Prachtical Law

In Episode 7 of the Prachtical Law Podcast, host Christopher Pracht sits down with one of South Carolina’s most respected trial lawyers, Terry Richardson. With more than 51 years in practice, Terry reflects on the cases, mentors, and defining experiences that shaped his approach to trial work and client advocacy. From pioneering asbestos litigation and eliminating dangerous industrial defects to handling major cases such as the Graniteville train disaster, Terry offers a rare look at what it means to practice law with purpose. He discusses the early influences that guided his growth, the discipline required to develop real courtroom skill, and why young lawyers must focus on mastering their craft. Terry also speaks about his deep commitment to early childhood education, environmental causes, and the philosophy that guides his life: “Give up all hope of a better yesterday.” This episode offers invaluable insight into the wins, the work, and the wisdom gained over five decades in trial law.

In Episode 6 of the Prachtical Law Podcast, host Christopher Pracht sits down with Charleston trial lawyer Gedney Howe IV, who continues a storied family legacy in the legal profession. Gedney shares how growing up in a family of lawyers shaped his career, the influence of his father and grandfather, and his commitment to leaving a lasting, positive impact on clients’ lives. Listeners get an inside look at high-profile, first-of-its-kind cases, including the “Shrimp Gate” lawsuit against restaurants misrepresenting local shrimp and a rare state court case against the NFL involving CTE-related injuries. Through courtroom stories and reflections on family tradition, Gedney offers lessons on zealous advocacy, maintaining integrity, and balancing major cases with everyday practice. This episode provides a rare glimpse into the life of a lawyer who is both carrying forward a legacy and blazing new trails in South Carolina law.

In Episode 5 of the Prachtical Law Podcast, host Christopher Pracht sits down with legendary Charleston trial lawyer Steve Schmutz, whose career spans more than 40 years. Steve shares how he built his practice, the mentors who guided him, and the pivotal cases that shaped his career, from representing victims of the Emanuel Nine shooting to working on opioid settlements. Through stories from the courtroom and reflections on his journey, Steve highlights the values that matter most: strong relationships, teamwork, integrity, and truly listening to clients. He also opens up about the lessons learned along the way and what has kept him inspired to practice law for decades. This episode offers a rare inside look into the life and career of a lawyer who has left a lasting impact on South Carolina’s legal landscape.

On this episode of Prachtical Law, Christopher Pracht takes the show on the road to Charleston to sit down with Trey Harrell, Attorney and Owner of Trey Harrell Law Office. Trey shares how staying authentic and client-focused helped him grow a thriving personal injury practice and build a standout brand and team. They cover everything from building trust with clients to the importance of community engagement, creating client-centered systems, and even giving back through creative campaigns like Trey Helps You Uber vouchers. Plus, the two attorneys dig into the ongoing tort reform fight in South Carolina and what it means for the people, not just lawyers. Whether you are a legal professional or someone navigating a personal injury case, this episode is packed with practical insights and sharp perspectives you do not want to miss.

In this episode of Prachtical Law, we’re honored to welcome Holly Simpson, Attorney and Owner of Simpson Law Firm. Holly shares her inspiring journey from clinical counselor to accomplished probate, trust, and estate attorney. Facing a cancer diagnosis early in her practice, Holly found renewed purpose and determination to grow her firm into what is poised to become the largest probate and estate practice in the Carolinas. Hear about her unique path, the challenges she overcame, and her passion for providing exceptional client service. Whether you’re a legal professional or simply curious about the business of law, Holly’s story and insights are truly motivational.

In this episode of the Prachtical Law podcast, host Christopher Pracht sits down with Eric Englebardt, a certified mediator by the South Carolina Supreme Court and partner at Wilson & Englebardt LLC. Together, they explore the role of mediation within the courtroom—how it works, what sets it apart from traditional litigation, and how it fits into the broader legal process. Englebardt shares insights into his background, the goals of mediation, and how he collaborates with attorneys to help clients navigate difficult decisions. From maintaining neutrality to facilitating productive dialogue, the conversation breaks down what really happens during a mediation session and why it’s such a critical part of the judicial system. •     What is Mediation anyway? (00:00 - 05:09) •     How to solve a disagreement (05:09 - 16:38) •     Best Practices for Mediation (16:38 - 27:05) •     Current Legal System Challenges (27:05 - 33:52)

In the inaugural episode of the Practical Law podcast, host Christopher Pracht welcomes Alejandro Guarin, a Colombian-born attorney, to discuss the unique challenges Spanish-speaking clients face in the legal system. Guarin shares his experiences navigating cultural and linguistic barriers, emphasizing the need for comprehensive Spanish-speaking legal services to foster clear communication throughout the legal process. He highlights the difficulties posed by a scarcity of Hispanic attorneys and proper interpretation in South Carolina, where the Hispanic population is growing rapidly. Guarin advocates for a 'full-service approach' within law firms, ensuring Spanish speakers are present at all levels, and stresses the importance of clear legal terminology and storytelling in court to address the needs of these clients effectively. The episode also touches on broader topics, including the implications of a recent TikTok ban, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to discussing relevant legal issues impacting diverse communities. Introducing Alejandro Guarin (00:00 - 05:05) What are the challenges facing Spanish-speaking clients? (05:05 - 13:30) How to do do it right- how do our courts deal with this? (13:30 - 21:15) What's next in Hispanic legal services? (21:16 - 29:00) In the news- TikTok Ban Discussion (29:00 - 31:57)