TOP100TRIALLAWYERS
— NTL MEMBERSHIP NEWS & NOTES —
The National Trial Lawyers : Top 100 is an invitation-only organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from across the country who meet stringent qualifications as civil plaintiff and / or criminal defense trial lawyers . It is our mission to promote a unique and professional networking opportunity for trial lawyers , while developing progressive ideas to pursue justice for those injured by the negligence of others , to educate the public about the importance of access to courts that are free of bias and undue influence , and to protect the American right of trial by jury .
J . EDWARD BELL , III
Bell Legal Group • Georgetown , South Carolina
What was the first job you had ? When I was six years old , I worked for my grandfather who lived in McCormick , South Carolina and had a motel . It was my job to fill up the ice buckets there , and in the afternoons I would sell crickets for fishing . Needless to say , it wasn ’ t a very profitable summer , and most of the proceeds went directly to the ‘ soda shop .’
What ’ s your proudest moment as a trial lawyer ? Two things come to mind , the first being my very first trial after passing the Bar , which was a murder trial ( State Of South Carolina vs Donald James ) where I was lucky and won the case . Donald was only 16 years old at the time and after being found not guilty , he went to college , got married and had two sons who became marines . The second moment was when I was inducted as President of the Charleston School of Law in October of 2015 .
I attribute my success to …. My father . He always taught us as kids that every little bump in the road has a solution and with a determined effort , it can be solved . My dad also taught us that we have the opportunity to help someone every day , and we should always take that opportunity .
What is your most notable verdict or settlement ? Landowners vs Santee Cooper ; verdict $ 380 million .
What is your fantasy job ? My fantasy job was being a lifeguard at Litchfield Beach , it ’ s still the best job I ever had .
What is your guilty pleasure ? Peanut butter cookies .
What do you like to do in your time off ? What time off ?
What ’ s your favorite hobby ? Fishing .
What ’ s one word that describes you ? “ Big Fish Story ,” you should always have fun when telling a story .
What keeps you awake at night ? Spaghetti .
What newspaper do you generally read daily ? The New York Times , The Washington Post and the City Paper — Charleston , SC .
What advice would you give a young attorney ? Go to culinary school .
How do you relax ? I love to be at home and enjoy my family and children .
What ’ s your most embarrassing moment in life ? There have been so many that I don ’ t know which one was the worst .
8 x The Trial Lawyer