James T. McLaren

Biography: James T. McLaren has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for more than a decade. He is also listed in the South Carolina Super Lawyers Publication. He and his firm have achieved the highest rating for legal ability in Martindale-Hubbell. His statewide practice primarily involves complex matrimonial litigation and trial work in addition to dispute resolution including mediation and arbitration as an American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Certified Mediator and Arbitrator. He has held numerous positions affiliated with Family Law including admission as a certified Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, where he has served as President of the South Carolina Chapter, National Delegate and currently serves on the Executive Committee as a Vice President as well as the Board of Directors of the AAML Foundation. He is a Diplomate in the American College of Family Trial Lawyers and serves as Chapter President of the International Network of Boutique Law Firms. He has served as chair of the Family Law Sections of the South Carolina Bar, the South Carolina Association for Justice, and the Richland County Bar Association. He is a longstanding member of the Family Law Sections of the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, the South Carolina Bar, the South Carolina Association for Justice, and the Richland County Bar Association. Mr. McLaren has authored numerous articles and has been a speaker in over 80 Family Law Continuing Legal Education Seminars, including state and national Judicial Conferences and New Family Court Judges Schools. He also co-authored important Legislation impacting Family Law in South Carolina. Private Practice: Founding Partner, McLaren & Lee, Attorneys-at-Law Statewide practice limited to Family Law matters (private practice established 1976) Offices Held: American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Vice President, 2008-2010; Secretary, 2007; Executive Committee, 2007-2010; Member, Best Practices Committee, 2008-2010; Chair, Law Office Management Committee, 2005-2008; Member, Admissions Procedures Committee, 2004-2007; Co-Chair, Website Committee, 2005-2009; CLE Chair, 2010-2011; Member, Continuing Legal Education Committee, 2006-2007; Member, ALI Commission, 2006-2007; Member, Sales & Marketing Committee, 2007-2008; Member Executive Committee Sponsorship, 2008; Nominating Committee, 2008-2009). International Network of Boutique Law Firms, SC Chapter President, 2007-2010. South Carolina Bar, Family Law Section (Chair, 1991-1992; Chair-Elect, 1990-1991; Secretary, 1989-1990; Section Delegate, 1995-1996; Council, 1988-1995). South Carolina Bar, Practice and Procedure Committee (Chair, Family Law Sub-Committee, 1989-1995; Chair, Sub- Committee on Jurisdiction in the Family Courts, 1979-1980). South Carolina Bar, Lawyer-Accountant Relationship Committee (Chair, 1998-1999). South Carolina Association for Justice, Family Law Section (Co-Chair, Family Court Judicial Liaison, 1983-1986; Chair, 1983-1984; Vice-Chair, 1982-1983; Secretary, 1981-1982; Treasurer, 1980-1981). Distinctions: Certified Matrimonial Mediation Trained, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 1995. Certified Family Court Mediator, SC Bar and Dispute Resolution Services, 1995. Certified Matrimonial Arbitrator Trained, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2000. Named, 2007 Fellow of the Year, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Named, The Best Lawyers in America, Family Law designation, 1993 through 2010 Editions. Named, South Carolina Super Lawyers, 2008-2010. Supreme Court Appointee, South Carolina Symposium - Families In Court, sponsored by National Association of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, 1991. Lecturer, New Family Court Judges Orientation School, 2004-2006. Achieved the highest rating for legal ability in Martindale-Hubbell, 1996. McLaren & Lee, 2009 Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. Medical University of South Carolina , Board of Visitors, 2000-2004. Contributing Author: South Carolina Equitable Apportionment Act, §20-7-471, et. seq., S.C. Code of Laws South Carolina Alimony Statute, §20-3-130, S.C. Code of Laws South Carolina Family Court Handbook, 1992, 1993 and 1996 Editions Speaker: Various Family Law topics, South Carolina Bar, South Carolina Association for Justice, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, American Bar Association, Family Law Section and Mandatory Judicial and Continuing Legal Education Seminars.