Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd is thrilled to introduce the newest member of the employment law team, Joseph D. Dickey, Jr. Joseph brings a unique skill set to the firm. Employment team leader Chris Gantt-Sorenson recently sat down with Joseph so we can share more about his practice and background. Learn more in the full Q&A below.

What type of work do you currently focus on at HSB?
I focus my labor & employment practice on representing small to large private businesses, governmental entities of all types, individuals and nonprofit organizations with general advice counsel, personnel actions, restructurings, executive contract negotiation, and any and all litigation matters. I also have experience assisting clients with the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements and day-to-day union/employer relations. In addition, I maintain a general corporate practice assisting clients with contract creation and review, corporate governance and communication, as well as transaction negotiation.

Tell us a little about where you are based and your involvement in the community there.
I am based in Columbia, but live in West Columbia where I currently am serving my second term as District Four City Councilman. I was first elected to the position in 2019. I also serve on the board of the Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

In Columbia, I serve as an adjunct professor for the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law’s civil litigation capstone course.

What did you do before going to law school?
Before attending law school, I worked in Fukuoka, Japan, for an economic development firm where I conducted market research to assist in recruiting foreign investment. This experience provided me with valuable insights to better understand Japanese culture, including business practices and being conversant in Japanese.

What inspired you to become a lawyer [and practice employment law]?
Much like my interest in Asia and Japan, I have always had a desire to become an attorney since I was a young child. Employment law never was on my radar until I obtained my first clerkship at a firm that practiced education and employment law. Since that time, employment law has remained my main practice area. I enjoy the complexity of the area and working through the unique issues clients encounter.

Is there anything else that you’d like to share with our blog readers?
Yes, in addition to my employment practice, I regularly provide crisis management and strategic corporate communications for clients when necessary. I also am a certified mediator and would be happy to serve clients in that capacity should the need arise.

At the end of our February 22 webinar, Joseph will provide a brief update on the recent NLRB decision regarding college athletes and the latest on union activity. 

Learn more about Joseph here.