Columbia Attorney Named President of The American Board of Trial Advocates' South Carolina Chapter

COLUMBIA, SC – November 30, 2006 – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. is proud to announce Charles T. Speth, II has been elected president of the South Carolina Chapter of The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Mr. Speth served as vice president of the association in 2006 and has been a member of ABOTA since 2001.

The ABOTA was founded in 1957 by a group of lawyers determined to preserve the jury system and is dedicated to educating its members and the public about the importance of the Seventh Amendment.  Membership in the ABOTA is very selective. Lawyers who are accepted must be in practice for 15 years, tried a minimum of 20 cases to verdict and must display skill, civility, and integrity.

“I’ve been involved with ABOTA for many years and believe in the association’s mission to protect our jury system and promote civility within the legal profession. It’s an honor to be a part of this group, and I look forward to serving as president in the coming year,” said Speth.

Mr. Speth is the managing shareholder of the firm’s Columbia office and concentrates his practice in employment-related litigation matters. He successfully defends employers in state and federal litigation throughout the United States and devotes a large portion of his time representing clients in class action litigation.

About Ogletree Deakins

Ogletree Deakins is the nation’s third largest labor and employment law firm, representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. The firm has more than 300 lawyers located in 25 offices from Miami to Los Angeles. In addition to handling all types of labor, employment, and benefits law matters, the firm has thriving practices focused on business immigration, litigation, employee benefits, environmental law, mine safety, occupational safety and health, and construction law. Ogletree Deakins represents a diverse range of clients, including more than half of the Fortune 50 corporations in the U.S.

For more information, please contact Karen Gonzales, communications manager, at 210-277-3606.