J. Hagood Tighe Named Distinguished Lawyer of 2023 by the South Carolina Bar Employment and Labor Law Section

Fisher Phillips, one of the country’s preeminent labor and employment law firms representing employers, is pleased to announce that partner in our Columbia office and Wage and Hour co-chair, J. Hagood Tighe, has been named the Distinguished Lawyer of 2023 by the South Carolina Bar Employment and Labor Law Section. The Employment and Labor Law Distinguished Lawyer Award is presented annually to an individual nominated and selected by their professional peers for meritorious service to employment and labor law practice in the state of South Carolina.

In accepting this award, Hagood commented, “I am honored and humbled to be recognized in this way by lawyers in other firms that do the same things I do.  I love what I do and always hope that it shows.”

Hagood is a go-to resource at the firm for wage and hour-related issues but is also an active member of the firm's class and collective action practice, handling over 40 class and collective actions throughout the country in recent years. He also successfully led a team that handled what is believed to be the largest WARN Act class action in recent history.  While Hagood maintains an active litigation practice, he also focuses on providing practical and proactive advice designed to minimize the risk of litigation. He enjoys working with companies to help them avoid problems before they arise. This takes many forms including advising on handbooks, policies, employment agreements, investigations, layoffs, and terminations.

Hagood, who was sworn in as President of the South Carolina Bar in 2022, is often recognized for his outstanding contributions to the legal profession.  He has held many other leadership positions both in the South Carolina Bar and in other civic and charitable organizations.  He is a recipient of the Carolyn Holderman Vision Award by the Central Carolina Community Foundation for his leadership as chairman and was recognized by the Richland County Bar Association with its Civic Star Award. He was also a recipient of the Silver Compleat Lawyer Award from the University of South Carolina School of Law Alumni Association. This award recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and who exemplify the highest standard of professional competence, ethics, and integrity.  He has been listed for many years in Chambers USA, America's Leading Business Lawyersand The Best Lawyers in America. Additionally, Hagood has been repeatedly selected by his peers to be one of Greater Columbia Business Monthly's Legal Elite.