Thomas E. Pope

With a rich legacy spanning over 30 years, Thomas E. "Tommy" Pope is a distinguished managing partner at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Lawyers in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Holding a Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, Tommy's legal journey began in 1987. From 1993 to 2006, Tommy served as the elected Solicitor for the 16th Circuit, passionately representing Union and York Counties in South Carolina. During this period, he received the Silver Compleat Lawyer Award from the University of South Carolina Law School Alumni Association, acknowledging his exceptional competence, integrity, and superior performance. In 2008, Tommy received the Order of the Palmetto, the state's highest civilian honor, recognizing his unwavering dedication and service. Continuing his commitment to justice, he joined forces with Luke Elrod in the same year to establish Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Lawyers. Beyond his role as a Rock Hill personal injury lawyer, Tommy has been an integral member of the South Carolina House of Representatives for District 47 since 2010, presently holding the esteemed position of Speaker Pro Tempore since December 2014. Consistently recognized as a South Carolina Super Lawyer since 2013 and honored with the South Carolina Lawyers Weekly's Leadership in Law Award in 2014, Tommy maintains the AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell, a testament to his legal expertise and ethical standards. Tommy's pivotal moment in his career was the notable prosecution of Susan Smith in 1995, a case that gained national attention. Today, he is a sought-after legal commentator, providing insights to various national and international media outlets, particularly on cases involving parents who harm their children. Tommy's multifaceted career highlights his unwavering commitment to justice, legal excellence, and public service.