How much does it cost to hire Jack for a car accidents case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jack walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Jack offer a free consultation?

Jack charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jack's office. Some car accidents attorneys offer free consults — check Jack's current terms during booking.

How long do car accidents cases in South Carolina typically take?

Simple car accidents 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. Jack gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Jack take my case if I'm outside Columbia?

Jack 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 — Jack 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 Jack?

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. Jack will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Jack accepting new car accidents clients right now?

Jack's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Jack B. Swerling, Car Accidents Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina

Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on Car Accidents, Consumer, and Criminal Defense · 5.0/5 rating from 39 verified client reviews

MemberatJack B. Swerling

Columbia, SC

Practicing car accidents in Columbia since 1973.

53+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 39 client reviews
4: Bar admissions

Practices in

Car Accidents Consumer Criminal Defense Drug Crimes Federal Crimes General +7 more →

Are you Jack B. Swerling?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Jack B. Swerling is a member based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Car Accidents, Consumer, and Criminal Defense. Jack has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jack B. Swerling. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 39 client reviews.

Based in: Columbia, SC
Experience: over 53 years
Known for: Car Accidents · Consumer · Criminal Defense

Handles Car Accidents, Consumer, and Criminal Defense matters from Columbia, SC.
Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Jack takes on

Jack concentrates on car accidents, consumer, criminal defense, drug crimes, and federal crimes. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jack handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Car Accidents cases in Columbia, South Carolina

Jack takes car accidents 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 Jack agrees to represent you.

Consumer cases in Columbia, South Carolina

Jack takes consumer 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 Jack agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Columbia, South Carolina

Jack takes criminal defense 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 Jack agrees to represent you.

Drug Crimes cases in Columbia, South Carolina

Jack takes drug crimes 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 Jack agrees to represent you.

Federal Crimes cases in Columbia, South Carolina

Jack takes federal crimes 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 Jack agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Jack B. Swerling — car accidents lawyer in Columbia

Jack B. Swerling is an active Columbia criminal attorney, litigator, writer, and lecturer. He focuses his legal practice on criminal cases in state and federal courts and a select group of civil cases. Mr. Swerling has been a member of the South Carolina Bar and licensed to practice by the Supreme Court of South Carolina since 1973.

In recognition of his work, he has been honored by election to several prestigious organizations that only invite attorneys into their ranks who have been subjected to a rigorous investigation of the lawyer's experience, demonstrated skill, and character.

- He has been selected to be a Fellow in the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers.

- He was named a South Carolina Super Lawyer in criminal defense and is also listed in Naifeh and Smith's The Best Lawyers in America in the area of criminal defense.

Mr. Swerling is one of only 70, South Carolina lawyers who are Fellows in the American College of Trial Lawyers, which is limited to the top five percent of trial lawyers in the United States. He is one of only five lawyers in South Carolina in the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, one of only three lawyers in South Carolina in the American Board of Criminal Lawyers and one of only five South Carolina Lawyers in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. The International Academy is limited to 600 lawyers worldwide.

Mr. Swerling lectures frequently at continuing legal education programs for lawyers and judges, and speaks at schools, civic organizations, and professional groups. He has written several books on criminal practice.

Previous Work

Prior to establishing his current law firm in 1991, Jack Swerling was a partner in the law firm of Swerling, Harpootlian and McCulloch. Prior to that he practiced law for ten years with his former partner and mentor, the late State Senator Isadore Lourie.

Professional Association Memberships & Activities

- Chief Justice's Commission on the Profession

- South Carolina Supreme Court Docketing Task Force

- Richland County Bar Association (Chairman, Criminal Law Committee, 1989-1991)

- American Bar Association (Member, Section of Criminal Justice)

- South Carolina Bar (Chairman, Criminal Law Section, 1985-1986)

- American Association for Justice

- South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association (Chairman, Criminal Law Section, 1981-1984)

- South Carolina Bar Foundation (Life Fellow and Past President)

- Permanent Member of the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference

- South Carolina Criminal Trial Lawyers Association (a founding member)

- The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

- American Judicature Society

- John Belton O'Neil Inn of Court

- South Carolina Supreme Court Board of Commissioners on Grievance and Discipline 1989-1993

- South Carolina Supreme Court's Rules Committee

- South Carolina Board of Law Examiners, 1987-1992

- South Carolina Pre-Trial Intervention Advisory Committee, 1980-1982

- South Carolina Legislative Committee on Indigent Defense, 1990-1995

- South Carolina Uniform Jury Charge Project, 1991-1994

- Chairman, South Carolina Criminal Docket Committee

- Advisory Committee, The Child Victim Court Notebook, 1987

Jack's approach to car accidents cases

Clients Jack works with

Jack reviews new inquiries case-by-case for car accidents, consumer, and criminal defense matters in Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of South Carolina
J.D. · 1973
Clemson University
B.A. · 1968

Jurisdictions

Jack's state bar admissions

U.S. Supreme Court
1976 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1974 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1973 · ACTIVE
South Carolina
1973 · ACTIVE

Jack studied at J.D. in University of South Carolina and B.A. in Clemson University.

Law school and academic background

Jack completed J.D. in University of South Carolina and B.A. in Clemson University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jack runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Jack has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Jack's professional memberships and bar associations

Richland County
Chairman, Criminal Law Committee, 1989-1991) and American (Member, Section of Criminal Justice) Bar Associations South Carolina Bar (Chairman, Criminal Law Section, 1985-1986) American Judicature Society The Association of Trial Lawyers of America South C · membership
Fellow: South Carolina Bar Foundation (Life
membership
and Former President)
bar_fellowship
Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference (Permanent Member)
bar_fellowship
American College of Trial Lawyers
bar_fellowship
American Academy of Appellate Lawyers
bar_fellowship
American Board of Criminal Lawyers
bar_fellowship
International Academy of Trial Lawyers
bar_fellowship

Locations

Jack B. Swerling's office in Columbia

Jack's primary office is at 1720 Main Street, Suite 301, Columbia, SC, 29211. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Jack B. Swerling

1720 Main Street, Suite 301

Columbia, SC 29211

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Jack B. Swerling — 5.0/5 rating from 39 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Jack. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing car accidents attorneys in Columbia.

5.0

39 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Jack B. Swerling claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Jack B. Swerling — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new car accidents attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jack usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Jack charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jack'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; Jack will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a car accidents attorney in Columbia, South Carolina

A short list to run through before you commit: How many car accidents 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 Jack

Jack discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in car accidents practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every car accidents 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. Jack confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Jack's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many car accidents practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Jack B. Swerling

How much does it cost to hire Jack for a car accidents case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jack walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jack offer a free consultation?
Jack charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jack's office. Some car accidents attorneys offer free consults — check Jack's current terms during booking.
How long do car accidents cases in South Carolina typically take?
Simple car accidents 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. Jack gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jack take my case if I'm outside Columbia?
Jack 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 — Jack 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 Jack?
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. Jack will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jack accepting new car accidents clients right now?
Jack's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Car Accidents attorneys serving Columbia, Charleston and Greenville in South Carolina

Jack handles car accidents matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified car accidents attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Jack's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these car accidents attorneys in Columbia handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.