Biography
John A. “Jay” Jones is a partner in the firm’s Charleston, South Carolina, office. He is an experienced civil litigator who counsels individuals, businesses and professionals throughout South Carolina. Jay focuses his practice on complex litigation, including serious personal injury and wrongful death, business and commercial disputes, products liability, professional negligence and construction defect claims. He has defended a broad array of product manufacturers in industries including building products, heavy machinery, industrial equipment and appliances. He has significant experience in transportation litigation, including rideshare liability. In addition, Jay is an active mediator who enjoys assisting others to resolve their disputes.
Jay believes civil litigation should be just that: civil. His demeanor and sense of humor are appreciated by both opposing counsel and juries, making him an effective advocate for his clients. He is adept at dealing with complex and nuanced issues as well as challenging personalities. This has allowed him to foster a reputation for handling difficult cases, and he frequently defends cases involving multimillion-dollar claims.
Jay strives to understand the needs and objectives of his clients and provide the highest level of client service while delivering efficient and effective representation.
Education
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
B.A. (1994)
University of Miami School of Law
J.D., cum laude (2004)
Associations & Professional Memberships
- Charleston County Bar Association
- Defense Research Institute (DRI)
- International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)
- South Carolina Bar
- Torts and Insurance Practice Section (2019 – Present)
- Chair (2023 – 2024)
- Chair-Elect (2022 – 2023)
- Vice Chair (2021 – 2022)
- Secretary (2020 – 2021)
- Torts and Insurance Practice Section (2019 – Present)
- South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association (SCDTAA)
Honors & Awards
- Best Lawyers in America®
- Litigation – Construction (2025)
- Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants (2025)
- Charleston Business Magazine
- Legal Elite: Civil Litigation (2024)
- Legal Elite: Construction (2023)
- Legal Elite: Mediation (2023-2024)
- Legal Elite: Personal Injury (2021)
- Legal Elite: Personal Injury – Defendant (2024)
- Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated – AV Preeminent
- North Carolina & South Carolina Lawyers Weekly
- Power Player, Personal Injury Attorney (2024)
- South Carolina, Super Lawyers, Business Litigation (2024)
- Thomas Ewald Memorial Scholarship Award (Excellence in Litigation Skills), University of Miami School of Law