016, 2018–2020, 2022–2024)

  • “Top Lawyers,” TALK Greenville Magazine (2022–2024)

  • “Top 25 South Carolina Super Lawyers,” Thomson Reuters (2012–2020)

  • International Compliance & Ethics Award, Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics (2018)

  • “Top 25 Attorneys in SC,” Columbia Living Magazine (2017)

  • Trial and Appellate Advocacy Award, South Carolina Bar (2013)

  • Compleat Lawyer Platinum Award, USC Law Alumni Council (2012)

  • Featured in The Greenville Journal cover story: “The Life and Trials of William Walter Wilkins” (2011)

  • Keynote Speaker, Southern High Court Conference: “How Court Decisions Impact Economic Development” (2011)

  • Instrumental in securing Boeing’s move to North Charleston, SC; publicly credited by Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell and featured in Columbia Regional Business Report (2010)

Publications & Speaking

Judge Wilkins has testified before numerous Congressional committees and lectured across the U.S. and internationally. His authored works include:

  • Discovery of Existence and Amount of Defendant's Insurance Policy, 17 S.C.L. Rev. 750 (1965)

  • Lockouts: Return to the Common Law Ruling, 18 S.C.L. Rev. 299 (1966)

  • The Family Purpose Doctrine, 18 S.C.L. Rev. 638 (1966)

  • Plea Negotiations and Sentencing Guidelines, 23 Wake Forest L. Rev. 181 (1988)

  • Sentencing Reform and Appellate Review, 46 Wash. & Lee L. Rev. 429 (1989)

  • Relevant Conduct: The Cornerstone of the Guidelines, 41 S.C.L. Rev. 495 (1990)

  • The U.S. Sentencing Commission: Its Many Missions, 55 Federal Probation 26 (1991)

  • The Sentencing Reform Act of 1984, 2 Crim. L. Forum 355 (1991)

  • The Federal Sentencing Guidelines: Striking a Balance, 25 U.C. Davis L. Rev. 571 (1992)

  • Comments on Federal Sentencing Guidelines Symposium, 29 Am. Crim. L. Rev. 795 (1992)

  • The Role of Amendments in Reducing Disparity, 50 Wash. & Lee L. Rev. 63 (1993)

  • Competing Sentencing Policies in a Drug Era, 28 Wake Forest L. Rev. 305 (1993)

The Legal, Political, and Social Implications of the Death Penalty, 41 U. Richmond L. Rev. 793 (2007)

Meet Lane Davis

Lane Davis is a seasoned litigator with a practice spanning a broad range of complex civil litigation, including business torts, health care and managed care disputes, securities, ERISA, employment, trade secrets, non-compete litigation, RICO, public corruption, wrongful death, product liability, utility disputes, class actions, professional negligence, and FLSA collective actions.

Lane represents an equally diverse array of clients, including product manufacturers, hospital systems, health benefit coordinators, federal contractors, public utilities, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, public officials, lenders, chemical companies, nonprofits, and individuals.

Known for his strategic mindset, creativity, and courtroom acumen, Lane approaches each case with a problem-solving mentality that goes beyond conventional tactics. He has significant trial experience and has managed litigation in at least 13 jurisdictions across the country.

Lane has been recognized by Greenville Business Magazine as a “Legal Elite of the Upstate” in multiple categories, including Business Litigation, Corporate Investigations, and Government Relations. He is also listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation.

He earned his J.D. from Emory University School of Law, where he received the Certificate of Excellence in Criminal Litigation, and his undergraduate degree from Boston College.

Representative Cases

Class Action & Collective Action Litigation

  1. Defeated class certification in a federal ERISA case with over $15M at stake, resolving the matter favorably mid-trial.
  2. Achieved dismissals with prejudice in class actions involving product exposure and toxic torts in U.S. Virgin Islands and West Virginia.
  3. Prosecuted class action to secure declaratory and injunctive relief, shielding client from $50M in potential liability.
  4. Obtained summary judgment in pricing discrimination case for utility client.
  5. Limited scope of FLSA collective actions in multiple jurisdictions, leading to favorable settlements for national retailers and managed care providers.
  6. Obtained dismissal with prejudice in a federal class action alleging violations of RICO and ERISA.
  7. Obtained favorable settlement terms in nationwide data breach case pending in multi-district litigation.Obtained dismissal and favorable results in multiple actions brought under the Fair Labor and Standards Act.

Health Care & Managed Care Litigation

  • Secured dismissal of federal suit brought by insurer against health benefits manager.
  • Recovered nearly $3M in unpaid claims in multi-year, multi-state litigation.
  • Represented major hospital system in litigation challenging corporate restructuring.
  • Guided managed care client through high-stakes vendor termination involving data exposure and IT continuity.

Business & Tort Litigation

  • Blocked fraudulent takeover of renewable energy project supporting scholarships for underprivileged youth.
  • Secured $11M settlement against a global pharmaceutical company via federal court injunction.
  • Won defense verdicts in multi-million dollar contract interference and franchise disputes.
  • Obtained judgments and injunctive relief in cross-border fraud and commercial contract disputes.
  • Halted improper municipal zoning efforts threatening national restaurant and retail chains.

Employment & Non-Compete Disputes

  • Defended public officials, national employers, and manufacturers in severance, discrimination, and restrictive covenant cases.
  • Defeated claims and obtained favorable resolutions in trade secret and injunctive relief matters.
  • Navigated complex contempt proceedings involving out-of-state non-compete enforcement.

Public Entity & Governmental Litigation

  • Secured defense verdicts and favorable settlements in public corruption, regulatory, and constitutional claims.
  • Obtained sanctions and court orders against state agencies for discovery violations.
  • Litigated public nuisance claims, civil rights defenses, and regulatory takings for utilities and municipalities.
  • Represented government attorneys and departments in high-profile Section 1983 and post-conviction proceedings.

Product Liability & Wrongful Death

  • Eliminated liability in multi-fatality fire case against a national retailer.
  • Secured summary judgment in aircraft defect litigation involving zinc-coated bolts.
  • Conducted successful pre-litigation defense investigations in catastrophic injury matters.

Probate & Fiduciary Litigation

  • Achieved favorable settlements in will contests and fiduciary malfeasance claims involving multimillion-dollar estates.
  • Recovered assets misappropriated from incapacitated individuals.

Other Notable Litigation

  • Defended and prevailed in Hague Convention child abduction case.
  • Obtained favorable outcomes in privacy torts, defective construction, and child abuse litigation.
  • Recovered over $1M in settlement for construction defects; prosecuted abuse claims on behalf of children harmed in a franchised daycare.

Recognition

  • Legal Elite of the Upstate, Greenville Business Magazine (2024)

The Best Lawyers in America – Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

Meet Walt Wilkins

Walt Wilkins was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. He graduated from Wofford College in 1996 and earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1999.

Walt began his legal career as an in-house attorney for Lockheed Martin Aircraft in Córdoba, Argentina. In 2000, he returned to Greenville to join the law firm of Leatherwood, Walker, Todd & Mann, where he focused on civil litigation, criminal defense, and immigration law. During this time, he also served as an adjunct professor at Greenville Technical College and was recognized as the 2003 “Young Lawyer of the Year” by the American Board of Trial Advocates.

In 2005, Walt was appointed Assistant United States Attorney in the Greenville office, where he prosecuted a wide range of complex federal crimes. His work included one of the largest mortgage fraud cases in the district, a large-scale illegal gambling operation resulting in a major forfeiture, and a high-profile human trafficking case. He received multiple awards for his prosecutorial excellence, including the U.S. Secret Service Award for Outstanding Prosecution, the U.S. Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Prosecutor, and recognition for Outstanding Contribution to the Asset Forfeiture Program. Walt is also a permanent member of the 4th Circuit Judicial Conference.

On May 7, 2008, President George W. Bush appointed Walt as the United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and became the state’s 49th U.S. Attorney. In this role, he served as South Carolina’s chief federal prosecutor and chaired the District’s Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee. His top priorities included violent crime, gang activity, and white-collar crime. Under his leadership, several of the most violent and organized gangs in the state were dismantled in collaboration with state and local law enforcement agencies.

In 2010, Walt was elected Solicitor for South Carolina’s 13th Judicial Circuit, serving Greenville and Pickens counties. Sworn in January 2011, he served three terms and remained in office until 2023, making him one of the longest-serving solicitors in state history. As Solicitor, he launched a number of key initiatives, including the Worthless Check Program, a Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit focused on crimes against children, and the expansion of the Juvenile Arbitration Program into Greenville County. He was appointed to the South Carolina Commission on Prosecution Coordination by Governor Nikki Haley.

In 2019, Walt helped launch the Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) alongside Sheriff Johnny Mack Brown and local police chiefs. This initiative brought together multiple agencies to target drug crimes with the shared goal of creating a safer community for Greenville County residents.

Walt is widely respected for his leadership, legal acumen, and commitment to public service. He brings to Wilkins Davis a deep understanding of both the federal and state justice systems and decades of trial experience in some of the most complex and high-profile cases in South Carolina and beyond.

Walt is married to the former Donyelle Burton, and together they have three children.