J. Michael "Michael" Montgomery, Construction Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
focused on Construction, Insurance, and Personal Injury
Columbia, SC
Trusted construction attorney serving Columbia.
Practices in
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Quick answer
J. Michael "Michael" Montgomery is an attorney based in Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Construction, Insurance, and Personal Injury.
- Based in
- Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Construction · Insurance · Personal Injury
- Handles Construction, Insurance, and Personal Injury matters from Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law (2026).
About J. Michael "Michael" Montgomery: J. Michael "Michael" Montgomery is an attorney based in Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Construction, Insurance, and Personal Injury.
Areas of practice
J.'s practice areas in Columbia
J. concentrates on construction, insurance, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case J. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Construction
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Insurance
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Personal Injury
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Construction cases in Columbia, South Carolina
J. takes construction matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Columbia, South Carolina
J. takes insurance matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Columbia, South Carolina
J. takes personal injury matters in Columbia, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.
Biography
J. Michael "Michael" Montgomery, construction attorney serving Columbia
J. Michael "Michael" Montgomery is an attorney based in Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Construction, Insurance, and Personal Injury. J. works from Columbia, South Carolina and takes on construction matters across the region.
Michael focuses his litigation practice in areas involving premises liability, automobile and trucking torts, insurance coverage, and products liability. He also has experience in handling construction matters, defending medical malpractice claims, and litigation involving administrative agencies. Michael enjoys mentoring first-year law students at the University of South Carolina School of Law and also oversees the firm’s law clerk program. He is a member of the executive committee for the John Belton O’Neall Inn of Court, as well as the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys' Association and the International Association of Defense Counsel. Michael grew up in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and graduated from Wofford College, summa cum laude, in 2003. He received his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2006. Before joining Sowell Gray Robinson, Michael clerked for the Honorable Costa M. Pleicones, South Carolina Supreme Court, from 2006-2008.
EDUCATION
- University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D. (2006)
- Wofford College, B.A., summa cum laude, (2003)
ADMISSIONS
- South Carolina Bar
ASSOCIATIONS
- International Association of Defense Counsel
- John Belton O'Neall Inn of Court, Executive Committee
- Richland County Bar Association
- South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys' Association
PUBLICATIONS
- "Understanding the Tort of Negligent Entrustment and Its Application Inside and Outside the Context of Alcohol Intoxication," South Carolina Lawyer (May 2011)
AWARDS
- Best Lawyers in America, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2019-2020)
- South Carolina "Super Lawyer" Rising Star, General Litigation (2016-2018)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce
- South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, Safety, Health and Security Committee (2011-2015)
Working with J. on a construction matter
Michael focuses his litigation practice in areas involving premises liability, automobile and trucking torts, insurance coverage, and products liability. He also has experience in handling construction matters, defending medical malpractice claims, and litigation involving administrative agencies. Michael enjoys mentoring first-year law students at the University of South Carolina School of Law…
Clients J. works with
J. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, insurance, and personal injury matters in Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area.
Credentials
Credentials — where J. studied and practices
The University of South Carolina School of Law
J.D. · 2006
J. studied at J.D. in The University of South Carolina School of Law.
Law school and academic background
J. completed J.D. in The University of South Carolina School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice J. runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
J.'s legal honors and published work
J. has received 4 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2026).
Locations
J. Michael "Michael" Montgomery's office in Columbia
J.'s primary office is at 2151 Pickens Street, Suite 500, Columbia, South Carolina, 11449. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of J. Michael "Michael" Montgomery
J. has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire J. Michael "Michael" Montgomery — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new construction attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with J. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
J. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'s office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; J. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a construction attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for J.
J. discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in construction practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every construction matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. J. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
J.'s office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about J. Michael "Michael" Montgomery
How much does it cost to hire J. for a construction case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. J. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does J. offer a free consultation?
J. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'s office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check J.'s current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in South Carolina typically take?
Simple construction matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. J. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can J. take my case if I'm outside Columbia?
J. is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — J. will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with J.?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. J. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is J. accepting new construction clients right now?
J.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Construction attorneys serving Columbia, Charleston and Greenville in South Carolina
J. handles construction matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.
- Columbia4,189 attorneys
- Charleston2,702 attorneys
- Greenville2,449 attorneys
- Mount Pleasant1,100 attorneys
- Spartanburg583 attorneys
- Myrtle Beach506 attorneys
- North Charleston476 attorneys
- Lexington379 attorneys
- Rock Hill372 attorneys
- Hilton Head Island347 attorneys
- Florence335 attorneys
- Summerville299 attorneys
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