Call us

864-263-3155

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Contact Us

Office

206 Mills Avenue, Greenville, SC 29605

Call

(864) 263-3155

Email

contact@wilkinsdavis.com

Contact Us

Facing a legal challenge is stressful for any person or business. Whether you’re dealing with a complicated lawsuit, facing criminal charges, or navigating strict government rules, the outcome can change your future. At Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law, we understand what’s at stake. Our team represents clients in Columbia and Upstate South Carolina. We’re familiar with the local courts, judges, and processes, which helps us build strong strategies across various practice areas.

 

Our Practice Areas

Legal problems come in many forms. We offer a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of our clients. We can help you with any of the following:

An attorney is discussing legal cases with clients at a desk in Upstate and Columbia, SC

Complex Civil Litigation

Sometimes, disputes between people or businesses cannot be solved with a simple conversation. When money, property, or reputations are on the line, you need a skilled civil litigation attorney. We handle complex civil cases. These are often high-stakes lawsuits involving contracts, business partners, or serious property disputes. They can involve thousands of documents and take a long time to resolve. We know how to organize the evidence and present a clear argument to a judge or jury.

 

Criminal Defense

Being charged with a crime is frightening. It can impact your job, family, and freedom. If you or a loved one has been arrested, you need a criminal defense attorney immediately. We represent clients in many different types of criminal cases. Our team starts by reviewing all the evidence the police have gathered. During this review, we’ll check to see if your rights were violated during the arrest. Our goal is to tell your side of the story and protect your future.

 

Corporate Compliance & Internal Investigations

There are many rules and laws that business owners must follow. If a company breaks these rules, it can face hefty fines or criminal charges. A corporate compliance lawyer helps businesses understand and follow the law.

We assist companies by creating plans to avoid trouble. We also help businesses when they suspect something has gone wrong inside their walls. If you suspect an employee is breaking the law or stealing, we’ll conduct an internal investigation to determine the facts. This will help your business address the problem before it worsens.

 

Victim Representation

Usually, when we think of court, we think of the person accused of a crime. But victims have rights, too. The legal system can be confusing and overwhelming for those who have been hurt by others. We help victims navigate the criminal justice process. Our team will help you understand what’s happening in the case against the person who hurt you. Additionally, we help victims seek justice and compensation for their pain and losses.

 

Federal & Government Investigations

Agencies like the FBI and the IRS have considerable power and resources. Facing a federal government investigations case requires a lawyer who understands federal law. Rules are stricter and penalties can be harsher in federal cases than in state cases. If you receive a subpoena or a visit from a federal agent, don’t try to handle it yourself. We’ll protect your rights and communicate with the investigators on your behalf.

 

Forfeiture Defense

The government can take your property if authorities suspect it was involved in a crime. This is known as civil asset forfeiture and may involve the seizure of your car, cash, or house. You need a forfeiture defense lawyer to help you recover your property.

Forfeiture can happen even if you aren’t convicted of a crime, but we know how to challenge these seizures. If the government cannot prove they had the right to take your things, we’ll fight to have them returned to you.

 

Who We Are

The Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law team has spent years working in South Carolina’s courtrooms. Our background gives us a unique perspective. We know how prosecutors think and how judges make decisions. We’ll use our experience to craft a smart legal strategy for you. An informed client is an empowered client, so we’ll always tell you the truth about your case.

 

Why You Should Choose Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law

Selecting a lawyer is a big decision. When you hire us, you’re getting a dedicated partner who cares about the outcome of your case. Clients choose us because:

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We Listen

We’ll take the time to hear your story and understand your goals.

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We’re Tough

Our team isn’t afraid to go to trial if that’s what it takes to win.

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We’re Local

We know Upstate SC and Columbia courts well.

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We Communicate

We’ll keep you updated on your case every step of the way.

Contact Our Legal Team Today

Legal problems often worsen the longer you ignore them. If you’re facing a lawsuit or criminal charge, count on the legal professionals at Wilkins Davis Attorneys at Law to represent you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Office

206 Mills Avenue, Greenville, SC 29605

Call

(864) 263-3155

Email

contact@wilkinsdavis.com

Contact Us Today

“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.