James K. Gilliam

Jim Gilliam is a Partner in the firm’s Greenville, South Carolina office. His practice concentrations are commercial and healthcare litigation, employment law, and appellate practice.

Jim has significant courtroom experience, having tried numerous cases and argued appeals in every court in South Carolina. One of Jim’s more recent and noteworthy representations includes successfully representing a large public institution in a five-day federal jury trial involving Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This was the first ever trial of its kind in the country. You can read more about this representation at the following link: Burr & Forman Represents Coastal Carolina University in Title IX Defense Verdict | Burr & Forman LLP.

Jim has also argued at the Supreme Court of South Carolina in some of the most high profile issues of the day. As lead counsel for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jim successfully defended the constitutionality of The Heritage Act, which removed the Confederate flag from the dome of the State House and preserved existing monuments and memorials. Also, as lead counsel for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jim successfully defended the constitutionality of important legislation allowing counties and cities to impose service fees. Most recently, as lead counsel for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jim argued in defense of School Choice legislation.

While Jim represents many types of clients, he routinely represents governmental entities, healthcare providers (including hospitals and FQHCs), and private businesses in an array of different disputes. Jim represents these clients in courts and administrative proceedings across South Carolina. In addition to Jim’s active litigation practice, he also assists companies with advice and counsel and transactional work, helping them navigate through complex legal issues and avoid disputes where possible.

Prior to working at Burr, Jim clerked for two years for the Honorable Kaye G. Hearn at the South Carolina Supreme Court.

• Named, Chambers USA, "Up and Coming" in Labor & Employment (2022-2023)
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent© Peer Review Rating
• Listed in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch: Labor & Employment Law - Management (2021)
• South Carolina Super Lawyers, "Rising Star," Employment & Labor (2014-2022)
• Greenville Business Magazine, "Legal Elite," Labor and Employment (2020-2021, 2023); Business Litigation (2021, 2023); Corporate Law, Mergers, and Acquisitions (2021)

• Grand Strand Humane Society, Board of Directors, Vice President (2012-2014)

• South Carolina Chamber of Commerce HR Committee, Member (2020)
• South Carolina Bar Association
• Leadership South Carolina, Class of 2018
• Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation, Board of Directors
• The Coastal American Inn of Court
• Horry County Bar Association, President (2015)
• Judicial Qualifications Committee (2012-2015)

Legal Practice Assistant

Kailyn Beasley
864-552-9307
kbeasley@burr.com