The Legal Bench

Lawyers Helping Lawyers

Lawyers Helping Lawyers is a professional resource available to all lawyers, judges, and law students experiencing challenges with substance use disorders, mental health illnesses, and/or stress-related issues that affect their professional and personal lives. Collins & Lacy President/CEO, Christian Stegmaier, interviews two of the leaders of the program, Beth Padgett and Frances Brown Anderson.https://www.scbar.org/for-lawyers/networking/committees/lawyers-helping-lawyers/

Chad Patterson - Raldex Hospitality

Recorded live from Hilton Head Island at the SCRLA meeting, Collins & Lacy President and CEO Christian Stegmaier sits down with Chad Patterson of Raldex Hospitality for an insightful conversation about growth, leadership, and people. Chad shares how he’s maximizing Raldex Hospitality's footprint in Florence, South Carolina, his approach to delivering exceptional guest experiences, and the strategy behind hiring and keeping the right team.

Paul Garcia- Dayton House

Second in a series of podcasts recorded at the recent South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association meeting in Hilton Head Island, Collins & Lacy President & CEO, Christian Stegmaier, interviews Paul Garcia, SCRLA Board Member and General Manager of the Dayton House Resort at Myrtle Beach. Mr. Garcia discussed the greatest challenges to his business and the company culture he has developed to make the Dayton House a great place for both workers and their guests.

SCRLA Kirk Watkins, Sizzling Steak Concepts

Collins & Lacy President/CEO and Retail & Hospitality Practice Group Leader, Christian Stegmaier, hosts a conversation with Kirk Watkins, SCRLA Board Chair and leader with Sizzling Steak Concepts, exploring the challenges and opportunities facing today’s hospitality industry.From risk management and compliance to leadership strategies, this episode offers valuable insights for restaurant owners, operators, and hospitality professionals.

Meet The New Guy - Attorney Jerrod Fussnecker

Meet The New Guy - Attorney Ty Zeigler

In the first episode of a new series on The Legal Bench Podcast, Collins & Lacy President/CEO Christian Stegmaier interviews attorney Ty Zeigler, one of the firm's newer lawyers.

Be the Hero: The Role of the Defense Lawyer in a World of Complacency

In an insurance defense model, it’s easy to think of the carrier as the client. They are, after all, the ones paying the bills. They set guidelines, dictate reporting requirements, and ultimately decide whether to settle or proceed to trial. But the reality is more nuanced. The insured—the business or individual being defended—is the true client.For the insured, a lawsuit isn’t just another case. It’s not one of 50 files sitting on a lawyer’s desk. It’s personal. It’s their business, their reputation, their livelihood on the line. Many insureds have never been sued before. They don’t understand the legal process, and they certainly don’t see their case as just another number.Yet, too often, defense lawyers treat them as such. They provide minimal communication, fail to truly advocate, and approach cases with a “this will just get mediated” attitude. That’s not advocacy. That’s not lawyering.Collins & Lacy President, CEO and chair of the firm's Retail & Hospitality Practice Group talks with two of his team leaders, attorneys Molly Flynn and Andy Smith.

In Conversation With: Kenny Berger

“In Conversation With” is a continuing series on the Legal Bench Podcast hosted by Christian Stegmaier, Collins & Lacy President and Chief Executive Officer, where he engages with influential South Carolinians who are making significant impacts across our state. In this episode, Christian sits down with Kenny Berger, a distinguished plaintiff's lawyer based in Columbia, South Carolina, known not only for his legal acumen but also for his deep commitment to generosity in both relationships and spirit. Kenny Berger is the founder of the Law Office of Kenneth E. Berger, LLC, where he has earned a reputation as a compassionate and formidable advocate for those who have suffered serious injuries. His practice is dedicated to representing individuals and families in complex personal injury and wrongful death cases, with a particular focus on cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Kenny’s commitment to justice and client service has made him a respected figure in the South Carolina legal community, known for achieving significant results while maintaining the highest ethical standards. In this insightful conversation, Christian and Kenny delve into the importance of cultivating generosity—not just as a practice in the courtroom but as a guiding principle in life. They explore how this mindset influences Kenny’s approach to building and nurturing relationships, both personal and professional, and how it shapes his interactions with clients, colleagues, and the broader community. Kenny shares candid reflections on the impact of generosity in creating lasting connections, fostering trust, and ultimately achieving success that is measured not only in legal victories but in the positive change brought about for others. His approach to law is as much about the human element as it is about legal strategy, emphasizing the value of kindness, understanding, and giving back. It was a privilege to have Kenny Berger as our guest for this episode, and we hope his insights inspire listeners to consider the role of generosity in their own lives and careers.

In Conversation With David Yarborough

“In Conversation With:” is a new series on the Legal Bench Podcast hosted by Christian Stegmaier, Collins & Lacy President and Chief Executive Officer wherein he interviews influential South Carolinians who dominate the conversation in our state. Christian’s first guest is David Yarborough, renowned plaintiff’s attorney and a founding partner of Yarborough Applegate Law Firm, LLC, which is headquartered in Charleston. What ensued was an engaging discussion about the zealous practice of law, building a business that is meant to last, effectively managing and leading teams, mentoring lawyers new to the profession, and working hard to realize your potential as a professional. David has a history of achieving record-breaking jury verdicts and settlements for his clients, including a landmark $44.6 million jury verdict against Amazon in December 2023, and a $35.9 million verdict against PEPCO. He focuses on personal injury cases involving bad faith against insurance companies, industrial injuries, product liability, toxic spills, drownings, accidents, and negligence by various entities, collecting hundreds of millions of dollars for his clients. David is also deeply involved in his community, providing free legal work, mentoring individuals suffering from addiction, and contributing to local charities, alongside his membership in several legal and advocacy organizations. David enjoys a reputation in the Bar as a relentless advocate who is unapologetically candid and direct in his communications. It was a pleasure hosting David on our inaugural show of this series.

Service And Support Animals In Retail And Hospitality Businesses

What is the difference between a Service and an emotional support animal?Do both command the same rights in retail and hospitality settings?Collins & Lacy law clerk Abigail Johanson explores the topic with her guest, Rebecca Fulmer of Disability Rights South Carolina.