M&G Welcomes Four Associates

M&G welcomes four new associates to the team: Seth Bannister, Scarlett B. Smith, John David “J.D.” Jacobus, and Joseph Cantey “J.C.” Heath.

Seth represents clients in a range of defense matters, including general litigation, premises liability, and accidents involving trucks and automobiles. As an undergraduate at Presbyterian College, Seth received the Joseph O. Nixon leadership award. During Law School at the University of South Carolina School of Law, Seth was a member of the Moot Court bar and received seven CALI awards, given to the highest scoring student in each law school class. Seth graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into the Order of the Coif, having achieved a class rank within the top 10% of his class.

Scarlett’s practice focuses on insurance coverage. While in law school, Scarlett served as member of the South Carolina School of Law Moot Court team and the President of the Christian Legal Society. She made Dean’s List and received the CALI award for earning the highest grade in Torts, Property, Criminal Procedure, Children and the State, and Fiduciary Administration. Scarlett graduated cum laude from the University of South Carolina School of Law and was inducted as a member of the Order of the Coif, achieving a class rank within the top 10%.

J.D. Jacobus’ practice focuses on a variety of areas including general litigation defense, insurance defense, premises liability, and trucking & automobile defense. Prior to joining Murphy & Grantland, JD served as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert E. Hood of the South Carolina 5th Judicial Circuit Court. As an undergraduate at the University of South Carolina, J.D. was active in Student Government, where he served as the Speaker of the Student Senate and a member of the President’s Advisory Council. During Law School at South Carolina, J.D. served as the President of the Student Bar Association and was actively involved in the Federalist Society, Mock Trial Program, and Christian Legal Society. While a member of the Mock Trial Program, JD was awarded “Best Advocate” in the UCLA Mock Trial National Championship. JD was also awarded the Student Bar Association Service Award by his peers for his dedication to serving the law school community.

Joseph Cantey “J.C.” Heath represents clients in general litigation defense, insurance defense, and automobile defense. J.C. is located at the Kingstree, SC office. Prior to becoming an associate with Murphy and Grantland, J.C. served as the law clerk for the Honorable Benjamin H. Culbertson, circuit court judge for the 15th Judicial Circuit, and practiced at Nettles, Turbeville & Reddeck in his hometown of Lake City, SC.  As an undergraduate at the University of South Carolina, J.C.  worked as a legislative aide in the South Carolina House of Representatives for Representative Roger K. Kirby. J.C. received his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law.