CONSTRUCTION LAWYERS SERVING CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
JOHN C. HAYES
Owner
A native South Carolinian, John C. Hayes IV is deeply connected to the people of the state and its legal community, and he has spent his career fighting for people’s rights to be treated fairly and live safely and happily within their homes. Since opening Hayes Law in 2008, John and his team have obtained more than $60 million dollars in settlements and awards, including a $7.2 million faulty construction verdict against against Wieland Homes handed down by a Charleston jury in 2017. The verdict was covered in South Carolina Lawyers Weekly and was the 4th largest verdict in South Carolina for 2017. In 2018, John was named among Laywers Weekly’s honorees in the publication’s annual Leadership in Law awards.
Prior to 2008, John was with one of Charleston’s largest firms. Through that experience he saw that the next step was to create his own firm where he could help clients in meaningful, hands-on ways. Since then, he has grown Hayes Law to deliver the strength and resources of a large firm with the care and attention provided by a smaller organization.
John is a respected attorney on the topics of water intrusion and toxic mold, with a track record of success in Construction Law built from experience on both sides of the courtroom. Hayes Law cases are meticulously researched and prepared for as if they are going to trial—a winning strategy rooted in client service first and foremost.
Outside of the courtroom, John is a frequent speaker at conferences, trade events and community organization meetings, as well as an active member of the local, state and national Bar Associations. He enjoys spending time with his wife Cynthia and their twin boys.
Bar Admissions
South Carolina
U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit
Education
J.D., University of South Carolina School of Law, Columbia, South Carolina
B.S., University of South Carolina
Professional Associations and Memberships
American Bar Association, Member
South Carolina Bar Association, Member
Charleston County Bar Association, Member
Schools Out!, Board Member
NINA MEOLA
Attorney
Nina Meola is committed to representing individuals involved in construction litigation, victims of bad faith insurance practices, and plaintiffs wronged by the actions of others. Since joining Hayes Law in 2017, she has helped clients achieve results in a number of important cases. She has been recognized by her peers as “Rising Star” in South Carolina SuperLawyers and “Ones to Watch” by BestLawyers.
A native of Keene, New Hampshire, Nina grew up fascinated by the nuance and complexity of the legal justice system. She always knew she wanted to be an attorney. Nina attended the University of Massachusetts and majored in both Legal Studies and Psychology. Upon graduation, Nina left Amherst to attend the Charleston School of Law.
Bar Admissions
South Carolina
U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
Education
J.D., Charleston School of Law, Charleston, South Carolina
B.A., University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
Professional Associations and Memberships
South Carolina Bar Association, Member
Charleston County Bar Association, Member
American Bar Association, Member
South Carolina Association for Justice, Member
STEPHANIE BROWN
Attorney
Stephanie brings a diverse background to her litigation career. Before her legal career, she gained business acumen while working in several consulting positions with a software company. Upon graduating law school, Stephanie worked as in-house counsel and development manager for a commercial real estate development firm.
For the last several years, Stephanie worked with a regional insurance defense firm and gained experience litigating a wide variety of cases, including construction defect, premises liability, wrongful death, personal injury, insurance coverage and insurance bad faith. While working as a defense attorney, Stephanie managed all aspects of complex litigation and has trial experience in federal and state court. She has been recognized by her peers as “Rising Star” in South Carolina SuperLawyers and “Ones to Watch” BestLawyers.
Stephanie joined Hayes Law Firm in 2023 and is dedicated to representing individuals in construction litigation, those wronged by insurance carrier’s bad faith actions and people injured through the negligence of others. Stephanie’s prior experience as a defense attorney provides her with insight in dealing with insurance companies and the opposition while pursuing positive results for her clients.
Bar Admissions
South Carolina
U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
Education
J.D., Charleston School of Law, Charleston, South Carolina
B.S., University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
Professional Associations and Memberships
South Carolina Bar Association, Member
Charleston County Bar Association, Member
South Carolina Association for Justice, Member