CHARLESTON, SC – Shumaker Partner and Litigation and Disputes Regional Service Line Leader J. Bennett Crites, III has been elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), one of that nation's highest honors for trial lawyers.

ABOTA is an invitation-only, national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the civil jury trial right provided by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. ABOTA membership consists of 7,300 lawyers and judges spread among 96 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Bennett’s election to ABOTA was based upon his nomination by the Charleston chapter, his trial record, and his courtroom experience.

“I am honored to be given this prestigious appointment, which I plan to use to help promote the integrity of jury trials now and for future generations,” said Bennett.

In practice for 20 years, Bennett advises businesses and individuals on complex legal issues. His diverse litigation practice focuses on health care; skilled nursing facilities; transportation and commercial trucking; products liability; professional liability; business, commercial and probate disputes; and retail and hospitality. Bennett has litigated cases all over the State of South Carolina, having tried to conclusion an extensive variety of cases throughout his career in state and federal courts.

Additionally, Bennett is a Certified Circuit Court Mediator and Arbitrator in the State of South Carolina.