Clinch H. Belser, Jr., Business Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
Over 56 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratBelser Law Firm
Columbia, SC
Practicing business in Columbia since 1970.
- 56+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Clinch H. Belser, Jr. is a partner based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Litigation. Clinch has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Belser Law Firm. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Columbia, SC
- Experience
- over 56 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Planning · Litigation
- Handles Business, Estate Planning, and Litigation matters from Columbia, SC.
- Over 56 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Clinch H. Belser, Jr.: Clinch H. Belser, Jr. is a partner based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Litigation. Clinch has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Belser Law Firm. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Clinch takes on
Clinch concentrates on business, estate planning, litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Clinch handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Estate Planning
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Business cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Clinch 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 Clinch agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Clinch 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 Clinch agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Clinch 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 Clinch agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Clinch takes real estate 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 Clinch agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Clinch H. Belser, Jr. — business lawyer in Columbia
Clinch H. Belser, Jr. is a partner based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Litigation. Clinch has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Belser Law Firm. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Clinch has practiced law in Columbia since 1974, when he returned to his home city after four years as a U.S. Navy Reserve JAGC officer, first in the Philippine Islands and then at Treasure Island in San Francisco.
Since 1974, Clinch has represented businesses and individuals in litigation in the State and Federal courts in South Carolina at both the trial and appellate levels, as well as at administrative hearings. He also represents business entities in their formation, financing, acquisitions, real estate, and employment matters. He is experienced in probate administration and litigation and in estate planning.
A 1967 graduate of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, and a 1970 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law (magna cum laude, Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review, Vice President of the Student Bar Association), Clinch has enjoyed a wide arrange of civic and cultural activities since his return. He has served as Chairman of the Board of the Children’s Hospital, Campaign Chairman of the American Cancer Society, President of the Kiwanis Club, Vice President of Communications of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, member of the City of Columbia Planning Commission, Board Member of the Richland-Lexington County Cultural Council, Director and Secretary of the Central Carolina Community Foundation, and Board Member and Secretary of the Palmetto Health Foundation, among other things. He recently finished a term as the President of the Board of the Congaree Land Trust, after serving over six years on the board. Clinch is also a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, where he served on the Vestry. Clinch retired from the United States Navy Reserves as a Commander, JAGC, after 20 years service.
Long ago, Clinch was a two-time South Carolina State Men’s Singles Tennis Champion, Captain of the Princeton University Tennis team, and twice a member of the U.S. Navy team participating in the Interservice Tennis Championships.
Clinch enjoys spending time at his timber farm, where he experiences the outdoors by hunting, fishing, and hiking with his family and friends.
Order of Wig and Robe. Managing Editor, 1969. Editor-in-Chief, 1969-1970, South Carolina Law Review.
Working with Clinch on a business matter
Clinch has practiced law in Columbia since 1974, when he returned to his home city after four years as a U.S. Navy Reserve JAGC officer, first in the Philippine Islands and then at Treasure Island in San Francisco. Since 1974, Clinch has represented businesses and individuals in litigation in the State and Federal courts in South Carolina at both the trial and appellate levels, as well as at…
Who Clinch represents
Clinch reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and litigation matters in Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of South Carolina
J.D. · 1970
Princeton University
A.B. · 1967
Jurisdictions
Clinch's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1974 · ACTIVE
South Carolina
1970 · ACTIVE
Clinch studied at J.D. in University of South Carolina and A.B. in Princeton University.
Law school and academic background
Clinch completed J.D. in University of South Carolina and A.B. in Princeton University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Clinch runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Clinch has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Clinch's professional memberships and bar associations
Richland County and American Bar Associations South Carolina Bar South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association
membership
Locations
Clinch H. Belser, Jr.'s office in Columbia
Clinch's primary office is at 1325 Park Street, Suite 300, Columbia, SC, 29201. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Clinch H. Belser, Jr. — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Clinch. 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 Clinch H. Belser, Jr. claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Clinch H. Belser, Jr. — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Clinch usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Clinch charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Clinch'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; Clinch 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 Clinch
Clinch 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. Clinch confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Clinch'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 Clinch H. Belser, Jr.
How much does it cost to hire Clinch for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Clinch walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Clinch offer a free consultation?
Clinch charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Clinch's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Clinch'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. Clinch gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Clinch take my case if I'm outside Columbia?
Clinch 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 — Clinch 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 Clinch?
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. Clinch will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Clinch accepting new business clients right now?
Clinch'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
Clinch 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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