Amy McLaren

Amy McLaren is an accomplished attorney specializing in litigation, with a particular focus on insurance coverage issues, as well as cases involving automobile, trucking, product liability, construction, and commercial litigation.

Throughout her legal career, Amy has gained extensive experience as a litigator, successfully trying numerous cases to verdict in both jury and bench trials. Prior to joining MDSW, she served as a skilled civil defense attorney, working with major insurance carriers and corporations over the past decade. This background has equipped her with a deep understanding of the opposing side, which greatly benefits her current practice.

In addition to her courtroom prowess, Amy effectively advocates for her clients through her exceptional writing skills. Before attending law school, she honed her editorial talents as an editor of local and regional history books at a publishing company, as well as by writing arts reviews for the Charleston City Paper. During her time as a law student, she was recognized as an Executive Editor of the Journal of Alternative Dispute Resolution. As a research fellow, she had the privilege of drafting and presenting healthcare and financial regulation legislation in Washington, D.C.

Amy's commitment to public service has earned her accolades, including the Outstanding Public Service Award for her pro bono work upon graduating from law school. She has continued to provide pro bono services through the Charleston County Guardian ad Litem program in South Carolina and Blue Ridge Legal Services while residing in Virginia.

Beyond her legal pursuits, Amy actively supports the arts community and takes pleasure in cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies during football season with her family, as she is a proud native of Virginia.

Honors:

• Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation, 2023

• Best Lawyer's Rising Star in South Carolina, 2019-2023

• Super Lawyer's Rising Star in Virginia, 2018

Publications:

• "Suicide by Overdose: Should South Carolina Recognize the Uncontrollable Impulse Exception?" - South Carolina Young Lawyers Division Blog, South Carolina Young Lawyers Division, October 23, 2018

• "Subject Matter and Personal Jurisdiction, Removal, and Other Prefiling Considerations" - Federal Civil Practice in Virginia, Virginia Law Foundation, 2017 & 2018 editions

Community Involvement:

• South Carolina Theatre Association, Board of Directors, 2018-2021

• Southwest Virginia Ballet Company, Board of Directors, 2016-2018

Memberships:

• Charleston County Bar Association, CLE Committee member, 2019-2021

• South Carolina Bar Association

• Virginia State Bar