John Sowards Elected Board Chairman

Nexsen Pruet attorneys have elected John Sowards as the law firm’s Chairman of the Board.  As Chairman, Sowards will be responsible for shaping the vision and strategy for the 170-attorney law firm.

“As one of our most successful lawyers, John brings a great deal of talent to the job.  The firm is fortunate to have John as its new Chairman,” said Leighton Lord who has served as Chairman since November of 2005.  Lord is stepping down to focus on his campaign for South Carolina Attorney General.

Sowards has deep roots at Nexsen Pruet, joining the firm in 1980 when the firm had just one office in Columbia.

Now, Nexsen Pruet serves clients out of eight offices throughout North and South Carolina.

“Since Nexsen Pruet was founded back in 1945, our attorneys have been committed to serving our clients and our community,” said Sowards.  “My goal is to build upon the relationships we already have and to help establish new ones that will flourish.”

Sowards’ legal practice is focused in the areas of real estate, corporate and finance law.  He has extensive experience with all aspects of shopping center and hotel development, as well as commercial lending including troubled debt restructuring and workouts.  Additionally, he represents businesses on matters related to finance, acquisitions, mergers, employment, contracts and business negotiations.

Prior to law school, Sowards was commissioned as a U.S. Army Second Lieutenant and served four years of active duty.

Sowards and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Chapin SC.  He has been involved in a variety of public service and community service efforts and currently serves as is Chairman of the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission.

Nexsen Pruet, LLC is one of the largest law firms in the Carolinas, with more than 170 attorneys and offices in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach, S.C. as well as Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh, N.C.  Founded in 1945, Nexsen Pruet provides a broad range of legal services to the business community and represents companies and other entities in local, state, national, and international venues.