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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Betsy Gray, a founding member of Robinson Gray law firm, was honored with the Chief Justice’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Legal Profession, known as the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The honor is given “[i]n recognition of exemplary and exceptional service to the legal profession and to the system of justice in South Carolina.”

Chief Justice John W. Kittredge presented the award to Betsy on behalf of the Supreme Court of South Carolina at the Richland County Bar Association’s annual meeting and holiday party on December 11.   While the award was created many years ago, it has only been infrequently awarded.

“In terms of intellect and skill, Betsy has received every superlative there is,” Chief Justice Kittredge said while presenting. “In terms of legal skill and ability, she has distinguished herself and earned the respect of her colleagues … When a lawyer or law firm needs legal counsel, Betsy Gray is often the first call. A lawyer’s lawyer. Moreover, Betsy’s commitment to civility and professionalism is well-known and widely respected.”

“As far as service in the legal profession, she’s done it all,” he continued. “President of the South Carolina Bar, The DuRant Distinguished Public Service Award, the Jean Galloway Bissell Award by the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association, Joseph F. Rice School of Law Compleat Lawyer Award … I can go on.”

At the firm she helped found, Betsy focuses her practice on commercial litigation, probate and estate litigation, and professional liability and ethics. Among her contributions to the legal profession, Betsy has served on the Chief Justice’s Commission on the Profession for many years, where she has helped lead initiatives impacting lawyers throughout the state.

“I knew of Betsy Gray before I joined the Commission over 20 years ago,” said Chief Justice Kittredge. “But when I served with her, I experienced first-hand her remarkable qualities, and I was in awe of her as an attorney and a human being.” Her colleagues at Robinson Gray agree. As Managing Member Cal Watson put it, “This award recognizes Betsy’s remarkable accomplishments and unwavering commitment to excellence throughout her legal career, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate Betsy and this well-deserved honor.”

About Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC

Located in the BullStreet District, Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC, is a South Carolina law firm that offers a tailored, hands-on approach. It provides business transactional and litigation representation in all state and federal trial and appellate courts in South Carolina. The firm’s 40 attorneys serve clients ranging from multi-national corporations to small businesses and individuals. For more, visit https://robinsongray.com/.