Transforming the Way We Serve Our Construction Clients

As practice group leader, Thomas H. (Tom) Coker, Jr. takes the firm’s construction team to new heights by encouraging an interdisciplinary approach to solving questions confronted by construction professionals. "Whether it is project specific solutions or dispute resolution strategies, our attorneys have the knowledge of project implementation processes and experience delivering innovative solutions to handle our client’s most complex needs,” says Coker.

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s 13-member construction practice group is a state-wide team of lawyers committed to supporting the construction industry’s legal needs. It is composed of senior litigators, procurement advisors and attorneys with decades of experience negotiating and drafting contracts. These skills give the firm’s clients the advantage a limited practice firm cannot provide. Highlights of the attorneys in the firm’s newly restructured practice area are below:

Tom Coker, Jr. (Shareholder, Greenville) is guiding the industry-specific group as Practice Group Leader. With more than 35 years of litigation experience, Tom represents owners, contractors, construction managers and design professionals in procurement and contract matters. He is named in The Best Lawyers in America® - Construction Law. He is also included in South Carolina Super Lawyers® - Construction/Surety.

John C. Bruton, Jr. (Shareholder, Columbia) has more than 30 years experience in handling civil litigation matters including numerous jury and non-jury trials, hearings and appeals. His practice focuses on the defense of products liability, premises liability, professional negligence, insurance and construction cases. He is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® - Construction Litigation; Insurance Law; Real Estate Litigation.

Robert W. (Bobby) Buffington (Shareholder, Myrtle Beach) has tried more than 100 cases before juries in state and federal courts. He also is a certified mediator and handles mediations in civil matters statewide. In the construction industry, in addition to litigation, he represents clients in all phases of construction projects, including contract negotiations, management claims and arbitrations.

Bryan F. Hickey (Shareholder, Greenville) practices in the areas of intellectual property, construction and alternative dispute resolution. He has successfully resolved a wide array of construction disputes in state and federal courts and in arbitration or mediation.

Bonnie A. Lynch (Associate, Greenville) focuses primarily on commercial litigation, personal injury litigation, and construction law. She is named a “Rising Star” by South Carolina Super Lawyers® magazine in the field of Business Litigation.

J.W. (Jay) Matthews III (Shareholder, Greenville) helps clients in litigation involving contract disputes, business torts, fiduciary law and shareholder claims. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation.

Boyd B. (Nick) Nicholson, Jr. (Shareholder, Greenville) practices primarily in the areas of public procurement, local government law and construction law. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Litigation - Construction. He advises owners and contractors on contractual issues, and represents them in construction-related actions in state court, mediation and arbitration in cases involving issues arising out of changes in the scope of work, delays, scheduling, and construction and design defects.

Bachman S. Smith IV (Associate, Charleston) focuses on insurance defense litigation, maritime law, and construction law. He is named by South Carolina Super Lawyers® magazine as a “Rising Star” in the field of Construction Litigation.

Roopal S. Ruparelia (Shareholder, Columbia) practices in the areas of personal injury litigation, products liability litigation, and construction law. She represents general contractors, subcontractors, owners, and suppliers in residential and commercial construction defect claims.

Joshua D. (Josh) Spencer (Shareholder, Greenville) practices primarily in construction, utility, and business/commercial litigation. He is named by South Carolina Super Lawyers® magazine as a “Rising Star” in the field of Construction Litigation.