Franklin G. Shuler Jr.

Frank has been a certified mediator in South Carolina state and federal courts since 1999.  Frank has been able to develop an extensive mediation practice involving employment and ERISA matters, mediating almost 400 cases. Frank also has experience as an arbitrator in employment and contract disputes.

Frank has been practicing employment law for over 30 years. He has practiced in virtually all aspects of labor and employment law, including matters arising under federal employment laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination Employment Act (ADEA), Title VII, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). He has also addressed actions based on state law claims such as retaliatory discharge, breach of a handbook and breach of a covenant not to compete. Over the years, Frank has developed a substantial employment law counseling practice. These days, he spends as much time trying to protect his clients before a situation ever arises as he does defending them in court. He believes his clients are better served if he can help them avoid the stresses and uncertainties of litigation. Occasionally, however, litigation is unavoidable, and when this occurs, Frank is ready to jump in to protect his clients’ interests with an eye towards their long-term goals.

• Samford University, J.D., 1983
• Georgia Institute of Technology, B.S., 1977

BAR + COURT ADMISSIONS

Alabama Bar, 1983
United States District Court, Alabama Southern District, 1983
United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 1983
Florida Bar, 1984
United States District Court, Northern District of Alabama, 1984
United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, 1986
South Carolina Bar, 1986
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Judicial Circuit, 1991
United States District Court, District of South Carolina, 1992
United States Supreme Court, 2013

AFFILIATIONS

DRI, The Voice of the Defense Bar (Employment Law Committee, Chair, 2004-2006)
South Carolina Bar (Labor and Employment Law Section, Chair, 2003; Officer, 1998-2006)
South Carolina Bar (Employment and Labor Specialization Advisory Board, Chair, 2000-2002; Member, 1999, 2009)
American Bar Association (Member)

HONORS

2014 Distinguished Lawyer Award, South Carolina Bar, Employment and Labor Law Section
Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Employment Law, 2007, 2012-2015
Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™-AV®
Best Lawyers' Of the Year  - Columbia, SC Litigation: ERISA Lawyer of the Year, 2015, 2016
Best Lawyers in America, Employment Law, 2004-2015
Best Lawyers in America, Employee Benefits (ERISA), 2014, 2015, 2016
Best Lawyers in America, Alternative Dispute Resolution, 2008-2015
South Carolina Super Lawyers, Employment Law, 2008-2015
South Carolina Bar (Employment and Labor Specialization Advisory Board, Chair, 2000-2002, 2010-2014; Member, 1999, 2009)
South Carolina Supreme Court, Certified Mediator, 1999

$300/hr