“In Conversation With” is a continuing series on the Legal Bench Podcast hosted by Christian Stegmaier, Collins & Lacy President and Chief Executive Officer, where he engages with influential South Carolinians who are making significant impacts across our state. In this episode, Christian sits down with Kenny Berger, a distinguished plaintiff's lawyer based in Columbia, South Carolina, known not only for his legal acumen but also for his deep commitment to generosity in both relationships and spirit.

Kenny Berger is the founder of the Law Office of Kenneth E. Berger, LLC, where he has earned a reputation as a compassionate and formidable advocate for those who have suffered serious injuries. His practice is dedicated to representing individuals and families in complex personal injury and wrongful death cases, with a particular focus on cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Kenny’s commitment to justice and client service has made him a respected figure in the South Carolina legal community, known for achieving significant results while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

In this insightful conversation, Christian and Kenny delve into the importance of cultivating generosity—not just as a practice in the courtroom but as a guiding principle in life. They explore how this mindset influences Kenny’s approach to building and nurturing relationships, both personal and professional, and how it shapes his interactions with clients, colleagues, and the broader community.

Kenny shares candid reflections on the impact of generosity in creating lasting connections, fostering trust, and ultimately achieving success that is measured not only in legal victories but in the positive change brought about for others. His approach to law is as much about the human element as it is about legal strategy, emphasizing the value of kindness, understanding, and giving back.

It was a privilege to have Kenny Berger as our guest for this episode, and we hope his insights inspire listeners to consider the role of generosity in their own lives and careers.

“In Conversation With:” is a new series on the Legal Bench Podcast hosted by Christian Stegmaier, Collins & Lacy President and Chief Executive Officer wherein he interviews influential South Carolinians who dominate the conversation in our state. Christian’s first guest is David Yarborough, renowned plaintiff’s attorney and a founding partner of Yarborough Applegate Law Firm, LLC, which is headquartered in Charleston.

What ensued was an engaging discussion about the zealous practice of law, building a business that is meant to last, effectively managing and leading teams, mentoring lawyers new to the profession, and working hard to realize your potential as a professional.

David has a history of achieving record-breaking jury verdicts and settlements for his clients, including a landmark $44.6 million jury verdict against Amazon in December 2023, and a $35.9 million verdict against PEPCO. He focuses on personal injury cases involving bad faith against insurance companies, industrial injuries, product liability, toxic spills, drownings, accidents, and negligence by various entities, collecting hundreds of millions of dollars for his clients.

David is also deeply involved in his community, providing free legal work, mentoring individuals suffering from addiction, and contributing to local charities, alongside his membership in several legal and advocacy organizations.

David enjoys a reputation in the Bar as a relentless advocate who is unapologetically candid and direct in his communications. It was a pleasure hosting David on our inaugural show of this series.

What is the difference between a Service and an emotional support animal?

Do both command the same rights in retail and hospitality settings?

Collins & Lacy law clerk Abigail Johanson explores the topic with her guest, Rebecca Fulmer of Disability Rights South Carolina.

In a follow-up to his podcast episode on third-party lawsuit funding, Collins & Lacy attorney Andy Smith now turns his attention to consumer legal funding, often another component of supporting plaintiffs who are filing lawsuits.

With Andy is Eric Schuller, President of the Alliance for Responsible Consumer Legal Funding.

Third-party funding of litigation is a trend on the rise. In this episode, Collins & Lacy attorney Andy Smith talks with Natalie Ford, an Honors College student at the University of South Carolina who is writing her thesis on this topic.

How do employee benefits contribute toward recruiting and retaining employees, as well as their mental and physical wellbeing?

Collins & Lacy's Christian Stegmaier, leader of the firm's retail and hospitality practice group, has a special guest recorded live at the 2023 South Carolina Restaurant and Hospitality conference in Greenville, SC.

What follows is the second episode in a series recorded at the 2023 South Carolina Restaurant and Hospitality Association Conference in Greenville, South Carolina.

Collins & Lacy's Retail & Hospitality chair, and firm president, Christian Stegmaier, speaks with Professor Scott Smith of the University of South Carolina’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

What are the top goals for South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association for 2024?

Collins & Lacy president and chair of the firm's Retail & Hospitality practice group, Christian Stegmaier, speaks with association President and CEO, Susan Cohen.

This interview took place at the 2023 South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association's Marketing and Operations Conference in Greenville, SC.