About John Nichols
John Nichols focuses his practice on appellate advocacy and trial support, providing strategic guidance on complex legal issues at both the trial and appellate levels.
He is admitted to practice in South Carolina and before the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. John earned his undergraduate degree and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina. In addition to his litigation work, he has authored, co-authored, or edited numerous legal publications, reflecting his deep analytical approach and command of legal writing. John is actively involved in community and university-based initiatives, including charitable events supporting cancer research. Known for his precision, insight, and collaborative approach, he serves as a trusted resource for attorneys navigating high-stakes appeals and sophisticated legal arguments. John is formerly the Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the Supreme Court’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel and currently represents attorneys and serves as an expert witness and consultant in ethics and legal responsibility matters.
University of South Carolina School of Law, 1985
United States District Court for the South Carolina District
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
The Supreme Court of the United States
Richland County Bar Association
John Belton O’Neall Inn of Court
Columbia Business Monthly Legal Elite
Super Lawyers
SC Commission on Indigent Defense, 2013-present (current Chair)
Past Disciplinary Counsel Supreme Court of South Carolina, 2017-2023
South Carolina Board of Law Examiners, 2003-2019
Past President, SC Association for Justice, 2007-2008
Past President, SC Chapter Federal Bar Association, 2003-2004
SC Bar Past Chair Solo and Small Firm Committee, 2012-2013
USC School of Law Compleat Lawyer, 2002
SC Bar Trial and Appellate Advocacy Award, 2016
SCAJ Founders Award, 2023
SCAJ Matthew J. Perry Service Award, 2014
SCAJ Marvin “Bo” Mullis Service Award, 2019
SCAJ President’s Award, 2005, 2006, 2008
Richland County Bar Matthew Perry Civility Award, 2018
Supreme Court G. Dewey Oxner Mentor of the Year Award, 2014
SC Injured Workers Advocates President’s Award, 2014
Francis Marion University Outstanding Alumnus Award, 2012
SC Lawyers Weekly Lawyer of the Year, 2013
Leadership Columbia Class of 2000
South Carolina Bar Board of Governors ad hoc member, 2013-2014
Furman University Riley Institute Diversity Fellow, 2010
Roscoe Pound Institute (Member Fellow), 2007-2008
Public Justice Foundation, 2000-2017
South Carolina Commission on the Profession, 2017-2023
SC Bar Resolution of Fee Disputes Board member, 2016-2017
The Bluestein Attorneys Team is Here to Help
Every member of our team was carefully selected, not only for his or her training, knowledge and experience in complex areas of the law, but also because they share a commitment to protect and serve the citizens of South Carolina. Our attorneys hold leadership positions in the South Carolina Bar, have been recognized by their peers for leadership in the legal profession, and volunteer together in the community to improve the quality of life in the Midlands.
Contact Bluestein Attorneys to Request a Free Consultation
Looking to speak with a representative of our firm about any of the above issues? Don’t see your problem listed? We would love to speak with you. Give our law office in Columbia, South Carolina a call at (803) 779-7599, click on the ‘live chat’ button, or fill out the form on this page to schedule a free consultation.