
James P. Sullivan, Construction Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
Over 18 years of legal practice · focused on Construction, General, and Insurance · 4.8/5 rating from 16 verified client reviews
MemberatHowser, Newman & Besley, L.L.C.
Columbia, SC
Practicing construction in Columbia since 2008.
- 18+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 16 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you James P. Sullivan?
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Quick answer
James P. Sullivan is a member based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Insurance. James has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Howser, Newman & Besley, L.L.C.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 16 client reviews.
- Based in
- Columbia, SC
- Experience
- over 18 years
- Known for
- Construction · General · Insurance
- Handles Construction, General, and Insurance matters from Columbia, SC.
- Over 18 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James P. Sullivan: James P. Sullivan is a member based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Insurance. James has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Howser, Newman & Besley, L.L.C.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 16 client reviews.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Columbia
James concentrates on construction, general, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Construction
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General
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Insurance
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Construction cases in Columbia, South Carolina
James 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 James agrees to represent you.
General cases in Columbia, South Carolina
James takes general 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 James agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Columbia, South Carolina
James 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 James agrees to represent you.
Biography
James P. Sullivan, construction attorney serving Columbia
James P. Sullivan is a member based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Insurance. James has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Howser, Newman & Besley, L.L.C.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 16 client reviews. James works from Columbia, South Carolina and takes on construction matters across the region.
James L. Petigru Public Interest Law Society (Vice President); Order of Wig and Robe; Order of the Coif. Editor in Chief, South Carolina Law Review, 2007-2008. Author: note, "L-J, Inc. v. Bituminous Fire & Marine Insurance Co.: A Comedy of Occurrences,'" 58 S.C. L. Rev. 533 (2007).
How James handles construction matters
James L. Petigru Public Interest Law Society (Vice President); Order of Wig and Robe; Order of the Coif. Editor in Chief, South Carolina Law Review, 2007-2008. Author: note, "L-J, Inc. v. Bituminous Fire & Marine Insurance Co.: A Comedy of Occurrences,'" 58 S.C. L. Rev. 533 (2007).
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, general, and insurance matters in Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
University of South Carolina School of Law
J.D. · 2008
College of the Holy Cross
B.A. English · 1996
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Federal Court for th
2010 · ACTIVE
South Carolina
2008 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of South Carolina School of Law and B.A. English in College of the Holy Cross.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of South Carolina School of Law and B.A. English in College of the Holy Cross. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
James's legal honors and published work
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Charleston County Bar Association
membership
Locations
James P. Sullivan's office in Columbia
James's primary office is at 1508 Washington Street, Columbia, SC, 29211-2009. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Howser, Newman & Besley, L.L.C.
1508 Washington Street
Columbia, SC 29211-2009
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James P. Sullivan — 4.8/5 rating from 16 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing construction attorneys in Columbia.
4.8
16 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James P. Sullivan claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James P. Sullivan — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new construction attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James 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 James
James 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James'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 James P. Sullivan
How much does it cost to hire James for a construction case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check James'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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Columbia?
James 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 — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new construction clients right now?
James'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
James 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
More counsel
Other top-rated construction attorneys in South Carolina
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in Columbia handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





