Rita Bragg Caughman, Business Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Contracts, and Elder Law · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatEllis, Lawhorne & Sims, P.A.
Columbia, SC
Practicing business in Columbia since 1980.
- 46+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Rita Bragg Caughman?
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Quick answer
Rita Bragg Caughman is a member based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Elder Law. Rita has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ellis, Lawhorne & Sims, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Columbia, SC
- Experience
- over 46 years
- Known for
- Business · Contracts · Elder Law
- Handles Business, Contracts, and Elder Law matters from Columbia, SC.
- Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Rita Bragg Caughman: Rita Bragg Caughman is a member based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Elder Law. Rita has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ellis, Lawhorne & Sims, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Rita takes on
Rita concentrates on business, contracts, elder law, estate planning, and estate tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Rita handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Contracts
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Elder Law
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Estate Planning
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Estate Tax
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General
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Insurance
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Probate
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Tax
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Trusts
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Family Law
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Business cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Rita 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 Rita agrees to represent you.
Contracts cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Rita takes contracts 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 Rita agrees to represent you.
Elder Law cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Rita takes elder law 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 Rita agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Rita takes estate planning 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 Rita agrees to represent you.
Estate Tax cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Rita takes estate tax 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 Rita agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Rita Bragg Caughman — business lawyer in Columbia
Rita Bragg Caughman is a member based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Elder Law. Rita has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ellis, Lawhorne & Sims, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mrs. Rita Bragg Caughman is a lawyer practicing estate planning, estate administration, trust administration and 11 other areas of law. Rita received a B.S. degree from University of South Carolina in 1977, and has been licensed for 46 years. Rita practices at Ellis, Lawhorne & Sims, P.A. in Columbia, SC.
Rita's approach to business cases
Mrs. Rita Bragg Caughman is a lawyer practicing estate planning, estate administration, trust administration and 11 other areas of law. Rita received a B.S. degree from University of South Carolina in 1977, and has been licensed for 46 years. Rita practices at Ellis, Lawhorne & Sims, P.A. in Columbia, SC.
Clients Rita works with
Rita reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, contracts, and elder law matters in Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of South Carolina
J.D. · 1980
University of South Carolina
B.S. · 1977
Jurisdictions
Rita's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court
1981 · ACTIVE
South Carolina
1980 · ACTIVE
Rita studied at J.D. in University of South Carolina and B.S. in University of South Carolina.
Law school and academic background
Rita completed J.D. in University of South Carolina and B.S. in University of South Carolina. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Rita runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Rita has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Rita's professional memberships and bar associations
Richland County Bar Association South Carolina Bar
Past Chairperson, Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Section · membership
American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
bar_fellowship
Locations
Rita Bragg Caughman's office in Columbia
Rita's primary office is at 1501 Main St., 5th Fl., Columbia, SC, 29202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Rita Bragg Caughman — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Rita. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business 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 Rita Bragg Caughman claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Rita Bragg Caughman — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Rita usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Rita charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Rita'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; Rita will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Rita
Rita discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Rita confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Rita's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Rita Bragg Caughman
How much does it cost to hire Rita for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Rita walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Rita offer a free consultation?
Rita charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Rita's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Rita's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in South Carolina typically take?
Simple business 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. Rita gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Rita take my case if I'm outside Columbia?
Rita 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 — Rita 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 Rita?
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. Rita will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Rita accepting new business clients right now?
Rita's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Columbia, Charleston and Greenville in South Carolina
Rita handles business matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business 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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