Tighe Sworn in as President of the South Carolina Bar

Swearing in ceremony for J. Hagood Tighe

Swearing in ceremony for J. Hagood Tighe

Columbia attorney J. Hagood Tighe took office as president of the South Carolina Bar on May 12. He was sworn in by U.S. District Court Judge J. Michelle Childs during the SC Bar’s Annual Assembly at Central Energy in Columbia.

An experienced labor and employment law attorney, Tighe is a partner at Fisher Phillips in the firm’s Columbia office and co-chair of the firm’s national Wage and Hour practice group.

As part of his remarks, Tighe emphasized that he is “proud to be a South Carolina lawyer” and that he was proud of his fellow Bar members and the leadership and service they provide to their communities. He also applauded the hard work of South Carolina’s judges and lawyer legislators who work to ensure the rule of law.

“My practice takes me all over the country, and we are extremely fortunate in the Palmetto State to have a community of lawyers that are incredibly collegial and collaborative,” Tighe said. “Our strength is our collective energy, collaboration and willingness to serve our communities and improve the profession. I am proud to be a South Carolina lawyer and look forward to working with colleagues to make a difference in our state.”

Tighe is certified by the South Carolina Supreme Court as a specialist in Employment and Labor Law. At Fisher Phillips, he is an active member of the firm's class and collective action practice. In recent years, he has handled over 40 class and collective actions throughout the country, many of which involve wage and hour issues. Tighe also has extensive experience defending single plaintiff lawsuits alleging wrongful discharge, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. While he maintains an active litigation practice, he also focuses on providing practical and proactive advice designed to minimize the risk of litigation.

Tighe is a recipient of the Carolyn Holderman Vision Award by the Central Carolina Community Foundation for his leadership as chairman and was recognized by the Richland County Bar Association with its Civic Star Award. He was also a recipient of the Silver Compleat Lawyer Award from the University of South Carolina School of Law Alumni Association. This award recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and who exemplify the highest standard of professional competence, ethics, and integrity.

Tighe has served on the SC Bar Board of Governors, as chair of the House of Delegates and has held numerous leadership positions including chair of the Employment and Labor Law Section and the

Conventions and Continuing Legal Educations Committees. He is a regular presenter at continuing legal education seminars.

Tighe is married to Elizabeth, also a lawyer, and they have four children.

Other executive officers for 2022-2023 are Russell T. Infinger of Greenville, president elect; Shaheena R. Bennett of Moncks Corner, treasurer; Christopher R. Koon of Columbia, secretary; Lindsay A. Joyner of Columbia, House of Delegates chair; and Mary E. Sharp of Beaufort, immediate past president. New Board of Governors members are Frank L. Eppes of Greenville, Kenneth S. Generette of Conway, Taylor D. Gilliam of Columbia, Greg Ohanesian of Bennettsville, Nekki Shutt of Columbia, Jeanmarie Tankersley of Greenville, and Sheila M. Willis of Columbia.

The South Carolina Bar is a statewide organization dedicated to improving the legal profession, the law, and the administration of justice for all South Carolinians. It serves more than 17,000 lawyer members and provides resources to educators and citizens of the Palmetto State. Learn more at www.scbar.org


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