Michael D. "Mike" Carrouth, Employment Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
focused on Employment and Litigation
Columbia, SC
Trusted employment attorney serving Columbia.
- 1
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Quick answer
Michael D. "Mike" Carrouth is an attorney based in Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.
- Based in
- Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Employment · Litigation
- Handles Employment and Litigation matters from Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management, Columbia (SC) (2025).
About Michael D. "Mike" Carrouth: Michael D. "Mike" Carrouth is an attorney based in Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on employment and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Michael takes employment 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Michael takes litigation 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael D. "Mike" Carrouth — employment lawyer in Columbia
Michael D. "Mike" Carrouth is an attorney based in Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.
Mike Carrouth is a partner in the Columbia office. He is certified as a Specialist in Labor Law by the South Carolina Supreme Court.
Mike has represented clients in successfully responding to union organizing efforts in 30 states.
This work includes successfully defending against multi-site and multi-state national organizing blitzes and card-check/neutrality campaigns. Mike also has represented clients in numerous litigation matters, including jury trials, involving Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Title VII, breach of employment contract, and non-compete enforcement. He practices before state and federal courts, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and state and federal administrative agencies in the areas of union-related matters, employment litigation, discrimination cases, non-compete agreements, and wrongful discharge cases.
Mike is a frequent speaker at seminars on labor and employment and litigation matters. He has written several articles, including "The Impact of the Civil Rights Act of 1991 on Employment Litigation" and "What the General Practitioner Should Know About Employer Liabilities in Conducting Job Interviews."
Mike is “AV” Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been selected for inclusion in South Carolina Super Lawyers since 2008. He has been listed in Chambers USA, America's Leading Business Lawyers since 2005 and in The Best Lawyers in America since 2007.
He was selected by his peers to be one of Greater Columbia Business Monthly's Legal Elite in 2011 and 2013.
How Michael handles employment matters
Mike Carrouth is a partner in the Columbia office. He is certified as a Specialist in Labor Law by the South Carolina Supreme Court. Mike has represented clients in successfully responding to union organizing efforts in 30 states. This work includes successfully defending against multi-site and multi-state national organizing blitzes and card-check/neutrality campaigns. Mike also has represented…
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment and litigation matters in Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
The University of South Carolina School of Law
J.D. · 1988
Wofford College
— · 1985
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
South Carolina, Stat
ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in The University of South Carolina School of Law and — in Wofford College.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in The University of South Carolina School of Law and — in Wofford College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 18 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management, Columbia (SC)
2025
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Labor and Employment, Columbia (SC)
2021
Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management, Columbia (SC)
2016
Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trade Secrets Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Civil Rights
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Covenants Not to Compete
2026
Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Defense
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — National Labor Relations Board
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Title VII Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trade Secrets
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Wrongful Discharge
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management, Columbia (SC) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Labor and Employment, Columbia (SC) (2021). Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management, Columbia (SC) (2016). Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026).
Locations
Michael D. "Mike" Carrouth's office in Columbia
Michael's primary office is at 1320 Main Street, Suite 750, Columbia, South Carolina, 29201. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael D. "Mike" Carrouth
Michael 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 Michael D. "Mike" Carrouth — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment 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 Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael D. "Mike" Carrouth
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in South Carolina typically take?
Simple employment 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Columbia?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new employment clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Columbia, Charleston and Greenville in South Carolina
Michael handles employment matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment 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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