In 2015, James Atkinson “Chip” Bruorton obtained the largest verdict in his firm’s history. He represented a group of employees against their employer for breach of fiduciary duty related to an employee equity incentive plan. The $53.5 million verdict was one of the top verdicts in South Carolina and one of the top 50 verdicts in the United States that year.

Bruorton says he chose his practice area because he had practical experience in construction law and litigation as an associate and learned to develop relationships in the industry.

“That foundation led me to where I am today,” he says. “Now, construction is my primary practice area.”

Looking into his crystal ball, Bruorton predicts there will be future tort reforms related to the time limit for construction claims.

“This would involve eliminating exceptions that allow claims to be filed long after construction is completed,” he says. “I foresee reform that may establish a longer statute of limitations but will eliminate these exceptions, creating a definitive deadline for bringing cases against contractors.”

Read the feature on South Carolina Lawyers Weekly