The South Carolina Association for Justice (SCAJ) has elected Kevin R. Dean as its new president. Dean, an attorney with Motley Rice LLC, will lead the 1,400-member organization as it continues its work to protect the rights of individuals and families across the state.
Dean succeeds Ashley White Creech, who led SCAJ through another year of intense challenges to the fairness of the civil justice system.
His presidency begins as South Carolina remains a target of insurance companies and other powerful business interests, pushing changes to state law that would make it more difficult for individuals and families to hold wrongdoers responsible and pursue justice in the courtroom. Similar efforts are underway across the country as insurers and corporate interests push for laws that give them greater protections from legal responsibility.
“We cannot let our laws be rewritten to benefit the biggest and most powerful interests,” said Dean. “Insurance companies and corporate lobbyists have made clear that they intend to keep pushing for policies that stack the deck in their favor. SCAJ will make sure everyone has a fair chance to seek justice and defend their rights.”
Under Dean’s leadership, SCAJ will continue the fight against special interests through advocacy, education and public awareness.
“Kevin understands what is at stake for our members and the people they represent,” said SCAJ Chief Operating Officer Kenny Hastie. “He will be a strong advocate for people who have been harmed through no fault of their own.”
Dean is a member in the Mount Pleasant office of Motley Rice, where he represents individuals and families harmed by dangerous products, workplace injuries, fires and other acts of negligence. He has extensive experience in automotive defect litigation, including cases involving Volkswagen, Ford and General Motors, as well as defective airbags, inflators and other vehicle safety issues. You can read his full bio here.
His election was announced following SCAJ’s Annual Convention in Hilton Head, where lawyers and legal professionals from across the state gathered for continuing legal education, professional development and discussion of issues affecting the civil justice system.
Joining Dean in SCAJ leadership for the coming year are:
Bakari Sellers (president elect) has been with Strom Law Firm since 2007 and leads the firm’s Strategic Communications and Public Affairs team. He practices nationwide in criminal defense and civil litigation and is a former state legislator, New York Times bestselling author, and CNN commentator.
Graham Newman (vice president) is a partner at Chappell, Chappell & Newman in Columbia, where he focuses on complex litigation, including products liability and class actions. He also teaches at the University of South Carolina Honors College and serves on boards and committees dedicated to improving the judicial system.
Christopher Pracht (Treasurer) is the founding partner of Pracht Injury Lawyers, which exclusively handles wrongful death and serious injury claims across the state. He has represented individuals and families for more than 15 years. The firm has offices in Anderson, Greenville, Camden and Summerville.
Together, SCAJ’s new officers will lead the Association’s work to ensure that every person has the opportunity to seek justice, regardless of wealth, power or influence.
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