Tommy Pope brings an extensive litigation background of over 30 years of law enforcement and prosecution experience. From 1993-2006, Tommy served as Solicitor for the 16th Circuit (Union & York Counties, SC). Under his guidance, the 16th Circuit consistently led the State in caseload management, providing effective and timely prosecution of criminal cases. He is most often recognized for his 1995 prosecution of Susan Smith in Union County, South Carolina, who made national headlines for the drowning deaths of her two children. Today, he is frequently called upon by various national and international media outlets to provide legal commentary on cases involving parents who kill their children.
Tommy received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of South Carolina in 1984 and a Juris Doctorate from the School of Law in 1987. He also attended the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy where he graduated with honors.
In 1999, Tommy Pope received the Silver Compleat Lawyer Award from the University of South Carolina Law School Alumni Association, recognizing competence, integrity, ethics and superior performance in his profession. In 2008, Tommy was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, our state’s highest civilian honor for his dedication and service to the people of South Carolina.
Tommy currently volunteers as a mentor for the Supreme Court of South Carolina Lawyer Mentoring Program. He has also served as an instructor for the National College of District Attorneys at the National Advocacy Center in Columbia, South Carolina and also has lectured to State Prosecutors’ Associations across the country. Additionally, Tommy has been called upon by South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal to serve on numerous committees regarding the administration of justice in our state.
Since 2010, Tommy has served as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives for District 47. He was assigned to the Judiciary and Ethics committees (2013-2014) and was on the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs committee (2011-12). He also served on the House Republican Caucus Ethics Reform Study committee (2012-2014), the House Republican Caucus Tax Study committee and as a House Republican Floor Leader.
Tommy was recognized in 2011 by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce as a recipient of their Business Advocate Award for commending key legislative votes on critical business issues. The American Legion of South Carolina named Tommy as their 2012 Legislator of the Year.
Tommy was also selected to the 2013 and 2014 South Carolina Super Lawyers list. This prestigious honor is awarded to less than five percent of South Carolina lawyers. Selection is based on outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. He was also an honoree for the South Carolina Lawyers Weekly’s Leadership in Law Award in March of 2014.
South Carolina Bar Association
Member: since 1988
House of Delegates, Board of Governors
Chairman of the Judicial Qualifications Committee
Mock Trial Coach
York Country Bar Association
Member
South Carolina Solicitors Association
Member: since 1993
President: 2001-03
South Carolina Common Prosecution Coordination
Chairman: 2006
South Carolina Association for Justice
Member
Selected to the 2013 South Carolina Super Lawyers list
Legislative Involvement
•Member, SC House of Representatives – District 47
•Member, Judiciary Committee (2013-2014)
•Member, Ethics Committee (2013-2014)
•Member, Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee (2011-12)
•Member, House Republican Caucus Ethics Reform Study Committee (2012-2014)
•Past Member, House Republican Caucus Tax Study Committee
•House Republican Floor Leade
