Nina Nelson Smith, ADR Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Appellate, and Business · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatJames E. Smith, Jr., P.A.
Columbia, SC
Practicing adr in Columbia since 1980.
- 46+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 5
- Bar admissions
Are you Nina Nelson Smith?
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Quick answer
Nina Nelson Smith is an of counsel based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Business. Nina has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James E. Smith, Jr., P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Columbia, SC
- Experience
- over 46 years
- Known for
- ADR · Appellate · Business
- Handles ADR, Appellate, and Business matters from Columbia, SC.
- Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Nina Nelson Smith: Nina Nelson Smith is an of counsel based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Business. Nina has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James E. Smith, Jr., P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Nina Nelson Smith
Nina concentrates on adr, appellate, business, general, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case Nina handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Appellate
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Business
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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ADR cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Nina takes adr 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 Nina agrees to represent you.
Appellate cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Nina takes appellate 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 Nina agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Nina takes business 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 Nina agrees to represent you.
General cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Nina 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 Nina agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Nina 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 Nina agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Nina Nelson Smith — Over 46 years of South Carolina adr experience
Nina Nelson Smith is an of counsel based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Business. Nina has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James E. Smith, Jr., P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Ms. Nina Nelson Smith is a lawyer practicing business litigation, securities litigation, professional liability and 3 other areas of law. Nina received a B.A. degree from Agnes Scott College in 1965, and has been licensed for 46 years. Nina practices at James E. Smith, Jr., P.A. in Columbia, SC.
How Nina handles adr matters
Ms. Nina Nelson Smith is a lawyer practicing business litigation, securities litigation, professional liability and 3 other areas of law. Nina received a B.A. degree from Agnes Scott College in 1965, and has been licensed for 46 years. Nina practices at James E. Smith, Jr., P.A. in Columbia, SC.
Who Nina represents
Nina reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, appellate, and business matters in Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area.
Credentials
Nina Nelson Smith's legal education and bar admissions
University of South Carolina School of Law
J.D. · 1980
Agnes Scott College
B.A. · 1965
Jurisdictions
Nina's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1999 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1980 · ACTIVE
South Carolina
1980 · ACTIVE
Nina studied at J.D. in University of South Carolina School of Law and B.A. in Agnes Scott College.
Law school and academic background
Nina completed J.D. in University of South Carolina School of Law and B.A. in Agnes Scott College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Nina runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Nina Nelson Smith
Nina has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Nina's professional memberships and bar associations
Richland County
Member, Executive Committee, 1988-1995 President, 1994) and American Bar Associations South Carolina Bar National Association of Women Lawyers South Carolina Women Lawyers Association Defense Research Institute (Chair, Professional Liability Committee, 19 · membership
Locations
Nina Nelson Smith's office in Columbia
Nina's primary office is at Shannon Smith Stuckey House, 1422 Laurel St., Columbia, SC, 29201-2516. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
James E. Smith, Jr., P.A.
Shannon Smith Stuckey House, 1422 Laurel St.
Columbia, SC 29201-2516
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Nina Nelson Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Nina. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Columbia.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Nina Nelson Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Nina Nelson Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Nina usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Nina charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Nina'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; Nina will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Nina
Nina discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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. Nina confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Nina's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Nina Nelson Smith
How much does it cost to hire Nina for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Nina walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Nina offer a free consultation?
Nina charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Nina's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Nina's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in South Carolina typically take?
Simple adr 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. Nina gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Nina take my case if I'm outside Columbia?
Nina 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 — Nina 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 Nina?
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. Nina will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Nina accepting new adr clients right now?
Nina's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving Columbia, Charleston and Greenville in South Carolina
Nina handles adr matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr 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
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If Nina's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Columbia handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





