ROCK HILL ATTORNEY ASHLEY WHITE CREECH ELECTED PRESIDENT OF STATE’S LEADING ASSOCIATION OF LAWYERS

COLUMBIA, SC – The South Carolina Association for Justice (SCAJ) has unanimously elected Ashley White Creech as its new President. Creech, a respected trial attorney with McGowan Hood Felder & Phillips, will lead the 1,500-member organization in its mission to protect the rights of individuals and advocate for a fair, balanced civil justice system.

Creech takes the helm at a pivotal moment for civil justice in South Carolina.

Over the past year, powerful special interest groups—backed by record-breaking profits from large insurance companies—have mounted aggressive campaigns to weaken protections for victims. While SCAJ successfully blocked the most harmful proposals from becoming law, corporate interests still advanced measures that tilt the scales further in their favor.

 “These attacks on victims’ rights are nothing short of attempts to let big corporations off the hook when their actions harm people,” said Creech. “Accountability must remain a cornerstone of our legal system. When someone suffers an injustice, they deserve a fair shot in court—not a system rigged against them by deep-pocketed industries.”

With another legislative session approaching, SCAJ anticipates renewed efforts by corporate lobbyists to push for laws that limit access to justice for South Carolinians. Under Creech’s leadership, the Association is preparing to meet these challenges head-on, reinforcing its commitment to defending access to the courts and preserving the rights of everyday citizens.

“Ashley brings to this role a deep passion for justice, a proven record of advocacy, and the vision we need to continue this critical fight,” said SCAJ Chief Operating Officer Kenny Hastie. “She is exactly the leader we need right now.”

A native of Spartanburg, Creech graduated in the top eight of her class from Elon University, where she was later honored with the Top 10 Under 10 Alumni Award. She earned her law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law, serving as Senior Articles Editor of the ABA Real Property, Probate and Trust Journal and participating in both the Moot Court Bar and the Order of the Wig and Robe. After law school, she began her legal career at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, focusing on product liability before transitioning to McGowan Hood Felder & Phillips and developing a strong foundation as a trial attorney.

Her election was announced at the Association’s Annual Convention, where attorneys from across the state gathered for continuing legal education, collaboration, and strategic planning.

Joining Creech in leadership this year are:

Kevin Dean, President-Elect – A member at Motley Rice LLC in Mount Pleasant, Dean focuses on catastrophic injury, products liability, and wrongful death cases. He represents victims and families affected by hazardous consumer products, occupational and industrial accidents, premises injuries, and other acts of negligence.

Bakari Sellers, Vice President – An attorney with Strom Law Firm since 2007, Sellers leads the firm’s Strategic Communications and Public Affairs team. His practice spans nationwide criminal defense and civil litigation. A former state legislator, Sellers is also a New York Times bestselling author and a CNN correspondent.

Graham Newman, Treasurer – A partner at Chappell, Chappell & Newman in Columbia, Newman focuses on complex litigation, including products liability and class actions. He also teaches at the University of South Carolina Honors College and serves on multiple boards and committees dedicated to improving the judicial system.

Together, this leadership team will guide SCAJ’s ongoing work to safeguard justice for all South Carolinians—regardless of power, wealth, or influence.

About SCAJ:

Founded in 1957, the South Carolina Association for Justice serves as a voice for those harmed by the actions of others and works to strengthen the justice system through education and advocacy. With members across the state, SCAJ continues to fight for fairness and accountability under the law. Visit SCAJ.com for more information.