(COLUMBIA, S.C.)–Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP announed today that Columbia Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin has joined the Firm’s Columbia office.

“Mayor Benjamin is an exceptional lawyer and civic leader who has earned the respect and trust of not only his peers in the legal profession, but also the citizens of Columbia,” said Ron Tryon, Managing Partner of Parker Poe’s Columbia office. “We are ecstatic to have Steve join our group of talented lawyers. He shares our passion for client service, teamwork, family, and community. His experience in the public and private sectors fits perfectly with our government and corporate clients.”

Prior to his 2010 election as Mayor, Mr. Benjamin served as Director of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. He also served as an assistant prosecutor in South Carolina’s Fourth Judicial Circuit and won the Democratic Party’s nomination for Attorney General of South Carolina in 2002.

Mr. Benjamin has been awarded an Aspen Rodel Fellowship, elected to the U.S. Conference of Mayors Advisory Board, and was among those named to The Washington Post’s “2011 The Root 100 List: The 100 most influential African Americans in 2011.”

About Parker Poe Parker
Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP has 210 lawyers in six offices located across North Carolina and South Carolina. The Firm provides legal counsel to large commercial and public organizations on litigation, corporate and regulatory matters. It has been recognized as one of the fastest growing law firms in the United States and as an award-winning leader in the use of technology to provide better and more efficient service to domestic and international clients.