Charles T. "Ted" Speth II, Employment Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
focused on Employment and Litigation
Columbia, SC
Trusted employment attorney serving Columbia.
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Quick answer
Charles T. "Ted" Speth II is an attorney based in Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.
- Based in
- Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Employment · Litigation
- Handles Employment and Litigation matters from Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management, Columbia (SC) (2025).
About Charles T. "Ted" Speth II: Charles T. "Ted" Speth II is an attorney based in Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Charles T. "Ted" Speth II
Charles concentrates on employment and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Charles takes employment 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 Charles agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Charles takes litigation 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 Charles agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Charles T. "Ted" Speth II — Attorney of South Carolina employment experience
Charles T. "Ted" Speth II is an attorney based in Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.
Charles T. ("Ted") Speth II is the Managing Shareholder of the firm's Columbia, South Carolina, office. He has concentrated his practice in employment-related litigation matters during his entire legal career. Ted has successfully defended employers in state and federal litigation throughout the United States. He has devoted a significant amount of time over the last decade to the representation of clients in class action litigation. Ted also provides training and preventive advice to employers in an effort to resolve potential employment-related legal matters before the matters escalate into legal actions.
How Charles handles employment matters
Charles T. ("Ted") Speth II is the Managing Shareholder of the firm's Columbia, South Carolina, office. He has concentrated his practice in employment-related litigation matters during his entire legal career. Ted has successfully defended employers in state and federal litigation throughout the United States. He has devoted a significant amount of time over the last decade to the representation…
Who Charles represents
Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment and litigation matters in Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area.
Credentials
Charles T. "Ted" Speth II's legal education and bar admissions
The University of South Carolina School of Law
J.D. · 1979
Duke University
— · 1973
Jurisdictions
Charles's state bar admissions
South Carolina, Sout
ACTIVE
Charles studied at J.D. in The University of South Carolina School of Law and — in Duke University.
Law school and academic background
Charles completed J.D. in The University of South Carolina School of Law and — in Duke University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Charles runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Charles T. "Ted" Speth II
Charles has received 15 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management, Columbia (SC)
2025
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Labor and Employment, Columbia (SC)
2016
Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management, Columbia (SC)
2014
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Labor and Employment, Columbia (SC)
2013
Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management, Columbia (SC)
2012
Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — BTI Client Service All-Star
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Riley Institute's Midlands Diversity Leaders Initiative Class II
2026
Best Lawyers in America — South Carolina Super Lawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Legal Elite in the South Carolina Midlands
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business (Tier 1 Ranking)
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management, Columbia (SC) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Labor and Employment, Columbia (SC) (2016). Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management, Columbia (SC) (2014). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Labor and Employment, Columbia (SC) (2013). Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management, Columbia (SC) (2012). Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026).
Locations
Charles T. "Ted" Speth II's office in Columbia
Charles's primary office is at 2142 Boyce Street, Columbia, South Carolina, 29201. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Charles T. "Ted" Speth II
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Charles T. "Ted" Speth II — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Charles usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Charles charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles'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; Charles will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment 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 Charles
Charles discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment 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. Charles confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Charles's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Charles T. "Ted" Speth II
How much does it cost to hire Charles for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Charles walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Charles offer a free consultation?
Charles charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Charles's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in South Carolina typically take?
Simple employment 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. Charles gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Charles take my case if I'm outside Columbia?
Charles 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 — Charles 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 Charles?
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. Charles will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Charles accepting new employment clients right now?
Charles's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Columbia, Charleston and Greenville in South Carolina
Charles handles employment matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment 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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