An Interview with Drew Richardson, the Newest Litigator at Goings Law Firm
Franklin McGuire: Drew, thanks for taking the time to sit down with me today. Let’s start with your background. How did you find your way into law and, eventually, into litigation?
Drew Richardson: It’s funny—I wasn’t one of those kids who always dreamed of becoming a lawyer. I initially thought I’d go into business, and I wanted to get a JD/MBA to help with that. But life has a way of guiding us in unexpected directions. Faith became a huge part of my life later on, and looking back, I can see how different events, including some setbacks, led me here. For example, when I didn’t get the LSAT scores I wanted right after college, it was one of the first real challenges I faced. But, it pushed me to take a step back and reassess. I worked for a year and a half, did much better on the LSATs the next time around, and eventually found myself at Charleston School of Law. It turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me.
Franklin McGuire: That’s quite a journey. After law school, what was your first job in the legal field?
Drew Richardson: My first legal job was with the South Carolina Department of Revenue in their Honors in Litigation Program. It was trial by fire—in a good way. Within ten days of passing the bar, I was trying my first case. That experience was invaluable because it threw me right into the deep end of litigation. I ended up trying a lot of cases in the administrative law court, and for a while, I thought I’d be a government lawyer for the rest of my career. But, as fate would have it, an opportunity came up with a civil defense firm, and I spent 13 years there, eventually becoming a partner.
Franklin McGuire: That must have been quite a transition. What was it like moving from government work to civil defense?
Drew Richardson: It was a significant shift, but one I embraced. At McAngus Goudelock & Courie (MGC), I was trained by mentors who taught me to respect the other side of the “V.” We understood that plaintiffs’ attorneys had a job to do, just like we did. This mindset helped me appreciate the adversarial process, and it also shaped my approach to litigation. I wasn’t about winning at all costs; I believed in reaching fair resolutions when liability was clear. That approach has stuck with me and is something I bring with me to Goings Law Firm, LLC.
Franklin McGuire: Now that you’re on the plaintiff’s side, how does your experience as a defense attorney influence your approach to cases here?
Drew Richardson: My experience gives me a unique perspective. I know how the defense thinks, which allows me to anticipate their strategies and push cases forward aggressively. At Goings Law Firm, LLC, we believe strongly in staying proactive and making the defense react to us. That’s a strategy that not only keeps us in control but also tends to drive better outcomes for our clients. It’s been a refreshing change, and I’m excited about the future here.
Franklin McGuire: Speaking of clients, how do you approach client service? What philosophy guides you?
Drew Richardson: On the defense side, the focus was often on the business of law—hours, collections, that sort of thing. Here, it’s entirely different. It’s about the clients and their outcomes. The most significant difference for me has been the appreciation from clients. I’ve had clients give me a hug after a settlement, and that’s not something you experience often on the defense side. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that what we do can have a life-changing impact on someone’s life. My philosophy is simple: work hard, be honest, and always keep the client’s best interests at heart.
Franklin McGuire: It’s clear that your faith plays a significant role in your life. How does that influence your work?
Drew Richardson: My faith is the foundation of everything I do. I believe that being a lawyer isn’t who I am—it’s what I do. First and foremost, I’m a child of God, and that guides how I approach everything else in my life, including my work. I want to set a strong example for my kids by working hard and doing the right thing, but I also want them to know that their worth isn’t tied to their job or their success.
Franklin McGuire: That’s a powerful perspective. You’ve mentioned your family a few times—tell us more about that.
Drew Richardson: My family is everything to me. I’ve been married for 17 years, and we have three amazing kids. My wife is incredibly supportive, and she’s a small business owner herself. We’re very involved in our kids’ lives, whether it’s coaching their sports teams or being active in our church community. It’s important to us to instill strong values in our kids and to be present in their lives.
Franklin McGuire: You’ve clearly put a lot of thought into the kind of father you want to be. How did your own upbringing influence that?
Drew Richardson: I grew up in small towns—Hartsville and Aiken—and family was always central to our lives. Those small-town values of family, hard work, and integrity are things I want to pass on to my kids. At Goings Law Firm, LLC, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to experience that same sense of family and community within our team. It’s one of the reasons I knew this was the right place for me.
Franklin McGuire: You’ve talked a lot about your journey and what brought you here. For someone reading this who’s considering working with you, what would you say is the biggest value you bring to the table?
Drew Richardson: I’d say it’s my reputation and the relationships I’ve built over the years. I’ve always believed in doing things the right way, and that has earned me a lot of trust and respect in the legal community. I think clients appreciate knowing that they have someone on their side who isn’t just knowledgeable but also has a deep understanding of how the other side operates. That experience, combined with the reputation of Goings Law Firm, LLC, is something I’m proud to offer to our clients.
Franklin McGuire: Drew, it’s been great getting to know you better. Thanks for sharing your story with us. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Drew Richardson: Just that I’m excited to be here and looking forward to what’s ahead. This is a new chapter for me, and I’m ready to give it my all.
Contact Goings Law Firm, LLC
If you still have any questions or concerns regarding your own personal injury claims, contact a Columbia personal injury lawyer from Goings Law Firm, LLC. We assure you that we can get the best possible outcome for your claims. Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers has years of experience and proven results to take on whatever legal problem you may have. Get in touch with Drew Richardson and our attorneys at Goings Law Firm, LLC by calling (803) 350-9230 or through the online form to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation.
