John Linton

Upon graduation from University of South Carolina Law School, Johnny was a law clerk for South Carolina Justice J B Ness. Since then, he has practiced civil litigation for 49 years in state and federal courts throughout much of South Carolina. For many years Johnny has been designated in five litigation sections of Best LAWYERS IN AMERICA; Bet-the-Company (Twice selected Best in Charleston), Business Litigation, Real Estate Litigation (One time Best in Charleston ), Personal Injury Plaintiff Litigation, and Condemnation and Eminent Domain for Property Owners. He has also achieved Tier One ranking in Business Litigation by Chambers Partners, which has always been fewer than ten lawyers statewide, and perennially listed in Super Lawyers for many years. In 2023 he was inducted into South Carolina Lawyers Weekly Icons of South Carolina lawyers. 

From 2015-2023 he served as Special Master to The Honorable Michelle Childs, US District Judge, in the administration of national class action claims which involved over 100,000 claims and 165 appeals. Johnny is often called upon by his colleagues or courts to handle matters through alternative dispute resolution as a mediator, arbitrator, or special referee. 

In 2025 Johnny was invited to join the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, a premier group of neutrals across the country. His distinguished South Carolina peers in the ACADEMY recognized Johnny’s 20 years of mediations and Special Master in federal and state courts, and his wide experience as a lead counsel advocate. 

Johnny is a fellow of the American College of Trial lawyers, and formerly served on its State Committee, and is a permanent member of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference. Johnny has served as President of the Charleston County Bar and as President of the Coastal Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates. He was previously appointed by the South Carolina Supreme Court as a South Carolina Bar examiner and as a member of the South Carolina Supreme Court's Grievance Committee. The United States District Court appointed him to a committee to review a Magistrate Judge's qualifications for reappointment.

Johnny has been recognized by Wofford College with its Distinguished Service Award to the college. A graduate of University of South Carolina Law School, he received its highest award, The Compleat Lawyer Award. He was recognized by the Governor of South Carolina with the Order of Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian award for a broad range of civic involvement and leadership.

• JD, University of South Carolina
• BA, Wofford College

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