Ryan Holt of Sweeny, Wingate & Barrow in South Carolina joins USLAW Live to discuss his general litigation practice, with an emphasis on retail claims, dram shop claims, and other matters impacting retailers. Ryan and USLAW co-hosts Pam Hallford of Carr Allison in Dothan, Alabama, Michael Judy of Dysart Taylor in Kansas City, Missouri, and Nick Rauch of Larson • King in Minnesota and North Dakota delve into how South Carolina has become a magnet for dram shop litigation, recent legal reforms and the “human” impacts of litigation. They also reminisce about unexpected bus breakdowns, vineyard tours, racing to breakfast and friendships under fire. Tune in and enjoy this conversation.
0:05 General welcome and intro remarks, Kansas City Chiefs and being an eternal optimist.
1:54 Welcome, Ryan Holt from Sweeney, Wingate & Barrow in South Carolina. Shout out to Dean Nickas of Wicker Smith in South Florida, plus college football season highlights.
3:44 Ryan provides a history of his USLAW engagement and connections and how his firm’s support enabled him to start rising into leadership roles within USLAW.
5:25 USLAW bus breakdowns stories - silver lining is the quality time together, including with many senior USLAW leaders, but no liquid courage (adult beverages) on board. Friendship by fire.
7:00 North Georgia vineyard tour, and we had a similar situation with a tour bus breakdown. But this time, we had wine on board.
7:45 Ryan shares his areas of practice and his recent appointment to the USLAW retail law practice group leadership team. He also talks about how many retail businesses are expanding into the Palmetto State and that premises and retail claims are still going really strong. South Carolina has become a target for dram shop litigation.
9:50 Dram shop claims and how things changed in South Carolina after a tragic car accident on New Year's Day 2012.
13:45 Biggest uphill battle from a defense perspective in dram shop cases: it starts with the law, including South Carolina's joint and several liability.
15:15 How much time is spent on litigation?
16:22 Family time and holiday plans.
19:26 The 5 weeks of the year that we can breathe as defense lawyers –
21:00 Recent trial reflections, why he went to law school, training up, human side of litigation.
24:50 Litigation compared to running.
26:14 Stress relief 101
27:57 More competitive at trial or being the first one down for USLAW breakfast?