Will Johnson Named SC Bar Young Lawyer of the Year

The Young Lawyer of the Year Award is given annually to recognize a young lawyer who most exemplifies excellence in practicing law and public service.

The award will be presented on Thursday, May 20 during the Bar’s House of Delegates meeting at The Zone at Williams Brice Stadium.

In recent months, Will has led the charge to establish a volunteer effort for Special Olympics South Carolina within the Young Lawyers Division. A lifelong tennis player, he began volunteering to train and coach Special Olympics athletes in 2008. In November 2009, he proposed—and succeeded—in forming a co-sponsorship whereby young lawyers recruit and commit volunteers in addition to providing financial support for the three annual statewide games. The Mid-Winter Games were held in Charleston in March, and more than 65 young lawyers served as volunteers. Will also recruited volunteers for the Summer Games, which were held on May 8 at Fort Jackson. In addition to chairing and overseeing the Bar’s project with Special Olympics, Will, 30, is the youngest member to ever serve on the Special Olympics Board of Directors. He is also a graduate of Leadership Columbia.

“Will is totally motivated by simply doing what is right. Always a gentleman, he tirelessly improves our community and profession without seeking recognition. I cannot imagine a finer or more deserving recipient of this prestigious award,” said Trey Suggs, president of the Young Lawyers Division and an attorney with Roe, Cassidy, Coates, & Price in Greenville.

Johnson graduated summa cum laude from Wofford College and magna cum laude from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He joined the law firm of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, PA in 2006 and concentrates his practice on economic development - attracting new businesses to and assisting them in South Carolina.

“Will exemplifies nothing but extreme dedication to every activity he undertakes. Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd is proud to see his hard work and leadership recognized by the South Carolina Bar,” said Anne Ellefson, managing director of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd.

Now a resident of Columbia, Johnson was raised in Lake City, where his family still resides. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Johnson, and the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. R.L. Cockfield and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Johnson.

The Young Lawyers Division includes all members of the South Carolina Bar under age 36 and those with less than five years membership.

The South Carolina Bar, which has a membership of more than 13,000 lawyers, is dedicated to advancing justice, professionalism and understanding of the law.