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South Carolina Trial Lawyers present Ellis with Worthy Adversary Award
Ellis recognized for his cordiality toward opponents, ability to engage juries at annual convention at Hilton Head IslandWhen author Dale Carnegie penned the classic self-help book, How to Win Friends and Influence Others, he might very well have been writing about F. Earl Ellis, Jr., of Ellis, Lawhorne & Sims, P.A. Described by colleagues and courtroom adversaries alike as “cordial, capable and entertaining,” the well-respected workers’ compensation attorney was presented with the Worthy Adversary Award by the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association (SCTLA) at its annual convention on Hilton Head Island, August 8-10.
According to Fayrell Furr, past president of SCTLA, the Worthy Adversary Award is a special award given to an attorney who is honest, well respected among his or her peers, loyal and dependable to his or her clients, and above all, ethical. Since the award was established 10 years ago, it has only been given twice before: to retired Columbia attorney Doug McKay—who mentored Ellis some 30 years ago and to Florence attorney Saunders M. Bridges.
Over the past 30 years of practicing law, Ellis has earned the reputation as a formidable foe among his legal opponents. In Ellis’ case, it is not because he is adversarial, argumentative and combative. His formidability is based on his knowledge of the law, his keen ability to retain and rely on facts rather than technicalities, and his respectful approach to plaintiffs, their attorneys and juries.
“Earl embodies all that is good in this profession,” says one of his frequent opponents, SCLTA President John Nichols of Bluestein, Nichols, Thompson, and Delgado Law Firm in Columbia. “He has an amazing way with lawyers, judges and clients, and is always respectful of opposing attorneys. He keeps his eye on the ethical ball. He wins the case by looking closely at the details, analyzing the data and knowing the facts. Honestly, when I’m meeting Earl in the courtroom I know I better have done my homework!”
Ellis earned his juris doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1975. His first job as an attorney was with the Columbia firm of McKay, Sherrill, Walker, & Townsend. While there, he was mentored by Julius McKay and Doug McKay, Jr., two sage and well respected attorneys.
“They taught me that thoughtful wins over adversarial any day of the week and that good lawyers are respectful of other lawyers. Butting heads is not necessary; getting good results for your clients is. I took their advice to heart and it has paid off,” says Ellis, who went on to become a founding partner in Ellis Lawhorne, a full-service law firm, in 1980.
Over the years, Ellis’s career has focused on workers’ compensation matters, representing clients in courtrooms and boardrooms across South Carolina. His clients include textile mills, manufacturing plants, public utilities, and large retail establishments in defense of workers’ compensation claims. He also serves as lead counsel for the self-insurance funds of hospitals and governmental entities throughout the state. Today, Ellis is in high demand as a mediator on workers’ compensation, litigation and other matters.
Ellis also places a priority on mentoring the next generation of lawyers, says John T. Lay, Jr., an Ellis Lawhorne shareholder and a beneficiary of Ellis’ guidance when he joined the firm in 1991.
“Earl taught me how to interact with my clients and earn their trust,” says Lay. “He also taught me how to engage a jury. He’s entertaining, fun, but above all, he’s factual, which makes him very persuasive with juries. I love watching Earl in action. He is truly gifted and well-deserving of this award.”
Ellis’ leadership skills have advanced a number of organizations such as the South Carolina Bar and the South Carolina Self-Insurers Association. He also has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for the past 13 years.
“Earl sets an example for others to follow,” says Nichols. “The SCTLA is proud to honor him with this distinguished and exceptional award.”
