James Sullivan, Construction Attorney in Charleston, South Carolina
focused on Construction and Personal Injury
Charleston, SC
Trusted construction attorney serving Charleston.
Practices in
Are you James Sullivan?
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Quick answer
James Sullivan is an attorney based in Charleston, SOUTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Construction and Personal Injury. Currently practicing at Howser, Newman & Besley LLC.
- Based in
- Charleston, SOUTH CAROLINA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Construction · Personal Injury
- Handles Construction and Personal Injury matters from Charleston, SOUTH CAROLINA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026).
About James Sullivan: James Sullivan is an attorney based in Charleston, SOUTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Construction and Personal Injury. Currently practicing at Howser, Newman & Besley LLC.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on construction and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Construction cases in Charleston, South Carolina
James takes construction matters in Charleston, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Charleston, South Carolina
James takes personal injury matters in Charleston, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet James Sullivan — construction lawyer in Charleston
James Sullivan is an attorney based in Charleston, SOUTH CAROLINA. The practice focuses on Construction and Personal Injury. Currently practicing at Howser, Newman & Besley LLC.
Jim Sullivan always knew he wanted to become an attorney, but didn’t take the direct route to get there. Instead, Jim taught English at James Island Charter High School for five years before attending law school. Upon graduation in 2008, Jim joined Howser, Newman, & Besley in their Charleston office.
Jim’s practice primarily involves cases involving construction defect litigation, personal injury defense, and complex insurance coverage issues such as bad faith claims. Additionally, he is a certified mediator. Jim credits much of his success as an attorney to his willingness to spend time combing for the small details that matter. He is committed to the firm’s mission of efficient and effective representation without sacrificing quality and integrity.
While in law school, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the South Carolina Law Review, and authored the note, L-J, Inc. v. Bituminous Fire & Marine Insurance Co.: A Comedy of ‘Occurrences,’ 58 S.C. L. Rev. 533 (2007).
Jim also serves on the Board of Directors for James Island Charter High School.
Working with James on a construction matter
Jim Sullivan always knew he wanted to become an attorney, but didn’t take the direct route to get there. Instead, Jim taught English at James Island Charter High School for five years before attending law school. Upon graduation in 2008, Jim joined Howser, Newman, & Besley in their Charleston office. Jim’s practice primarily involves cases involving construction defect litigation, personal injury…
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction and personal injury matters in Charleston and the surrounding South Carolina area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
The University of South Carolina School of Law
J.D. · 2008
James studied at J.D. in The University of South Carolina School of Law.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in The University of South Carolina School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
James has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2026).
Locations
James Sullivan's office in Charleston
James's primary office is at 215 East Bay Street, Suite 303, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Howser, Newman & Besley LLC
215 East Bay Street, Suite 303
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James Sullivan — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new construction attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a construction attorney in Charleston, South Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction 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 James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in construction practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every construction 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Sullivan
How much does it cost to hire James for a construction case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in South Carolina typically take?
Simple construction 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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Charleston?
James 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 — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new construction clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Construction attorneys serving Charleston, Columbia and Greenville in South Carolina
James handles construction matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.
- Charleston2,702 attorneys
- Columbia4,189 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
More counsel
Other top-rated construction attorneys in South Carolina
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in Charleston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.