In the first episode of a new series on The Legal Bench Podcast, Collins & Lacy President/CEO Christian Stegmaier interviews attorney Ty Zeigler, one of the firm's newer lawyers.

In an insurance defense model, it’s easy to think of the carrier as the client. They are, after all, the ones paying the bills. They set guidelines, dictate reporting requirements, and ultimately decide whether to settle or proceed to trial. But the reality is more nuanced. The insured—the business or individual being defended—is the true client.

For the insured, a lawsuit isn’t just another case. It’s not one of 50 files sitting on a lawyer’s desk. It’s personal. It’s their business, their reputation, their livelihood on the line. Many insureds have never been sued before. They don’t understand the legal process, and they certainly don’t see their case as just another number.

Yet, too often, defense lawyers treat them as such. They provide minimal communication, fail to truly advocate, and approach cases with a “this will just get mediated” attitude. That’s not advocacy. That’s not lawyering.

Collins & Lacy President, CEO and chair of the firm's Retail & Hospitality Practice Group talks with two of his team leaders, attorneys Molly Flynn and Andy Smith.

“In Conversation With” is a continuing series on the Legal Bench Podcast hosted by Christian Stegmaier, Collins & Lacy President and Chief Executive Officer, where he engages with influential South Carolinians who are making significant impacts across our state. In this episode, Christian sits down with Kenny Berger, a distinguished plaintiff's lawyer based in Columbia, South Carolina, known not only for his legal acumen but also for his deep commitment to generosity in both relationships and spirit.

Kenny Berger is the founder of the Law Office of Kenneth E. Berger, LLC, where he has earned a reputation as a compassionate and formidable advocate for those who have suffered serious injuries. His practice is dedicated to representing individuals and families in complex personal injury and wrongful death cases, with a particular focus on cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Kenny’s commitment to justice and client service has made him a respected figure in the South Carolina legal community, known for achieving significant results while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

In this insightful conversation, Christian and Kenny delve into the importance of cultivating generosity—not just as a practice in the courtroom but as a guiding principle in life. They explore how this mindset influences Kenny’s approach to building and nurturing relationships, both personal and professional, and how it shapes his interactions with clients, colleagues, and the broader community.

Kenny shares candid reflections on the impact of generosity in creating lasting connections, fostering trust, and ultimately achieving success that is measured not only in legal victories but in the positive change brought about for others. His approach to law is as much about the human element as it is about legal strategy, emphasizing the value of kindness, understanding, and giving back.

It was a privilege to have Kenny Berger as our guest for this episode, and we hope his insights inspire listeners to consider the role of generosity in their own lives and careers.

“In Conversation With:” is a new series on the Legal Bench Podcast hosted by Christian Stegmaier, Collins & Lacy President and Chief Executive Officer wherein he interviews influential South Carolinians who dominate the conversation in our state. Christian’s first guest is David Yarborough, renowned plaintiff’s attorney and a founding partner of Yarborough Applegate Law Firm, LLC, which is headquartered in Charleston. 

What ensued was an engaging discussion about the zealous practice of law, building a business that is meant to last, effectively managing and leading teams, mentoring lawyers new to the profession, and working hard to realize your potential as a professional. 

David has a history of achieving record-breaking jury verdicts and settlements for his clients, including a landmark $44.6 million jury verdict against Amazon in December 2023, and a $35.9 million verdict against PEPCO. He focuses on personal injury cases involving bad faith against insurance companies, industrial injuries, product liability, toxic spills, drownings, accidents, and negligence by various entities, collecting hundreds of millions of dollars for his clients. 

David is also deeply involved in his community, providing free legal work, mentoring individuals suffering from addiction, and contributing to local charities, alongside his membership in several legal and advocacy organizations. 

David enjoys a reputation in the Bar as a relentless advocate who is unapologetically candid and direct in his communications. It was a pleasure hosting David on our inaugural show of this series.

What is the difference between a Service and an emotional support animal?

Do both command the same rights in retail and hospitality settings?

Collins & Lacy law clerk Abigail Johanson explores the topic with her guest, Rebecca Fulmer of Disability Rights South Carolina.

In a follow-up to his podcast episode on third-party lawsuit funding, Collins & Lacy attorney Andy Smith now turns his attention to consumer legal funding, often another component of supporting plaintiffs who are filing lawsuits. 

With Andy is Eric Schuller, President of the Alliance for Responsible Consumer Legal Funding.

Third-party funding of litigation is a trend on the rise. In this episode, Collins & Lacy attorney Andy Smith talks with Natalie Ford, an Honors College student at the University of South Carolina who is writing her thesis on this topic. 

How do employee benefits contribute toward recruiting and retaining employees, as well as their mental and physical wellbeing?

Collins & Lacy's Christian Stegmaier, leader of the firm's retail and hospitality practice group, has a special guest recorded live at the 2023 South Carolina Restaurant and Hospitality conference in Greenville, SC.

What follows is the second episode in a series recorded at the 2023 South Carolina Restaurant and Hospitality Association Conference in Greenville, South Carolina.

Collins & Lacy's Retail & Hospitality chair, and firm president, Christian Stegmaier, speaks with Professor Scott Smith of the University of South Carolina’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

What are the top goals for South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association for 2024?

Collins & Lacy president and chair of the firm's Retail & Hospitality practice group, Christian Stegmaier, speaks with association President and CEO, Susan Cohen.

This interview took place at the 2023 South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association's Marketing and Operations Conference in Greenville, SC.

Captive Insurance companies are becoming a bigger part of the insurance landscape in South Carolina as businesses look for alternative strategies to insure their risks.

As a leading state to domicile a captive, South Carolina continues to market the state for new captives.

To better understand captives, Collins & Lacy attorney Robert Peele sat down with Joe McDonald, Director of Captives for the South Carolina Department of Insurance. This interview was recorded at the 2023 South Carolina Captive Insurance Association Conference in Charleston. 

Collins & Lacy Shareholder, and Chair of the Retail & Hospitality practice group, Christian Stegmaier, shares new insights on mediation.

Have lawyers have become increasingly lazier at mediation? Whether it’s preparing for it, preparing clients and carriers for it, or what attorneys are supposed to be doing while at mediation, Stegmaier says, "We're not doing enough. Instead, we’re asking way too much from our mediators."

Get his full take on this episode of The Legal Bench.  

While marijuana is not legal in South Carolina, many truckers drive through state where the substance has been legalized. In additional, there are DELTA 8 and CBD products available most everywhere. 

Collins & Lacy trucking attorney, Rob Peele, talked about the challenges of marijuana, DELTA 8 and CBD with Jereme Roehl of TCW in an interview recorded at the 2023 South Carolina Trucking Association's Annual Meeting.

What actions are forward-thinking managers taking in the trucking industry to retain and promote their employees?

Collins and Lacy attorney Rob Peele talked with Palmetto Corp’s CEO Shawn Godwin at the 2023 South Carolina Trucking Association’s Annual Meeting to learn his strategies for an engaged and motivated team. 

What’s can be helpful in painting a more accurate picture of trucking companies when they are involved in litigation.

Collins and Lacy trucking attorney, Rob Peele, spoke with the CEO of BlueWire, Steven Bryan, and SC Trucking Association CEO, Rick Todd, at the 2023 SC Trucking Association’s Annual Meeting. Here’s their discussion…

There’s a new trend called “Third Space” in the retail and hospitality industry. Learn more now with Collins & Lacy Retail and Hospitality practice group leader, Christian Stegmaier and his guest, Matt Kennell, President and CEO for Columbia’s Main Street District about the transformation of our downtown.

In a popular, recent blog article, Collins & Lacy retail and hospitality attorney, Evan Gessner, outlined the legal aspects associated with DELTA 8 product sales and usage. Visit collinsandlacy.com to read the article.

Today, Gessner welcomes University of South Carolina researcher, former Vice President of Research for the University, and current Senior Research Advisor to the University President, Dr. Prakash Nagarkatti, to discuss the chemical makeup of this synthetic and the continued research his team is performing to better understand its medical uses. 

How can "Leading With Need" combat a reptilian approach by some plaintiff attorneys? Recorded live at the South Carolina Captive Insurance Association annual conference, Collins & Lacy defense attorney Robert Peele talks to Rick Farlow of Healthcare Providers Insurance Company.

Recorded live at the 2022 South Carolina Captive Insurance Association conference, Collins & Lacy defense attorney, Robert Peele, talks with Gary Osborne of Risk Partners. 

Recorded live at the 2022 South Carolina Captive Insurance Association annual meeting, Collins & Lacy defense attorney, Robert Peele, talks with Anne Marie Towle of the Hylant Company.

What's the latest on the universe of captive insurance companies choosing to domicile in South Carolina.

Recorded live at the 2022 South Carolina Captive Insurance Association Meeting in Charleston, SC, Collins & Lacy defense attorney, Robert Peele, interviews Joe McDonald of the South Carolina Department of Insurance.

How is technology being utilized to encourage safer driving by trucking professionals while reducing emergency events and resulting in lower insurance premiums.

Collins & Lacy shareholder and trucking defense attorney, Robert Peele, talks with Justin Allen of HDVI Insurance.

Did you know that it is illegal for minors to play pinball in South Carolina?

How did this law come into existence and what measures are underway for its repeal?

Collins & Lacy defense attorney, and member of the retail and hospitality practice group, Andrew Smith, discusses with his special guest, Josh Rainwater, owner of Transmission Bar in Columbia, SC.

What's happening with state and federal funds with regards to repairing South Carolina's roads, bridges and infrastructure.

Collins & Lacy defense attorney, Luke Richardson, talks with  of  South Carolina Alliance To Fix Our Roads Executive Director, Jennifer Patterson.

Recorded LIVE at the 2022 South Carolina Trucking Association Annual Meeting, Michael Burney, Director of Business Development for Collins & Lacy defense attorneys, talks with Vernon Rutland of Swafford Trucking and Thad Wharton of the Knights Companies.