[COLUMBIA, S.C.] Collins & Lacy, PC is pleased to announce that firm founder, Joel W. Collins, Jr. has been elected President of the Foundation of the American Board of Trial Advocates, (ABOTA) the national oranization devoted to preserving the civil jury trial. He will take office in January 2008.
Joel conducts an active practice in Complex Civil Litigation and White Collar Criminal Defense. His commitment to the preservation of our civil justice system for future generations, has led to his active role in the ABOTA Foundation throughout his career. Most recently, Joel served as Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the ABOTA Foundation during 2007. He has also served as the President and the National Board Representative of the South Carolina Chapter of ABOTA. In 2002, he received the Jeter E. Rhodes Trial Lawyer of the Year Award from the South Carolina Chapter of ABOTA.
Joel graduated from Clemson University in 1965. He earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1968. Joel has been recognized for his contributions to the legal profession and service to the community by both universities. In 2005, he received the James Petigru Compleat Lawyer Award from the University of South Carolina School of Law, as well as the Distinguished Service Award from the Clemson University Alumni Association in 2001. Joel is listed as one of South Carolina’s pre-eminent attorneys, according to Martindale-Hubbell.
