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Finklea, Hendrick & Blake, LLC is proud to announce that we have been voted as Best Law Firm in the Morning News’ 2022 “Best of the Pee Dee” Contest! It is an honor and a privilege to be recognized for the fifth year in a row by our clients and community! Thank you for this humbling honor and your votes! In appreciation for the recognition, our firm would again like to give back to the community that has embraced our vision for delivering superb legal representation at affordable rates in a timely and professional manner. In celebration and appreciation of being voted Best Law Firm for a 5th year in a row, this year we will donate $5,000 to 5 groups of charities for a total of $25,000 during this voting cycle!

Finklea, Hendrick & Blake is committed to exemplary representation of our clients by hiring experienced staff members that excel in their practice areas to make each case run as smoothly as possible. Additionally, our firm utilizes what most in the industry would consider the best legal software available. This technology combined with a competent staff allows us to deliver legal services in a timely manner and at an affordable price.

Finklea, Hendrick & Blake has grown from one attorney and one staff member to six attorneys and twenty one staff members. The firm’s first office began at 814 West Evans Street in Florence and has expanded into buildings, 816 and 820, on West Evans. FHB opened its first satellite office at 2554 E. Hwy 76 in Marion in 2017. A second satellite office was then opened at 101 South Main Street, in Hemingway in 2020.

Finklea, Hendrick & Blake is a local firm that supports many endeavors within our community. All of our attorneys work and live in the Pee Dee area making it easy for one-on-one client interaction. Our attorneys are always available to meet with clients, unlike some firms with no real presence or connection to the Pee Dee. Finklea, Hendrick & Blake has a rich history of supporting local charities and events.

Again, we would like to thank all of the friends and family of FHB for voting us as “The Best Law Firm in the Pee Dee.” We are honored that our clients have acknowledged the level of services we provide, and especially want to thank and recognize our staff for their immeasurable contributions to our success.

Thank you, Pee Dee, for this recognition! We look forward to continuing to serve you!!

Finklea, Hendrick & Blake, LLC is proud to offer ten scholarships of $250.00 for first-year teachers working in schools within the Pee Dee Region beginning their careers in August 2022 to offset the purchase of classroom supplies and decoration.

To apply, download the application here, then complete and return it with any other information you would like for our firm to consider.

Scholarships will be awarded based on the substance of the information shared on the application, financial need, and geographical location in the Pee Dee.

Qualifications:

1. A first-year teacher starting work in August 2022.
2. Working at a school within the Pee Dee Region.
3. Need for assistance in procuring classroom supplies.

Application process:

• The applicant must return a complete application by mail to Finklea, Hendrick & Blake, LLC, PO Box 1317, Florence, SC 29503 or by email to acribb@finklealaw.com by July 29, 2022 3:00 P.M. your employment verification letter or some verification of hiring.

This scholarship is for classroom supplies and expenses and will preferably be paid through a gift card to a retailer such as Office Depot, Walmart or one mutually agreed upon by us.

The United States Supreme Court has overturned Roe Vs. Wade. Click here to read the opinion, and continue to follow Finklea, Hendrick & Blake, LLC to learn more about the ruling and how it can affect you.

Finklea, Hendrick, and Blake LLC announced on January 8, 2020 that they would be partnering with The House of Hope to help support their “tiny home village project.” On January 8, 2020 FHB presented the executive director, Bryan Braddock with a $12,500.00 check to help start the process for building a tiny home. December 16, 2020 FHB gave the remaining funds of $12,500.00 which resulted in a total of $25,000.00 that was given to completely fund one tiny home. June 14, 2022 the building of the tiny home was completed and partners Gary I. Finklea, J. Greg Hendrick and Charlie J. Blake, Jr. participated in the ribbon cutting. The home funded by Finklea, Hendrick and Blake, LLC can now be presented to a mother and child for occupancy.

House of Hope intends to have 24 homes within this community. These homes allow families in need to have a stable community to live in. Each home will have a dorm style kitchen, full bathroom and living room, along with a sleeping area within a total of 240 square feet. House of Hope is eagerly working to transition families back into a self-sustaining life where they can independently support themselves.

Finklea, Hendrick, and Blake, LLC is proud to come alongside The House of Hope and support them in this endeavor. FHB prides itself in giving back to the community where they live and work.

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Finklea, Hendrick & Blake inaugural scholarship contest. We sponsored this event in appreciation for the Pee Dee voting us as the Best Law Firm in the area in 2021. We planned to award 8 scholarships in the amount of $500.00; however, we have changed our mind and will award additional scholarships! We were surprised by the overwhelming participation – we had 84 applications. We were encouraged by how many applicants were worthy of recognition, humbled by the accomplishments of the students and inspired by the obstacles so many overcame to reach this point. Therefore, in addition to the 8 scholarships promised, we will award 7 junior scholarships in the amount of $250.00. We didn’t realize how difficult selecting recipients would be – it was a difficult process. The recipients were from Academy for Arts, Science & Tech; CE Murray High School; Cheraw High School; Conway High School; Dillon Christian School; Florence Christian School; Hannah-Pamplico High School; Hartsville High School; Hemingway High School; Homeschooled; Johnsonville High School; Lake City Early College High School; Lake View High School; Lamar High School; Latta High School; Marion High School; Marlboro High School; Mayo High School for Math, Science & Technology; Mullins High School; Pee Dee Academy; SC Connections Academy; SCAIHS – Homeschool; Scotland High School; South Florence High School; The Carolina Academy; The King’s Academy; West Florence High School; Wilson High School with varying majors. The goal was not to provide a scholarship to those in the top of their class, although we looked at grades, but a variety of factors: one was to someone attending a local technical college to obtain his Commercial Driver’s License, some to those who will be the first in their family to attend college, many from difficult family situations, some struggling with health issues and other compelling and heart tugging issues. Thus, we plan to provide everyone who participated a $25 gift card to Walmart. Best wishes to all of our 2022 high school graduates and thank you to our educators for their service and dedication.

Our 2022 $500 Scholarship recipients are: Genovia C. Brand from C. E. Murray High School, Robert Cade Ardis from South Florence High School, Maggie Long from The Carolina Academy, Ansley Craig Martin from Pee Dee Academy, Devin D. Gillespie from Cheraw High School, Cyrus Ellison from Hannah-Pamplico High School, Jaydah C. Tisdale from West Florence High School, and Natalie Meggs from Mayo High School for Math, Science, and Technology.

Our 2022 $250 Junior Scholarship recipients are: Jacob Perry Truesdale, Jr. from Johnsonville High School, Zion Trenyce Brown from Marlboro High School, Katheryn Chilton from South Carolina Connections Academy, Isabella Eckert from Wilson High School, Kavon Ra’cheiyd Richardson from Mullins High School, Tyleek Na’Jae Williams from Timmonsville High School, and Emma Sansbury from Conway High School.

Congratulations to all of our 2022 Scholarship winners!

Finklea, Hendrick & Blake, LLC is proud to offer eight $500.00 scholarships for high school seniors graduating in 2022. These scholarships will be awarded to seniors attending high school in the Pee Dee Region who plan to further their education at a technical college, junior college or four-year university.

To apply, click here to download, complete, and submit the application with any other information you would like for our firm to consider.

In the event there are more than eight qualified applicants, scholarships will be awarded based on the substance of the information shared on the application, interest in some field which directly or indirectly relates to the legal profession, geographical location in the Pee Dee, Godly world view and service to the community.

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, over 4.7 million people each year are bitten by dogs in the United States. Dog attacks can be devastating. People experience serious injuries, disfigurement, and in some instances death. Recovering from a vicious dog bite can involve visits to the emergency department, inpatient medical care, plastic surgery to reduce scarring, time away from work, and long-term pain and suffering. We are also sensitive to the fact that the trauma associate with the dog bite can lead to post traumatic stress. In many of the cases we have handled, victims struggle to cope with the emotional consequences of the dog attack. Dog bites also carry the risk of transmitting dangerous diseases such as rabies, Pasteurella bacteria, and MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

South Carolina has a strict liability statute that holds dog owners or the person who is responsible for the care of the dog, liable for damages suffered by the person who is attacked. In South Carolina the victim does not have to argue about the history of the dog or if it was prone to attack. Other states, however, have a “one-bite” rule, which precludes liability if the owner did not know of the dog’s dangerous propensities. In other words, the dog can bite once with no liability to the owner. South Carolina does not follow this rule.

Because of the investigation required up front in these cases, it is important to consult with an attorney immediately. Do not delay! If you have been bitten by a dog and are in need of representation to obtain compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering, contact the personal injury professionals at Finklea, Hendrick & Blake, LLC. We understand the frustration that goes into handling your claim. We will work with you to get the recovery you deserve.

By: Attorney Greg Hendrick  

On Tuesday night the Pee Dee Realtor Association held its Annual Awards banquet and introduced the 2022 Board of Directors. The event was bittersweet for me personally as it marks the end of my term as Board Counsel for the Association, a role that I have had the privilege of serving in for the past 4 years. 

During this time, I have had the opportunity to work closely with so many dedicated and talented individuals, all with the common goal of strengthening our Association in a way that better serves the membership and our clients here in the Pee Dee region. There are far too many great friends for me to attempt to mention everyone here individually -as I would never want to leave anyone out- but I want to thank everyone I have served with and commend you for your contribution to our industry.

I have seen firsthand how effectively the PDRA serves the important functions of protecting private property rights, advocating for its Realtor members, and keeping homeownership affordable in the Pee Dee region. I challenge anyone who may doubt this effectiveness to get involved and experience what the organization has to offer. I know that the group is in very capable hands with my good friend and colleague, Chuck McLain, who will succeed me as Board Counsel. Florence is blessed with many great real estate attorneys and Chuck is certainly one of the best. Chuck will work just as hard as I have to support and guide the Board and I look forward to supporting him whenever needed.

In addition to installing the new board, the Association honored various members for their work throughout the year. One of my dearest friends, Nell Folkens, received a well-deserved and high honor of being named Realtor of the Year. Joined by her family, Nell accepted the award with her usual grace and humility. Having served alongside her for the entire time I can attest that she is an exemplary Realtor and had worked and given selflessly to bring the Association through difficult times and I was extremely proud to see her recognized.

Next, the Affiliate of the Year award went to Kelly Schafer of Movement Mortgage. I have had the privilege of working with Kelly many many times over the years and have seen for myself the care and attention that she provides each of her clients. I congratulate her on being recognized for this and for her contributions to PDRA.

The Rookie of the Year award was given to Scott Earp of EXP Realty Group – Crosson & Co. As the name suggests, this award goes to a Realtor that has received their license within the preceding 24 months who demonstrates high principles of integrity, adherence to the Code of Ethics, furthers the principles of Realtor professionalism, and is engaged in the community and Association activities. I have had the opportunity to work with Scott on many transactions and he certainly embodies all of these. I congratulate him and look forward to working together as often as possible. 

A new award this year was the Good Neighbor award. This award is given to a Realtor who gives their time and expertise to a worthy cause in the community. Dottie O’Neal of Coldwell Banker – McMillan & Associates received this honor in appreciation for her volunteer work at Greenwood Elementary School. Anyone who has been around Dottie knows what a caring and wonderful person she is and can appreciate what she does for the community.

Lastly, I was surprised and honored to receive the President’s Award from my friend, Richard Trappier. Richard has served as President of the Association for this last year. Through his leadership and building on the work of those that have served before him, the Association is in great shape to take on any challenges that come our way. It has been an honor to work with him and everyone at the Pee Dee Realtor Association. I am thankful for the recognition and the privilege of receiving the President’s Award.

Starting a business can be complex and confusing. You may have a business plan in mind but need to take steps to officially form your business. We can file the requisite documents with the South Carolina Secretary of State, prepare agreements among partners or members of your business, review leases, vendor agreements, employee contracts or handbooks, and any of the multitude of documents that may be important for your business to ensure you will have a successful business model in place that will serve your needs.

Even when you establish your business, there will be continued events that will require consultation and advise from an attorney. We take pride in the wealth of our experience consulting business owners and can therefore provide advise that not only complies with the law but is also enriched with knowledge that is practical, expedient, and based on common sense and good judgment.

If you are working to start your own business or need legal assistance with business transactions contact Finklea, Hendrick & Blake, LLC today.