Bess DuRant

Firm: Sowell + DuRant
Location: Columbia - SC

  • 1325 Park ST. Suite 100
    Columbia, SC 29201
    USA
  • Tel : 803-722-1100
  • Fax : 803-281-8890

Bess DuRant is a litigator engaged in complex business disputes on both the trial and appellate levelHer practice includes corporate governance issues, bet-the-company litigation, shareholder disputes, derivative actions, along with other business torts and contractual disputes. Bess also handles appeals of various types of matters.  Additionally, Bess focuses on Constitutional issues, Freedom of Information Act matters, and election disputes. Bess is a Supreme Court of South Carolina Certified Mediator.  Bess has been recognized by the South Carolina Bar for her pro bono work and contributions to the citizens of South Carolina.

ADMISSIONS

  • South Carolina Bar
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims
  • U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina

EDUCATION

  • University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., cum laude

– South Carolina Law Review, editorial board

– Phi Delta Phi International Legal Fraternity

  • Washington and Lee University, B.A. in politics with special attainment in commerce, cum laude

MEMBERSHIPS

  • American Bar Association
  • South Carolina Bar
  • Trial and Appellate Advocacy Section Council Member for the SC Bar
  • Federal Bar Association
  • South Carolina Federal Bar Association
  • Richland County Bar Association
  • South Carolina Supreme Court Certified Mediator

PUBLICATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

  • “Scheduling Possible Claims – Lessons from Martineau v. Wier” Presentation before South Carolina Bankruptcy Law Bar, dated August 20, 2020
  • “Election Statutes Make Headlines” South Carolina Young Lawyer (Vol. 5, Issue 5, September 2012)
  • The Political Question Doctrine: A Doctrine for Long-Term Change in Our Public Schools, 59 S.C. L. REV. 531 (2008).

COMMUNITY + RECOGNITION

  • Premier Appellate Lawyers – Exclusive Featured Attorney for Columbia, SC (2022-2023)
  • Best Lawyers in America – Commercial Litigation (2020-2022)
  • South Carolina “Super Lawyer”- 2022 South Carolina Super Lawyers
  • South Carolina “Super Lawyer” – Rising Stars (2019, 2020)
  • University of South Carolina School of Law Adjunct Professor, Spring 2021 and Spring 2022
  • University of South Carolina School of Law Adjunct Professor, Spring 2021 and Spring 2022
  • America’s Top 100 Bet the Company Litigators® (2020, 2021)
  • America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® (2021)
  • Columbia Business Monthly Legal Elite of the Midlands – Business Litigation (2020, 2021)
  • Washington & Lee University, Palmetto Chapter Alumni Association – Executive Committee, Past President
  • Wilson Hall Distinguished Alumna, 2012

Sowell + DuRant

Sowell + DuRant is a leading litigation firm with the experience and skills to perform for our clients with analytical, trusted, and exceptional service. The practice focuses on complex business disputes, corporate governance, probate and estate litigation, general commercial litigation, appeals, mediation, and arbitration.

The members of this firm have handled approximately 75 appeals in one form or another, including direct appeals in state and federal courts, petitions for certiorari in the South Carolina Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court.  We have also filed and prosecuted petitions for writ of mandamus in both state and federal appeals courts.

We have orally argued over half of these appellate filings, to include oral arguments in the South Carolina Court of Appeals, South Carolina Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, and United States Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit.  Our members belong to the bars of the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fourth and Federal Circuits and the United States Supreme Court.

Biff Sowell has been recognized for his appellate skills in Benchmark Litigation and has chaired South Carolina Bar seminars on Appellate Advocacy.