Collins & Lacy Announces Attorney Elevations

COLUMBIA, S.C.- Collins & Lacy, P.C., a leading South Carolina business defense law firm, is pleased to announce the elevation of four attorneys.

Attorneys Molly Flynn, Evan Gessner, Henry McMaster, Jr., and Andy Smith have been elevated to shareholder status.

“These promotions reflect the hard work, quality client service, and leadership of these outstanding attorneys,” stated Christian Stegmaier, firm President & CEO. “Their elevation also demonstrates our dedication to building the next generation of firm ownership. The future is bright for Collins & Lacy.”

All four attorneys work in the Retail & Hospitality Practice Group, the largest dedicated team of its kind in South Carolina. Each leads a team within the Retail & Hospitality Practice Group.

Before joining Collins & Lacy, Molly Flynn worked for several years representing school districts and their boards in the areas of school and employment law. Her work encompassed defense litigation and the development of policies and procedures. She has significant experience in both state agency defense and litigation. She has extensive experience in employment law, contractual and financial matters, personnel issues, and various types of litigation.

Molly served for six years as an Assistant Solicitor for the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office where she managed prosecution focusing on domestic violence; successfully obtaining harsher penalties for abusers on behalf of victims. She prosecuted sexual assaults, burglaries, murders, and other violent crimes.

Prior to joining Collins & Lacy, Evan Gessner served in a number of litigation roles in both state and federal trial and appellate courts. He has experience with claims involving alleged torts, contract breaches, and civil rights violations.

Evan also served for several years as Assistant General Counsel at the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services where he performed all legal services related to the Managed Care Program and Program Integrity Division. He has represented and advised governmental agencies and employees in all aspects of litigation.

Before joining Collins & Lacy, Henry McMaster, Jr. was an Assistant Solicitor in the 6th Judicial Circuit where he prosecuted crimes of all levels, including domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct, and murder. He also managed juvenile adjudications and participated in the Veteran’s Court Program.

At Collins & Lacy, Henry also provides leadership for the firm’s Governmental Affairs and Issue Advocacy Practice Group.

Attorney Andy Smith served as an Assistant Solicitor in both the 5th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, representing the State in criminal prosecutions in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, Allendale, Colleton, Richland, and Kershaw Counties. In his role as an assistant solicitor, he managed a large caseload of both felony and misdemeanor cases, and was responsible for reviewing case facts, consulting with arresting agencies, interviewing witnesses and victims, determining the appropriate charge, indicting the charge for prosecution, and trying cases on behalf of the State of South Carolina.

Andy is also a member of the Steering Committee for DRI’s Young Lawyer Committee, and through that role, works with lawyers throughout the country on research and advocacy for businesses and insurance carriers. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor in the Honors College at The University of South Carolina.