Burr & Forman is pleased to announce Bhumi A. Patel, office managing partner of its Myrtle Beach office, will serve as president of the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA) for 2024.

“Bhumi has a well-earned reputation for leadership and service, both within her community and our profession,” said Ed Christian, CEO of Burr & Forman. “SCWLA is an important organization working to support and advance women attorneys in South Carolina, and we are excited to see Bhumi take the helm this year.”

Patel previously served SCWLA in the roles of president-elect, treasurer, and secretary. Her service as SCWLA president follows her colleague Elizabeth “Liz” Crum, who served as SCWLA president in 2008.

At Burr & Forman, Patel counsels companies, large and small, in navigating various aspects of real estate and business transactions. She regularly represents lenders and serves as counsel for several area banks, where she reviews real estate title work, supervises real estate closings, and drafts loan documents. Her practice also involves the drafting and negotiating of contracts and leases for numerous business owners. In addition to her service to SCWLA, Patel is a board member with the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation (MBREDC) and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.

SCWLA aims to enhance the status, influence and effectiveness of women lawyers in the state of South Carolina. Through advocacy, action and association, SCWLA takes steps to ensure that women lawyers achieve their fair share of opportunities and benefits available to those in the legal profession. Comprised of more than 900 members, the organization emphasizes the opportunity to meet and help other women by sponsoring continuing legal education (CLE) events, monthly regional lunches and mentoring programs.

Patel earned her law degree from the Charleston School of Law and her undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina.