As one of the oldest firms in South Carolina, nothing speaks to our success better than our longevity. Consistently providing our clients with the high level of personal service they deserve has sustained our successful practice for over a century. Established in 1900, we represent a diverse set of clients throughout South Carolina in a wide range of practice areas. Some of our longest-standing clients are insurance carriers, and we are known for our insurance defense, bad faith and coverage work. Our firm is also recognized for its work on media law cases, including the defense of defamation and invasion of privacy claims, asserting access rights to the courts and court records and protecting news organizations from being compelled to become investigators for litigants. Our current practice also includes business disputes, construction litigation, education law, administrative matters, products liability, and restaurant and hospitality representation.
When clients turn to Baker, Ravenel & Bender, L.L.P, they do so with our promise to do our best for them. We cannot guarantee results, but we can guarantee that we will provide thoughtful, vigorous representation. We are advocates for our clients, and we never forget that.
Baker, Ravenel & Bender, L.L.P is one of South Carolina's oldest law firms. The firm was established around 1900 as Melton & Belser and eventually became Belser & Belser. Charles E. Baker came on board in 1963 and the firm soon came to be called Belser, Belser & Baker.
As with many law practices, the firm name changed several more times over the years. The current name was established in 1999. Cravens Ravenel and Jay Bender remain active, vital members of the firm.
The firm today consists of seven partners, four associates and one of counsel attorney who cover a variety of practice areas in both state and federal courts. Insurance carriers were among our earliest clients, and the firm has long been known for its Insurance Defense and Coverage work. Other areas of our practice include Media and First Amendment Law, Administrative Law, Employment Law, Workers' Compensation, Professional Malpractice and Construction Law. The firm also has extensive Appellate experience.
Attorneys at our firm strive to be both complete lawyers and well-rounded people. We work very hard and take pride in our work product. We recognize that in addition to being lawyers, we are spouses, parents, grandparents, siblings, children, friends, companions and citizens. The firm encourages a healthy balance of work and play, both as individuals and as a firm. Outings to local theater productions or to the ballpark on a summer night are firm favorites.
These pursuits foster firm chemistry and a sense of teamwork that carries over to the workday. We believe this approach helps us maintain a level of professional consistency that ultimately makes us better advocates for our clients.
The firm's senior partners have established a tradition of community service. The firm embraces volunteerism and encourages attorneys to be active in the community. Many of us are members of or contributors to civic organizations, churches and social clubs, and many of us spend a great deal of time volunteering for worthy causes.
