by Kim, Lahey & Killough Law FirmKey Business and Legal Trends in 2025
Navigating the Legal Landscape: Key Trends for Businesses in 2025
Kim, Lahey & Killough founding attorney Doug Kim joined Mike Switzer on South Carolina Public Radio’s South Carolina Business Review to discuss the new legal landscape for businesses in 2025. Key points include:
Disruptive Technology’s Impact
AI is rapidly reshaping business and the legal profession, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Unlike previous technological shifts, AI is accelerating change at an exponential rate, forcing businesses and law firms to adapt faster than before.
Key Implications for Businesses
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Technology Adoption: Companies must be prepared to leverage new technologies quickly and strategically.
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Increased M&A Activity: With substantial cash reserves and a pro-business climate, mergers and acquisitions are expected to increase.
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Due Diligence Preparedness: Doug strongly advises businesses to begin due diligence preparations in anticipation of potential acquisitions.
In addition, the legal profession itself is experiencing significant disruption. AI tools are enhancing efficiency in research, particularly with regard to patent and trademark searches. Kim emphasizes that AI won’t replace lawyers, but lawyers and law firms that adopt AI technologies will likely outperform those that resist change.
In 2025, businesses must stay agile, embrace technology, and quickly manage the risks associated with new technologies and business models.
Listen to the full interview here or read the full transcript, below.
Full Transcript of The new legal landscape for businesses, an interview with Doug Kim on Mike Switzer’s South Carolina Business Review.
Broadcast on South Carolina Public Radio on January 23, 2025
[00:09.710] – Mike Switzer
Hello and welcome to the South Carolina Business Review. This is Mike Switzer.
As this New Year with a new administration in Washington just getting started, many businesses may be looking at the legal landscape and what they can expect to see in 2025. Doug Kim is an attorney in Greenville, South Carolina, where he joins us from now by phone to help us with this topic.
Doug, welcome to the program.
[00:39.990] – Doug Kim
How are you doing? Thanks for having me.
[00:41.620] – Mike Switzer
Great. Let’s just go ahead and kick off the discussion with an overview of what you see happening in the legal world this year.
[00:49.970] – Doug Kim
Well, it’s going to be quite a few fast changes, and I’ll give you my opinion of the analogies of why I think this is going to happen. And that is, Windows came out many years ago, and it made software accessible to the public in general, which was disruptive for society and business. 2007, the iPhone comes out and it creates software in your hand, again, disruptive for the benefit of increased technology – massive changes in business and society. What’s happening now is we have AI, which is even faster, that’s doing a couple of things. This is what’s driving changes in the legal side, I think. Ai has made everybody feel like, Oh, there’s this new technology. Gosh, we’re behind. We need to be stepping up. That’s one piece. Another piece is you’ve got a new administration who, by all accounts, seems to be reducing regulations and is going to be pro-business. Not that other administrations haven’t been, but this particular one seems to be more pro-business. Add on top of that, you’ve got a bunch of pent-up demand: during election years, businesses tend to, I don’t want to say stall, but they tend to not make much major decisions until they see what’s going on.
There’s a lot of money sitting on the guidelines to move projects forward. So, with all that said, you add the technology changes, the environmental changes, the geopolitical changes, and the fact there’s a lot of cash sitting out there, you’re going to watch the legal profession really have a lot of, quote, “pressures on it.” Our clients are going to be pressing us to be able to adopt technology and candidly, probably move faster than the legal profession is used to.
[02:22.290] – Mike Switzer
Okay. It sounds to me like a massive headache year for you.
[02:25.480] – Doug Kim
It could be based on the law firm’s attitude. It’s not uncommon for technology to change the law. For example, in one area of the law, the right to privacy. Well, everybody’s got a phone in their pocket now, and that phone has a camera. What is your expectation of privacy if everybody can video and photograph you now? So the way the law changed was because the technology changes. The law firms are just going to have to say, “All right, I need to understand this.” I need to step up and say, Here the deal is, as well as how these businesses are adopting it and say, “Okay, how do I manage the risk?”, which is a lot of what lawyers do with these new technologies and these new ways of doing business. And how do I keep myself up to speed so I can respond properly and competently to my client’s demands? I think when you say it could be a lot of headaches, it’s going to require lawyers to educate themselves in areas faster than maybe they’re accustomed.
[03:18.490] – Mike Switzer
Maybe giving up some of the bread and butter business that’s been the thing. In any way, you see a lot of consumers and businesses turning to alternative legal service providers like Legal Zoom.
[03:32.980] – Doug Kim
That’s exactly right. There is definitely a place for that. The legal services traditionally required a lawyer and a lawyer thinking to do some of this stuff. With the advent of some of these other businesses being in those areas, particularly with the leveraging of technology, it may not be a lawyer’s job, either 100% or maybe not even at all. I’ll give you a good example. The type of work that I principally do is intellectual property. We used to have to go hire people to do patent searches and trademark searches for us. Over the years, these patent and trademark databases have been developed by government agencies, Google patents, things like that. You can take the current technology with AI and do a patent or trademark search much more efficiently and faster than a human being could have done it years ago. Some of those tools that are out there are going to reduce, I don’t think eliminate…but reduce the need for some of the legal services that typically an attorney would do. Ai is not going to replace lawyers. It’s not going to do that. However, the law firms that adopt AI will probably replace the ones that don’t.
[04:35.080] – Mike Switzer
What is your recommendation for businesses that are listening right now then on what they should be doing to take advantage of these trends?
[04:41.730] – Doug Kim
If I had to say it in one sentence: Start thinking about getting ready for due diligence. You can Google due diligence and see what that takes. I mean, anybody can do that. If I’m right and there’s going to be an increased M&A activity and companies are going to be acquiring technology, not developing it, a company that wants to be a target for an acquisition would serve themselves well getting ready for this process.
[05:05.080] – Mike Switzer
All right, Doug. Great information. Thank you so much for spending time with us today.
[05:09.120] – Doug Kim
Happy to do it. Enjoyed it.
[05:10.870] – Mike Switzer
Doug Kim is an attorney. He joined us by phone from his office in Greenville, South Carolina. Remember, you can hear this show again at our web page, southcarolinapublicradio dot org. You can hear us again wherever you find podcasts with the South Carolina Business Review. This is Mike Switzer.
[05:33.700] – Announcer
The views expressed on the South Carolina Business Review do not necessarily reflect those of South Carolina Public Radio.
by Kim, Lahey & Killough Law FirmCTA requirements on hold once again
CTA requirements on again off again this week – Currently still on hold
In one week over the holidays, the courts have reversed decisions twice on the subject of the Corporate Transparency Act and corporate Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting (BOIR) filing requirements.
On December 23rd, the requirements were put back in place by the Federal Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit with a new filing deadline of January 13th.
On December 26th, the Court changed its mind and vacated its stay pending oral arguments, pressing the pause button once again.
However, the Court might switch again after hearing oral arguments. Due to the uncertainty surrounding this filing requirement, we recommend that you gather your Beneficial Ownership information and be prepared in the event you are required to file quickly to meet a deadline.
Should you wish to file your BOIR now and would like our assistance with that filing or other business and corporate related matters, please contact your attorney or Kim, Lahey & Killough attorney Emily Bohan or Tony Nolte.
Please note that Kim, Lahey & Killough will not file a BOI report for you or arrange to have a BOI report filed for you unless you reach out to us directly to request assistance.
For more information, please visit https://kimandlahey.com/practice-areas/corporate-transparency-act/
by Kim, Lahey & Killough Law FirmCTA and Beneficial Ownership Reporting While Under Preliminary Injunction
Earlier this month we reported on the recent nationwide preliminary injunction against the Corporate Transparency Act and enforcement of the Beneficial Ownership Interest Report (BOIR) requirement. Below we provide you with additional guidance.
While the Texas District Court’s nationwide preliminary injunction provides a reprieve from the January 1, 2025 filing deadline, it may not mean you are off the hook entirely. In reality, this development in the law creates more questions than answers.
What is a business owner to do? Consider these three options:
- Do nothing. Ignore the whole thing. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND!
- File your BOIR now and move on to focus on operating your business.
- Wait and see what happens next to find out for sure what, and by when, you could be required to file your BOIR. Keep in mind that there could be a very short time period in which to come into compliance with this federal law.
We anticipate there will be additional court proceedings. Most likely, the government will appeal this injunction and move for a stay of it. Here is what could happen next:
- The stay is granted, the preliminary injunction is lifted and reporting requirements immediately return. There may or may not be a grace period.
- The stay is denied and the preliminary injunction continues, again though, temporarily until the issue can be fully and finally resolved in the courts.
- The scope of the preliminary injunction is narrowed, perhaps making it apply to a smaller group of people, such as only the named plaintiffs.
In short, while you do have a reprieve from the January 1, 2025 filing deadline, you also have uncertainty about what may or may not be required next. Taking the above into consideration may help you determine the best path forward for you and your business.
Should you wish to file your BOIR now and would like our assistance with that filing or other business and corporate related matters, please contact your attorney or Kim, Lahey & Killough attorney Emily Bohan or Tony Nolte.
Please note that Kim, Lahey & Killough will not file a BOI report for you or arrange to have a BOI report filed for you unless you reach out to us directly to request assistance.
For more information, please visit https://kimandlahey.com/practice-areas/corporate-transparency-act/
by Kim, Lahey & Killough Law FirmFranchisees as Third-Party Beneficiaries
Franchise attorney Emily Bohan chosen for publication in the prestigious ABA Forum on Franchise Law Journal—explores Third-Party Beneficiary Rights in Franchise Law
Kim, Lahey & Killough attorney Emily Bohan and Hannah M. Leiendecker of the Faegre Drinker firm in Minneapolis, MN published an article in the latest edition of Franchise Law Journal with the American Bar Association. The article, “Franchisees as Third-Party Beneficiaries to Franchisor’s Agreements with Other Franchisees or Vendors” sheds light on the complex world of third-party beneficiary rights in franchising and examines how individuals or entities not directly party to a contract may still enforce its terms under certain circumstances. This article was published immediately prior to the annual meeting of the ABA Forum on Franchising, at which Emily was in attendance last week.
Executive summary:
A significant impact on Dispute Resolution: Third-party beneficiary rights can play a crucial role in franchise disputes, often determining whether a case has any remedy at all. This underscores the importance of understanding these rights for all parties involved in franchise relationships.
Clear Intent: Courts typically require clear evidence that the contracting parties intended to benefit the third party. This high standard emphasizes the need for precise language in franchise-related contracts.
Franchisee Enforcement of Vendor Agreements: In some cases, franchisees have successfully enforced agreements between their franchisor and vendors as third-party beneficiaries. This highlights a potential avenue for franchisees to protect their interests.
Employee “Poaching” Restrictions: Some franchisors have utilized third-party beneficiary rights to limit employee recruitment between franchisees. However, Bohan and Leiendecker note that this practice faces increasing legal scrutiny and potential antitrust challenges.
Rare Vendor Claims: While uncommon, there are instances where third-party vendors have successfully claimed benefits under franchise agreements. These cases often hinge on exceptionally close relationships between the vendor and franchisor.
Highly Fact-Specific Nature: Bohan and Leiendecker emphasize that third-party beneficiary cases in franchise law are typically unpredictable and heavily dependent on specific circumstances. This unpredictability underscores the need for careful contract drafting and legal guidance.
The full article provides a thorough examination of relevant case law and offers practical insights for franchise industry professionals. It serves as a valuable resource for franchisors, franchisees, and their legal counsel in navigating the complex web of contractual relationships inherent in franchise operations.
Bohan and Leiendecker emphasize that these cases are highly fact-specific and often unpredictable. Both recommend that franchisors and franchisees carefully consider potential third-party beneficiaries when drafting contracts. They suggest a proactive approach and recommend that parties mitigate uncertainty and reduce ambiguity by explicitly stating their intentions regarding third-party benefits within their contracts.
The full article, “Franchisees as Third-Party Beneficiaries to Franchisor’s Agreements with Other Franchisees or Vendors,” is available in the current issue of the Franchise Law Journal.
Copyright 2024. Published in The Franchise Law Journal, Vol. 43, No. 3, Fall 2024, by the American Bar Association. Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved. This information or any portion thereof may not be copied or disseminated in any form or by any means or stored in an electronic database or retrieval system without the express written consent of the American Bar Association or the copyright holder.
Emily Bohan is an attorney in the Greenville, S.C. office of Kim Lahey & Killough. Hannah M. Leiendecker is an attorney at Faegre Drinker, practicing in the Minneapolis office.
by Kim, Lahey & Killough Law FirmFTC Non-Compete Ban Updates
FTC Non-Compete Ban: Current Status and Implications for Businesses
Presented September, 2024 by Kim, Lahey & Killough attorney Casey Martens
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recent attempt to ban most non-compete clauses in employer-employee contracts has encountered significant legal challenges, creating uncertainty in the business landscape.
On April 23, 2024, the FTC finalized a rule banning most non-compete clauses, originally set to take effect on September 4, 2024. However, legal challenges have substantially altered this timeline.
In July 2024, a federal court in Pennsylvania upheld the FTC’s authority to issue the ban. Conversely, on August 20, 2024, a Texas court granted a nationwide injunction against the rule’s enforcement, ruling that the FTC had exceeded its statutory authority and that the rule was arbitrary and capricious.
As a result of the Texas decision, the FTC is currently unable to enforce the rule. This provides a temporary reprieve for employers, suspending the need to comply with the rule’s requirements. However, businesses should remain vigilant, as the legal landscape continues to evolve.
While the FTC may lose this particular battle, the war on non-competes is far from over – the debate over non-compete agreements persists. State legislatures continue to introduce laws limiting the scope of non-competes, creating a complex regulatory environment, particularly for businesses with multi-state operations.
Given the uncertain future of non-compete agreements, businesses should consider alternative methods to protect their interests, such as:
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to safeguard confidential information and trade secrets
- Non-solicitation agreements to prevent former employees from poaching customers or staff
- Ownership and assignment of inventions (OAI) agreements for intellectual property protection
- Robust trade secret policies and internal controls
- Other intellectual property strategies involving copyrights, patents, and trademarks
When implementing these alternatives, it is crucial to ensure they are narrowly drawn and tailored to protect legitimate business interests without overreaching.
As the legal battle over non-compete agreements continues, businesses are advised to stay informed about the latest developments and be prepared to adapt their practices accordingly. Consulting with legal counsel to review and update employment agreements in light of these changes is highly recommended.
Casey Martens is an attorney in the firm’s Brevard, NC office. Licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, Casey represents employers and workers in employment matters, as well as business and intellectual property disputes.
by Kim, Lahey & Killough Law FirmFive Kim Lahey Killough attorneys named 2025 Best Lawyers
Five Kim Lahey Killough attorneys named in Best Lawyers for work in intellectual property, corporate and employment law
Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm is honored to announce that five of the firm attorneys are named in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 edition:
Charleston patent attorney B. C. Killough is recognized for his work in:
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
- Corporate Law
- Litigation – Intellectual Property
- Patent Law
- Trademark Law
Previously, Killough was honored as the Corporate Law Lawyer of the Year for the Charleston metro in 2015.
In the Greenville, SC metro market, four Kim, Lahey & Killough attorneys are recognized, including firm founder Douglas W. Kim, who is honored for his work in the areas of:
- Litigation – Intellectual Property
- Litigation – Patent
- Patent Law
- Trade Secrets Law
- Trademark Law
Kim has previously been recognized as a Lawyer of the Year in Greenville, SC, in two of these areas: as Trademark Lawyer of the Year in 2022 and the Patent Lawyer of the Year in 2019.
Greenville intellectual property attorney Seann Lahey
is recognized for his work in:
- Trademark Law
Additionally, Seann has extensive experience dealing with international and U.S. patent prosecution. His practice also regularly includes matters on trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, licensing of intellectual property rights, and rendering legal opinions on validity, infringement and enforceability of intellectual property rights, as well as litigation involving intellectual property rights.
IP attorney Hunter S. Freeman
is commended for his work in:
- Commercial Litigation
- Copyright Law
- Litigation – Intellectual Property
- Trademark Law
As an Intellectual Property attorney, experienced litigator and certified mediator, Hunter Freeman’s 20+ years of experience and insight provide novel ways for clients to create value through the protection, prosecution and enforcement of their IP.
Attorney Casey Martens practices employment and business law in both the Greenville SC and Brevard NC offices of Kim, Lahey & Killough. Licensed in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia, her law practice focuses in the areas of business disputes and litigation, state and federal employment law, drafting and enforcement of restrictive covenants, and business disputes involving tortious interference with contract. Casey is recognized as a 2025 Best Lawyers One to Watch in America in the areas of:
- Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
- Labor and Employment Law – Employee
- Labor and Employment Law – Management
- Litigation – Labor and Employment
Since 1983, The Best Lawyers in America has compiled and reviewed peer evaluations from across the United States to identify an annual list of honorees. The Best Lawyers in America recognizes only the top 5.3% of lawyers in the nation across 150 practice areas.
With offices in Greenville and Charleston, SC and Brevard, NC, the Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm is devoted to helping clients establish, enforce, and leverage their intellectual property rights from the Upstate, to the Lowcountry to across the globe.
by Kim, Lahey & Killough Law FirmSeven attorneys named 2024 Legal Elite
Seven Kim, Lahey & Killough attorneys listed as 2024 Legal Elite by Charleston Business and Greenville Business Magazines
Kim, Lahey & Killough is pleased to announce that seven attorneys have been named in the 2024 Legal Elite lists. Notably, all five of the firm’s registered patent attorneys were recognized for their work in the areas of intellectual property and innovation, a core focus of the law firm.
Greenville Business Magazine and Charleston Business Magazine recognized Doug Kim, Seann Lahey, Hunter Freeman, Robert Merting and B.C. Killough for their contributions to Intellectual Property and Innovation. “This recognition from our peers is a testament to the depth and breadth of our IP practice, as well as our firm’s commitment to excellence. We are honored to have our entire patent team acknowledged, alongside our talented colleagues in employment and corporate law,” commented firm founder, Doug Kim. Additionally, Casey Martens and Emily Bohan were honored for their work in Employment Law and Corporate Law – Business Organization matters.
Doug Kim is no stranger to legal awards and accolades. In addition to his Legal Elite IP and Innovation recognition, Kim has been listed in South Carolina Super Lawyers annually since 2017, and he has been recognized in the Greenville, SC Best Lawyers® list, named the Best Lawyers® Trademark Lawyer of The Year, the Best Lawyers® Patent Lawyer of The Year, and an IP Star by Managing Intellectual Property magazine.
Firm co-founder Seann Lahey is noted for his IP and Innovation work not only by Legal Elite of the Upstate but is also listed in South Carolina Super Lawyers as well as Best Lawyers in America for his work in intellectual property law. Seann has extensive experience dealing with international and U.S. patent prosecution, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, licensing of intellectual property rights, and rendering legal opinions on validity, infringement and enforceability of intellectual property rights, as well as IP litigation.
Hunter Freeman has over 20 years of experience as a litigator and certified mediator and works to provide novel ways for clients to create value through the protection, prosecution and enforcement of their IP including trademarks, service marks and copyrights. As the 2024 Chairman of the InnoVision Awards, Hunter works hard to provide opportunities for start ups and businesses in the state to advance technological innovations. In addition to Legal Elite, Hunter has been recognized for his legal efforts by both Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America ® for his work in intellectual property and business litigation.
Greenville patent attorney Robert Merting joins his colleagues as a named Legal Elite for IP and Innovation this year. Robert’s general business practice serves a variety of clients and industries, including builders, manufacturers, inventors, professionals and governmental organizations. He counsels businesses and individuals on IP contracts, corporate IP agreements, trademarks, non-disclosure agreements, and patents.
Charleston patent attorney B.C. Killough has counseled businesses and professionals for over 30 years. Regularly recognized for his legal efforts on behalf of his clients, Killough’s Legal Elite for IP and Innovation award is joined by recognition as a Senior Fellow by the Litigation Counsel of America, as an AV preeminent rated attorney with Martindale-Hubbell, as a Best Lawyers Corporate Lawyer of the Year for the Charleston market, and Thomson Reuters has recognized Killough as a Stand-Out Lawyer – a recognition bestowed by in-house counsel peers.
Casey Martens is recognized as a Legal Elite for her work in employment law for both plaintiffs and defendants. Casey’s legal practice includes business litigation, intellectual property and employment counsel to small and medium-sized businesses, as well as to employees in employment disputes. Licensed to practice in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia, Casey heads up the firm’s Brevard, NC office.
Business attorney Emily Bohan is commended as a Legal Elite for her efforts with Corporate Law – Business Organization matters. Emily focuses her legal practice on franchise law, business formation and organizations (Including LLC’s and Partnerships), and labor and employment matters. And when businesses are in a dispute, Emily serves as a certified mediator, to assist parties to come to a resolution outside of the courtroom. Greenville Business Magazine recognized Emily as a 2024 SC Women in Business.
The Legal Elite are selected annually through peer nominations from attorneys throughout the state of South Carolina in 50 legal practice areas.
About Kim, Lahey & Killough
With offices in Greenville and Charleston, SC and Brevard, NC, the Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm is devoted to helping clients establish, enforce, and leverage their intellectual property rights from the Upstate, to the Lowcountry to across the globe.
by Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm2024 South Carolina Super Lawyers
Five Kim, Lahey & Killough attorneys named in 2024 South Carolina Super Lawyers
Four patent attorneys with Kim, Lahey & Killough – Doug Kim, Seann Lahey, B.C. Killough and Hunter Freeman – have been named in the 2024 South Carolina Super Lawyers list as top-rated intellectual property attorneys and attorney Casey Martens has been named in the 2024 South Carolina Rising Stars list as a top-rated employment and labor attorney in the Greenville and Charleston markets. 2024 marks the tenth year that B.C. Killough has been honored with inclusion on the list. “I am honored to work with such a dedicated, innovative team that puts our clients first and this recognition showcases our unwavering commitment to excellence in providing legal services,” commented firm founder Doug Kim.
Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive the honor of inclusion on the Super Lawyers list and no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected to be listed as Rising Stars. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Doug Kim has been listed in South Carolina Super Lawyer annually since 2017. With experience with matters in brand and invention protection, licensing, patents, trademarks, and business disputes, he has also been recognized in the Greenville, SC Best Lawyers® list, named the Trademark Lawyer of The Year, the Best Lawyers® Patent Lawyer of The Year, an IP Star by Managing Intellectual Property magazine and a Legal Elite of the Upstate by Greenville Business Magazine.
Firm co-founder Seann Lahey’s practice seeks to provide comprehensive and integrated legal services for companies whose products or services are technical in nature. Seann has extensive experience dealing with international and U.S. patent prosecution, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, licensing of intellectual property rights, and rendering legal opinions on validity, infringement and enforceability of intellectual property rights, as well as ip litigation. He advises startups, middle market companies, multinational corporations, universities, and individuals alike on various intellectual property protection and enforcement strategies. Seann has worked across a range of technologies and industries including automotive, agriculture, biotech, composite technology, construction, education, manufacturing, medical, and others. In addition to Super Lawyers, he has also been recognized by Greenville Business Magazine as a Legal Elite of the Upstate for his work in intellectual property law.
B.C. Killough celebrates his tenth year listed in South Carolina Super Lawyers for his intellectual property work in the Charleston metro area. His practice areas include brand and invention protection, technology licensing, contracts, company formation, patents, trademarks, copyright, technology transfer, IP litigation, trade secrets, business disputes, commercial transactions, and mediations of intellectual property and commercial disputes. Bill Killough has also been recognized as a Senior Fellow by the Litigation Counsel of America, an AV preeminent rated attorney with Martindale-Hubbell, a Charleston Best Lawyers Corporate Lawyer of the Year, a Legal Elite by Charleston Business Magazine for Intellectual Property and Innovation and in 2024, Thomson Reuters named him a Stand-Out Lawyer.
Previously recognized as a Super Lawyers South Carolina Rising Star, Hunter Freeman joins his colleagues and is listed in South Carolina Super Lawyers for his work in intellectual property litigation in the Greenville market. His 20+ years of experience and insight as a patent attorney, litigator and mediator provide novel ways for clients to create value through the protection, utilization and enforcement of their IP both in and out of the courtroom. In addition to Super Lawyers, Hunter has been recognized for his work in intellectual property litigation by The Best Lawyers in America ® and as a Legal Elite of the Upstate by Greenville Business Magazine for Intellectual Property and Innovation as well as Business Litigation.
2024 Super Lawyers South Carolina Rising Star Casey Martens practices employment and business law in both the Greenville SC and Brevard NC offices of Kim, Lahey & Killough. Licensed in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia, her law practice focuses in the areas of business disputes and litigation, state and federal employment law, drafting and enforcement of restrictive covenants, business disputes involving tortious interference with contract, and the like. She has also been previously recognized by Greenville Business Magazine as a Legal Elite of the Upstate.
About Kim, Lahey & Killough
With offices in Greenville and Charleston, SC and Brevard, NC, the Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm is devoted to helping clients establish, enforce, and leverage their intellectual property rights from the Upstate, to the Lowcountry to across the globe.
by Kim, Lahey & Killough Law FirmParalegal Scholarship at Tri-County Technical College awarded
Kim, Lahey & Killough awards Paralegal Scholarship at Tri-County Technical College
Pictured, left to right: Kim Lahey & Killough attorneys Tony Nolte, Casey Martens, Seann Lahey, Doug Kim, Tri-County Technical College Paralegal Scholarship recipient Jennifer Dill, Heidi Reeves, Manager of Donor Relations, Tri-County Technical College, Jonathan Cauthen, Director of Development, Tri-County Technical College, attorneys Emily Bohan and Hunter Freeman.
Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm announced the winner of a $1,500 Paralegal Scholarship with Tri-County Technical College Foundation at a luncheon April 11th at the Thornblade Club in Greer. The Firm congratulates Paralegal Emphasis sophomore Jennifer Dill as this year’s scholarship recipient. This merit scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates academic excellence, dedication and passion for the legal profession.
Kim, Lahey & Killough is committed to supporting education in our community and are proud to invest in the next generation of legal professionals. “We recognize the invaluable role of paralegals and this scholarship is one way we show our appreciation and encouragement. As we honor the recipient, we celebrate her dedication to the legal profession, her pursuit of knowledge, and her commitment to making a difference. We hope that this scholarship be a stepping stone for her to provide even greater contributions to the field of law,” commented firm founder Doug Kim.
Tri-County Technical College is a public, two-year community and technical college serving Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties in South Carolina and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The Criminal Justice, Paralegal Emphasis program at TCTC is an associate degree program offered both at the Pendleton Campus and online. The College advances economic development in the tri-county region by preparing a highly skilled workforce.
With offices in Greenville and Charleston, SC and Brevard, NC, the Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm is devoted to helping clients establish, enforce, and leverage their intellectual property rights from the Upstate, to the Lowcountry to across the globe. For more information, visit the firm website at kimandlahey.com.
by Kim, Lahey & Killough Law FirmB C Killough named Thomson Reuters Stand-Out Lawyer
CHARLESTON, SC – Kim Lahey & Killough law firm is pleased to announce that B.C. Killough has been named to the list of “Stand-out Lawyers” by Thomson Reuters. Each year, thousands of senior in-house legal counsels from around the world nominate the top three attorneys they have worked with during the past year.
Bill Killough has been recognized for decades by his peers in publications such as The Best Lawyers in America, South Carolina Super Lawyers and Charleston Business Magazine’s Legal Elite. Best Lawyers named him the “Corporate Lawyer of the Year” for the Charleston area in 2015. These client-nominated attorneys are “real stand-out lawyers [and] are distinctive because, in combination with their technical competence, they offer business savvy advice, deliver exceptional service, or integrate well with the client team,” according to Thomson Reuters.
Bill Killough practices law in the areas of intellectual property and business law, including commercial transactions. He is a registered patent attorney and has obtained more than 350 patents for clients and filed more than 1500 trademark applications on behalf of clients. He has experience as an intellectual property litigator, with at least one of his cases setting precedent. As a certified mediator, Killough assists parties in intellectual property and corporate disputes in coming to a resolution outside of a courtroom.
With offices in Greenville and Charleston, SC and Brevard, NC, the Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm is devoted to helping clients achieve their business goals and establish, enforce, and leverage their intellectual property rights from the Upstate, to the Lowcountry to across the globe.
