Jay Thompson

Shareholder

Jay joined Murphy & Grantland as a shareholder in 2022 after 16 years with an AmLaw 75 law firm. Throughout his career, he has defended businesses in complex litigation matters including product liability, dram shop, and business litigation. In the product liability area, he defends manufacturers and sellers in litigation involving all types of consumer and mechanical products, specifically including those in the outdoor industry such as off-road vehicles, outdoor power equipment, and outdoor recreational products. He also advises consumer product manufacturers in all aspects of consumer product safety counseling and regulatory compliance. Jay’s defense litigation practice also includes defending businesses in trucking litigation, premises liability litigation, and general litigation matters.

Jay also practices in the area of Constitutional and First Amendment litigation and counseling. He has a wide range of experience involving freedom of speech, expression, and assembly, the interplay of the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses, and other Constitutional issues.

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