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“As a Defense Attorney, it’s my sworn duty to protect the interests of you- my client- through any legal means necessary. You can rest assured I’ll leverage my knowledge, bring my relationships to bear, and strive to win every possible advantage the situation offers you. That’s my job.”
An Understanding That Good People Sometimes Make Bad Decisions- And Need Help Navigating The Legal System
As an active participant on both sides of the legal system, Paul Thurmond is a firm believer in the presumed innocence of an accused party- that the burden of proving guilt is the responsibility of the prosecution.
It’s natural to feel anxious when accused of a crime. Paul feels his job as a defense attorney is to provide guidance to help you and those close to you through this challenging process- it’s his responsibility to ensure you are treated fairly.
You can be confident Paul will leverage the TKTY team of seasoned lawyers, paralegals and professional support staff to assist with any case he undertakes. Your interests will be aggressively represented during every step of the legal process.
A Background of Unparalleled South Carolina Criminal Prosecution Experience Provides Insight To Criminal Defense
Paul Thurmond served as an assistant solicitor with the 9th Judicial Circuit in Charleston, SC from 2002 until 2005. During that time he handled well over a thousand criminal indictments, from minor infractions to murder, leaving the Solicitor's Office with a 92 percent trial conviction rate.
In 2005, Paul was a founding partner in the law firm of Thurmond Kirchner Timbes & Yelverton, PA, located in the historic district of downtown Charleston. He leads the firm's criminal defense practice. From 2005 to 2006, Paul also served as an adjunct professor at the College of Charleston, where he taught Mock Trial.
From 2010-2012, Paul was a part-time prosecutor for the City of North Charleston, handling predominately all of the City’s DUI cases along with other offenses. He assisted the Police Department as an instructor for DUI arrest procedures and trained officers on proper constitutionally protected rights. This continuing practice of reviewing particulars of hundreds of cases from an opposing view gives him the unique opportunity to gain insight on the structure and strategy of DUI, drug and other related criminal defenses.
A Dedication To Serving The Public Brings Further Balance and Focus To A Successful Legal Career
In 2006, Paul Thurmond was elected by nearly 60 percent of the vote to Charleston County Council, representing approximately 35,000 constituents in Charleston County. He was elected Vice-Chairman in 2009.
After running a competitive race for State Senate in South Carolina, Paul was elected as a State Senator representing District 41 in November 2012 and is currently serving his term. He represents over 70,000 constituents covering both Charleston and parts of Dorchester County.
Paul’s ongoing political position allows him to interact with lawmakers, legislators and government officials, proving further balance and focus to his career as a criminal defense attorney.
Personal Facts
Born and raised in South Carolina, Paul Thurmond is the youngest son of Senator Strom Thurmond and Nancy Moore Thurmond. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and the University of South Carolina School of Law. Paul and his wife, Katie live on James Island and have three sons.
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Practice Areas
- Criminal defense
- Civil litigation
Admitted to Practice
- South Carolina, 2002
- U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
Education
- University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 2002
- Vanderbilt University, 1998, with honors
- Aiken High School, 1994
Professional Memberships
- Charleston County Bar Association
- South Carolina Bar Association
- South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Contact attorney Paul Thurmond to discuss your criminal or civil case
The Charleston Law Firm offices are located adjacent to the Old Exchange Building in Charleston’s Waterfront Park.



