Charleston, S.C., August 1, 2023 — Charleston Business Magazine has named Saxton & Stump attorneys Rene Stuhr Dukes and Alice Paylor to its 2023 “Legal Elite” list, a peer-voted compilation of some of the best attorneys in the Charleston, S.C., area. Dukes received the recognition in the area of family law while Paylor was named to the list in the area of education law. Attorneys in the Charleston area nominated fellow lawyers for the list, and only attorneys can vote on which of their peers makes the Legal Elite list. This is the fifth consecutive time the magazine named Dukes to the list, and Paylor also was on the list in 2019 and 2022. Both have joined Saxton & Stump within the last year, with Paylor starting with the firm in 2022 and Dukes joining the firm in early 2023.
Dukes is a shareholder and the chair of the Saxton & Stump Family Law Group. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, an M.Ed. in clinical counseling, and her law degree from Charleston School of Law. Dukes holds an AV rating with Martindale-Hubbell. She was named a South Carolina Super Lawyers “Rising Star” from 2016 to 2022, and in 2019, Charleston County named her the “Pro Bono Attorney of the Year.”
For four decades, Paylor has represented businesses, governmental entities and individuals in complex commercial litigation, probate and estate litigation, zoning issues, labor and employment matters and investigations. She also has significant experience working with school districts, private schools and charter schools. She holds an AV rating with Martindale-Hubbell and has been named to the “Best Lawyers in America” list from 2009 to 2023, including being named “Lawyer of the Year” in 2017 and 2019. She also has been named to the South Carolina Super Lawyers list from 2008 to 2023.
Saxton & Stump’s strategic growth outlook
The firm was named one of the fastest growing law firms in Pennsylvania by The Legal Intelligencer in 2022. Overall, Saxton & Stump has grown to a team of more than 175 professionals, including more than 100 attorneys. Recently, the firm has added established groups dedicated to education, public finance, franchising licensing and distribution, investigations and criminal defense and environmental, workplace safety and utilities.
The firm continues to grow based on its strategic plan for 2023 and will continue to expand its current team of lawyers and professionals, focusing on bringing additional resources to support client needs.
Saxton & Stump provides solutions for complex legal issues and partners with clients to create a roadmap for their success. The firm is committed to empowering clients by delivering five-star service and results-focused advice.