“I find it very incredibly rewarding to help clients try to make the best of a bad situation.”
Attorney Walter McBrayer Wood (Partner)
Walt Wood joined the Personal Injury Department at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin in 2017. He has more than 19 years of experience practicing law and is a detailed, conscientious, and determined attorney who considers it an honor to help clients. He is a Partner of the firm and the head of our expansion in South Carolina.
Recognized by His Peers
In 2024, Walt was named to South Carolina Lawyers Weekly’s “Leaders in the Law”4 list – an award given to legal professionals who are licensed and practicing in South Carolina and who have gone above and beyond in their practice as well as their community. Walt also has the rare distinction of being named to the Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list in two states.4 In 2012 and 2013 he was a North Carolina Super Lawyers “Rising Star,” and in 2014, 2015, and 2016, a South Carolina Super Lawyers “Rising Star.”4 He also has an “AV Preeminent” Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating – their highest ranking a lawyer can attain by peers.4
An Engaged Advocate for Justice
Walt advocates to strengthen the justice system as a member of the American Association for Justice, the South Carolina Association for Justice, the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, the Public Justice Foundation, and the National Association of Consumer Advocates. At the firm, he is described as an attorney who “genuinely cares about his clients” and is “able to handle virtually any type of case, no matter how complicated or what the subject is.”
Rising to the Need
Walt’s “can-do attitude” is ever-present and has been put to the test often. Whether he’s volunteering to cover out-of-state depositions for a peer or to relocate to a different state to build a practice for the firm, Walt is often the first to offer his assistance. And his willingness to step up and help others in need and his empathy extends to his clients.
Splitting Time Between the Carolinas
Walt was born in Greenville County, South Carolina where generations of his family had settled, going back to the early 1800s. He spent most of his childhood in Miami, Florida and returned to the Carolinas to earn a B.A. in biology and political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He enjoyed studying history, politics, and society and decided to go to law school to acquire the “tools to help people.” Believing that a legal education adds to one’s understanding of how society works and can be used to make positive change, he obtained his law degree from Duke University School of Law.
He crossed the border between North and South Carolina several times throughout his career, and in 2020, he returned to his hometown. He has enjoyed rediscovering Greenville and witnessing its transformation into a “jewel of the South.” In addition to being a CrossFit training enthusiast, Walt enjoys hiking the nearby mountain trails and the live music scenes of the Carolinas.
Read More
- James Scott Farrin Attorney and Partner Walt Wood Named to 2024 'Leader in the Law' List by "South Carolina Lawyers Weekly"5
- The Asheville Citizen Times: Lawsuit Against Mission Hospital to Continue After Patients Death
- James Scott Farrin Named to "U.S. News - Best Lawyers" 2023 'Best Law Firms' List, 8th Straight Year4
- James Scott Farrin Named to 2020 Edition of "Triangle Business Journal" Best Place to Work
For legal reasons and client confidentiality, reviews have been slightly edited to remove identifying information and correct typos.
5 Standards of inclusion: sclawyersweekly.com; superlawyers.com; martindale.com. ‘Rising Stars’ designation is for 2012-13 (NC) and for 2014-16 (SC).