Jay Thompson

Shareholder

Jay defends businesses in complex litigation matters involving product liability, toxic torts, environmental litigation, and business litigation. He also counsels and advises businesses in drafting and negotiating policy and contract documents for business operations and transactions. Jay joined Murphy & Grantland as a shareholder in 2022 after 16 years with an AmLaw 75 law firm.

Jay is a co-leader of the firm’s product liability and complex tort practice area. In the product liability area, he defends manufacturers and sellers in litigation involving all types of consumer and mechanical products, outdoor power equipment, outdoor recreational products, and chemicals. He is working to develop forward-looking approaches to legal issues involving PFAS and other emerging risks involving chemicals of concern. He has also advised consumer product manufacturers in all aspects of consumer product safety counseling and regulatory compliance.

Jay is also experienced in defending businesses in trucking litigation, premises liability and dram shop litigation, and general litigation matters.

Prior to practicing law, Jay’s background was in computer science. He worked as a systems analyst and programmer for Michelin Tire Corporation before law school.

Jay believes strongly in the value of skilled leadership to motivate a team to achieve more than the sum of its parts. Both from personal experience and from observations of others, he has seen many times the sharp distinction between success brought about by quality leadership and organizational health, as well as the challenges that can occur in its absence.

Jay is motivated by core values including integrity, faith, and service. He is committed to pro bono service and received the Claude M. Scarborough, Jr. Pro Bono Award in 2010.

Jay is admitted to all state and federal courts in the state of South Carolina, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.

Jay serves on the Board of Directors for the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association and has spoken at numerous continuing legal education seminars and provided numerous articles and publications for attorneys. He is an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC, and he serves on the Board of Directors of Ben Lippen School.

Notables

• S.C. Supreme Court Pro Bono Honor Roll (2019, 2020)
• Claude M. Scarborough, Jr. Pro Bono Award (2010)
• Board of Directors, Ben Lippen School