Introduction: In this interview, we sit down with Morgan Drapeau, an accomplished trial attorney at Goings Law Firm, to dive into her journey, her passion for representing clients, and her transition from serving as a public defender to now working in civil litigation. Morgan also shares what drew her to Goings Law Firm and why the firm’s approach to trial law sets it apart in the legal landscape of South Carolina. We’ll also get to know her on a more personal level, discussing her role as a new mother, her love of Gamecock Football, and her deep passion for helping individual members of the local community.
Franklin McGuire: Morgan, tell us a bit about your background. What led you to Goings Law Firm, and what makes it different from other firms?
Morgan Drapeau: I started my legal career as a public defender in Richland County before moving to civil defense at Bowman and Brooke, a large corporate defense firm. While that was an invaluable experience, I found that it wasn’t the right long-term fit for me. I missed representing people at an individual level, so I began exploring opportunities on the plaintiff’s side. That’s when I interviewed with Goings Law Firm, and two things immediately stood out: the family dynamic and the fact that they are true trial attorneys.
From the moment I met Robert Goings, I could tell he was someone who treated his team like family, and that sentiment was shared by everyone I met during the interview process. There’s a genuine sense of care here that you don’t always find in larger firms. Representing individuals requires that personal touch, and that’s exactly what I felt at Goings Law Firm.
The second aspect of the firm that stood out so significantly to me is the firm’s commitment to trial work. In today’s legal world, it’s rare to find attorneys who are consistently in court, but that’s not the case here. Robert and his team prepare for and take cases to trial. Even in the short time I’ve been here—just over a year—we’ve actively prepped for a high number of trials. That dedication to trial work is something you won’t find everywhere, and it’s something I value tremendously.
Franklin McGuire: Why is it important to be part of a firm that’s committed to going to trial?
Morgan Drapeau: It makes a huge difference in the outcomes we achieve for our clients. When insurance adjusters and defense attorneys know that a firm is willing to go to trial, they take negotiations much more seriously. They’re more likely to offer top dollar because they know we’re simply not going to settle for a lower amount. Robert’s track record in the courtroom speaks for itself, and that’s why it’s critical to have true trial attorneys on your side.
And for me, personally, it’s not just about a willingness to go to trial—it’s an actual desire to take cases all the way to a jury. I love the challenge of preparing for trial, and knowing that I’m fighting for the best possible result for my client. I want to be in the courtroom, whether it’s for a $5,000 case or a multi-million-dollar one.
Franklin McGuire: What is it about trial work that excites you?
Morgan Drapeau: Trial work gives me an adrenaline rush, for sure. Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also thrilling. There’s a competitive aspect to it, but more importantly, trial is where we really get to tell our clients’ stories. In personal injury cases, that’s vital. Mediation is sometimes rushed, and motions in court don’t allow for the same impact in our storytelling. At trial, though, you have the opportunity to really lay everything out—opening statements, witness testimony, closing arguments. It’s the chance to convince a jury of your client’s truth.
Franklin McGuire: You mentioned storytelling. Is that something that initially drew you to law?
Morgan Drapeau: I actually didn’t discover my love for storytelling in this way until I was already in law school. Growing up, I loved theater and did a lot of acting, but I never thought about law as a career until later. In fact, I originally wanted to be a teacher. However, a personal experience where I felt powerless to help someone made me realize that I wanted to advocate for people in a more impactful way, and I grew to see law as the route for getting me there.
Law allows me to tell the stories of real people who need someone to fight for them. It’s not about making up a story—it’s about listening, understanding, and relaying someone’s experience in a way that meaningfully and authentically connects with a jury. I think my background in theater helps with the public speaking aspect, but my passion for people is really what drives me.
Franklin McGuire: That’s powerful. You’ve worked in both public defense and civil litigation. What was that transition like?
Morgan Drapeau: The transition from public defense to civil litigation was a significant change. I became a public defender because I wanted to represent people who often feel powerless, especially in the face of the justice system. That work was incredibly fulfilling, but it’s also very demanding, and the financial realities of what we pay (or rather don’t pay!) to our public defenders in this state made it tough to continue on that path long-term.
When I moved to Bowman and Brooke, I gained valuable insight into how corporate defense attorneys approach cases. It allowed me to see both sides of litigation, which I think makes me a better plaintiff’s attorney today. But ultimately, my passion lies in representing individuals rather than corporations, and that’s why I’m at Goings Law Firm.
Franklin McGuire: What role has mentorship played in your career so far?
Morgan Drapeau: Mentorship has been crucial for me. Law school teaches you the theory of law, but you really learn how to practice through experience—and having mentors to guide you is key. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors like John Delgado, a criminal defense attorney who has been extremely influential in my career; Dick Willis, who has more or less gotten me every law job I’ve ever had and who impacted me substantially even as far back as law school, when I took his Trial Advocacy class; and now, of course, I am learning so much from Robert Goings, who is guiding me now during this next chapter of my career journey. These mentors have helped me navigate the practical side of law and have given me invaluable advice on how to handle the stress that comes with this career, so I’m extremely grateful to them, not to mention the many others as well who have helped me along the way as well.
Ultimately, I think mentors provide not just knowledge, but also reassurance. They remind you that whatever challenge you’re facing, you’ll get through it, and that’s been incredibly important for me.
Franklin McGuire: Looking ahead, what excites you about your future at Goings Law Firm?
Morgan Drapeau: I’m excited to continue working on a wide range of personal injury cases. Robert has been very supportive of my individual passions. For example, he supported my desire to take on a case involving a high-speed police chase that resulted in the death of a young man. I felt strongly about holding our criminal justice system accountable in their duty to keep the public safe, and Robert backed me 100%, which has given me a rewarding opportunity to practice civil litigation on a case that reminds me of my old public defender days. I know many of my cases won’t look like that, but it is exciting to work somewhere where I feel supported and valued for who I am, and for the unique approach my background allows me to bring to every case.
Moving forward, I want to be known as an attorney who is capable of handling any type of personal injury case—whether it’s medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, or anything in between. I’m committed to working up every case as thoroughly as possible and taking it to trial if that’s what’s needed for the best outcome.
Franklin McGuire: On a lighter note, tell us a bit about your life outside of work. You’re a new mom—how’s that been?
Morgan Drapeau: Being a mom has been the most amazing, yet challenging experience of my life. My husband and I welcomed our daughter recently, and she’s been an absolute joy. Balancing motherhood with my career has been tough, but it’s also given me a new perspective. I think it’s made me more empathetic in my work, especially when dealing with cases involving families. I just see the world completely differently now, and I am grateful for how that’s helped grow my capacity to serve clients and their families as effectively as possible.
We’re also huge Gamecock fans, so we decided to take our daughter to her first game at ten weeks old! It wasn’t easy, but we wanted her to have that memory—even if it’s just through photos. We’re definitely looking forward to more games in the future, though we might leave her with grandma next time!
