Criteria for Solo and Small Firm Section Award
In order to increase awareness in the state and in the legal community of the value of lawyers in small firms, the Council of the Solo & Small Firm Section voted on May 30, 2013, to inaugurate an award to honor a sole practitioner or small law firm that has demonstrated service and leadership to the community or fellow lawyers.
- The award will be called the “Solo and Small Firm Section Award.”
- The award will be made annually, unless there are no exceptional nominees.
- The award will be presented at the Section’s annual meeting or conference.
- Nominations will be solicited from the membership of the South Carolina Bar.
- An award recipient must display exemplary skill and conduct in his/her practice of law and have made significant contributions of time and talent to the South Carolina Bar, the lawyer's local bar, or the lawyer's local community or devoted substantial time and effort to the education and training of fellow solo or small firm lawyers in South Carolina.
- Eligible recipients are any lawyer in a small firm who is a member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing, or, a small firm as defined by the Bylaws of the Solo & Small Firm Section at that time.
- Those ineligible to receive the award include members of Council, until one year after the member has left the Council.
- The award recipient will be selected by a majority vote of the Solo & Small Firm Council at a meeting at which at least two-thirds of the Council are in attendance (“attendance” as defined by the Section Bylaws).
- The award will consist solely of recognition and an engraved trophy or plaque. No monetary award shall be given.
Award Recipients
2023
Kathryn E. Goodyear
Goodyear Law, LLC
Goose Creek, South Carolina
Congratulations to Solo and Small Firm Section Award Winner Kathryn E. Goodyear! Goodyear is the owner of Goodyear Law, LLC in Goose Creek, South Carolina, with a practice focusing on Estate Planning and Probate. She additionally serves as a Guardian ad Litem.
A graduate of Winthrop University in 2006 and Charleston School of Law in 2014, Goodyear has received many awards for her service to the community. Goodyear’s relatives who have served in the military influence her initiative to use her freedom to serve those who have served, with Pro Bono Estate Planning for disabled veterans, Discounted Estate Planning for Active-Duty Military and Military veterans, Probate assistance for Widows of Disabled Veterans, as well as physical service to disabled veterans.
Former Recipients
2022
Law Office of Sean M. Wilson, LLC
Charleston, South Carolina
The Solo and Small Firm Section named the Law Office of Sean M. Wilson, LLC the recipient of the Solo and Small Firm Section Award. The award, which recognizes small firm lawyers for outstanding leadership or service to the public or legal community, was presented to the firm in honor of its service to the community. “It is truly an honor to win this prestigious award," said Sean Wilson. "I would like to give an honor to God, my family, friends, and entire Law Office of Sean Wilson Team. Our team works tirelessly every day to serve our community and practice the right way. We remain committed to service and helping those in need.” The firm engages in several volunteer endeavors throughout the year, for organizations such as My Sister's House, The Alzheimer's Association and One80Place. It was honored at the section CLE and luncheon on December 9, 2022.Pictured above from left to right: Catherine Etchells, Sean Wilson and Ben Pogue of the Law Office of Sean M. Wilson, LLC
2020
Michael J. Polk
Columbia, South Carolina
The Council of the Solo and Small Firm Section is proud to announce that Michael J. Polk of Columbia, South Carolina has been named the winner of the 2020 Solo and Small Firm Section Award for outstanding community service. Read more about this achievement here.
2019
Tiffany Provence
Charleston, South Carolina
The Council of the Solo and Small Firm Section is proud to announce that Tiffany Provence of Charleston, South Carolina has been named the winner of the 2019 Solo and Small Firm Section Award for outstanding community service. Read more about this achievement here.
2018
Meagan T. Gentry
Charleston, South Carolina
The Council of the Solo and Small Firm Section is proud to announce that Meagan T. Gentry of Charleston, South Carolina has been named the winner of the 2018 Solo and Small Firm Section Award for outstanding community service. Read more about this achievement here.
2016
Jenkinson, Jarrett, & Kellahan, P.A.
Kingstree, South Carolina
The Council of the Solo and Small Firm Section is proud to announce that Jenkinson, Jarrett & Kellahan, P.A. of Kingstree, South Carolina has been named the winner of the 2016 Solo and Small Firm Section Award for outstanding community service. Read more about this achievement here.
2015
Bluestein, Nichols, Thompson, and Delgado, LLC
Columbia, South Carolina
Bluestein, Nichols, Thompson and Delgado, LLC of Columbia, South Carolina was named the winner of the 2015 Solo and Small Firm Section Award for outstanding community service. Read more about this achievement here.
2014
Ken Lester
Columbia, South Carolina
Ken Lester of Columbia, South Carolina was named the winner of the first Solo and Small Firm Section Award for outstanding community service. Read more about this achievement here.