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Q: What does your job entail?
A: Being a recent admitted to the bar, I handle a wide range of cases, manage client needs, legal research, prepare legal documents and represent clients in court proceedings.

Q: Why did you decide to practice law?
A: I decided to become an attorney while doing my 8th grade careers project. I thought that being an attorney would be cool because they got to argue with people. Also, no one in the class chose attorney as a career and I wanted to be different. From that day I told myself I would be an attorney.

Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: My favorite thing about my job is talking with clients and attempting to solve their problem.

Q: What is a fun fact about you?
A: Fun Fact: I was Captain of the Football team at South Florence High School.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, hunting, and fishing.

Finklea Law Firm is proud to announce that we have been voted as Best Law Firm in the Morning News’ 2020 “Best of the Pee Dee” Contest! It is an honor and a privilege to be recognized for the third 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 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 matter by making a contribution of $12,500.00 to House of Hope. Along with our previous contribution on December 3, 2019, this brings the firm’s total contribution to $25,000.00, sufficient to fund the construction of one house for ‘House4Homeless.’

Also, we would like to take this opportunity to announce that Finklea Law Firm, LLC has changed its name on July 1, 2020 to Finklea, Hendrick & Blake, LLC signifying a change in structure and ownership. Finklea Law Firm was established in January 2004. Attorney Charlie Blake, Jr., joined the firm in 2006 and Attorney Greg Hendrick joined in 2007. Attorney Finklea boasts the change in recognition of the dedication, service, and commitment the two attorneys have contributed to the firm, their clients, and local community.

It was always Finklea’s vision to operate a business where he could serve the community that he was born and raised in. The partnership is not only a culmination of this vision, but it also allows his colleagues to achieve their professional goals. With this change in structure, the firm can continue its mission through other attorneys for decades to come.

Other than the new name, our firm does not expect any noticeable changes to be seen from the outside. However, three new staff members were recently hired, and the firm anticipates a building expansion at the Florence office. Finklea Law Firm opened an office at 2554 E. Hwy 76 in Marion in 2017 and an office at 101 South Main Street, in Hemingway in 2020.

Finklea, Hendrick & Blake is committed to exemplary representation of our clients through hiring experienced staff members that excel in their practice areas. 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.

Again, we would like to thank all of the friends and family of the Finklea Law Firm 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. We look forward to continuing to serve you.

The Finklea Law Firm, LLC announces it will change its name to Finklea, Hendrick and Blake, LLC effective July 1, 2020 signifying a change in structure and ownership. Gary I. Finklea opened the firm in January 2004. Charlie Blake joined in 2006 and Greg Hendrick in 2007. Finklea announces the change in recognition of the dedication, service, and commitment his colleagues have made to the firm, to its clients, and to the community.

It was always Finklea’s vision to operate a business where he could serve the community where he was born and raised and make contributions both legal and benevolent. This partnership is not only a culmination of Finklea’s vision, but it also allows his colleagues to achieve their professional goals and for the firm to continue its mission through other attorneys for decades to come.

Other than the new name, the firm does not expect any noticeable changes to be seen from the outside. However, the firm has recently hired three new staff members and anticipates a large building expansion at its Florence office. The firm has grown from one attorney and one staff member to six attorneys and sixteen staff members. The firm’s first office was at 814 West Evans and has expanded into buildings at 816 and 820 West Evans. It opened an office at 2554 E. Hwy 76 Marion in 2017 and 101 South Main Street, Hemingway in 2020.

The firm is committed to exemplary representation of its clients through hiring experienced staff members that excel in their practice areas. Additionally, the firm utilizes what most in the industry consider the best legal software available. This technology combined with a competent staff allows the firm to deliver legal services in a timely manner and at an affordable price.

Finklea, Hendrick & Blake, LLC is a local firm. All lawyers work and live in the Pee Dee area. Attorneys are always available to meet with clients unlike other firms with no real presence in the area. The firm has rich history of supporting local charities and events, such as: The School Foundation, Palmetto Project, The Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, House of Hope, Lighthouse Ministry, Florence Area Literacy Council, Salvation Army, Cooks for Christ, Florence Humane Society, The Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, South Carolina BBQ Shag Festival, Carolina Classic Sporting Clays, McLeod Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, A Choice to Make, Tenacious Grace, Pee Dee Realtors Association, Home Builders Association of the Pee Dee, Florence County Economic Development Partnership, local Chambers of Commerce, and many more. Finklea Law Firm also is a vast supporter of local law enforcement agencies, public and private schools, and countless church ministries, along with serving families in need.

Gary I. Finklea was raised in Pamplico, South Carolina. Finklea is the son of an engineer who also farmed, which helped him develop a good work ethic. Finklea’s experiences on the farm helped him gain a love of the Pee Dee– his experiences in farming and particularly in tobacco convinced him to go to college! He graduated from Francis Marion University and earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina. Finklea graduated with honors from both institutions. He then served as law clerk for one of the most esteemed trial judges, Ralph King Anderson, Jr. Finklea primarily handles personal injury and other litigation matters.

Charlie J. Blake Jr. received his law degree from the University of South Carolina and worked at a state-wide collection firm and as a staff attorney at the Department to Social Services before serving three years as Florence County attorney and interim administrator. Although Blake grew up in Georgia, he graduated from the prestigious Davidson College in North Carolina. Blake primarily handles personal injury and other litigation matters.

Greg Hendrick graduated from the University of South Carolina and works almost exclusively in transactional type matters, primarily with residential and commercial real estate. Hendrick is also a licensed title insurance agent which facilitates real estate closings. Hendrick was born and raised in Florence and worked his way through college and law school at different law firms learning operations from the ground up.

In addition to Finklea, Hendrick and Blake, the firm’s other attorneys are Patrick Ford, O’Neil Edwards and Susan McGill.

Patrick Buel Ford received his Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2014, where he graduated with honors. Ford was admitted to practice law in Wisconsin in 2014 and was admitted to practice law in South Carolina in 2016. He joined the Finklea Law Firm in May of 2015. He practices in a variety of areas including civil litigation, transactional and business matters, and real estate litigation.

J. O’Neill Edwards attended Sweet Briar College in Virginia and obtained here Bachelor of Arts in History. She received her Juris Doctorate from Charlotte School of Law. Edwards was admitted to practice law in South Carolina in 2015 and the Federal District Court of South Carolina in 2017. She joined Finklea Law Firm in 2019. Her practice areas are Consumer, Probate, Estate Planning, Landlord/Tenant Issues, and Family Law.

Susan C. McGill attended the University of South Carolina for undergraduate studies. McGill received her Juris Doctor from Charlotte School of Law. She was admitted to practice law in North Carolina in 2013 and South Carolina in 2014. After law school, McGill served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Thomas A. Russo. McGill has been employed for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office as an Assistant Solicitor for several years. She joined Finklea Law Firm in 2019. Her practice areas are Personal Injury, Criminal Law, and Family Law.

Finklea Law Firm Practices in a wide array of legal areas. Those areas include: Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Workers Compensation, Medical Malpractice, Estate Planning, Social Security Disability, Residential and Commercial Real Estate Closings, Real Estate related Litigation, Business Formation and Transactions, Family Law, and Criminal Law.

Today we honor the bravery and sacrifices of those who conquered Omaha Beach during the Normandy Invasion. While many recognize that today is the 76th Anniversary of D-Day, not as many understand the details of the amphibious landing which make the recognition of the invasion that more meaningful.

By way of background, Germany occupied France and the Allied nations sought to liberate France and counter the German aggression. To do so, they planned an amphibious landing onto the Normandy Beaches in France from Britain. Omaha Beach was the responsibility of the United States. The Germans were obviously aware of the importance of the northern coast of France and therefore heavily fortified the coast. In fact, the Germans had placed most all of their assets on the coast itself in hopes to stop any invasions at the beaches and therefore neglected the defense inland. I find the biggest misconception with the invasion is the landscape of the beach itself – many think the beach was similar to the Atlantic Coast where there is a smooth and fairly flat coastline. That is not the case with the Normandy beaches. The beach itself is over three hundred feet wide at low tide. At the hightide water level, there is a good twenty feet of pebbled rock called shingles. After the rock are sand dunes similar to the dunes that we are familiar. Past the sand dunes is another two hundred or more feet of sand that then lead to cliffs over 100 feet tall. At the top of these bluffs were concrete bunkers of various types with troops who manned automatic weapons and heavy artillery guns.

The strategy for the Allied invasion was for strongholds to be overcome on the coast and “exits” be gained from the beach over the cliffs to the inland. These natural exits off the beach were the main targets in the initial assault plan and were strongly defended by the German troops.

During the invasion, the troops were met with four lines of obstacles. First “Belgian Gates” with mines were placed a hundred or more feet offshore so they were undetected at high tide. Next was a continuous line of logs driven into the sand also with landmines attached. Following that were wooden “ramps” formed out of logs which in essence caused the ships to tip over. Landmines were also attached to these ramps. The final line of defense was a continuous line of “hedgehogs” placed in between the shoreline and cliffs. There were also landmines scattered on the shore and in the cliffs.

As you read the historical account of the invasion itself, so little went as planned. Many ships carrying troops were overcome with water and sank. Other boats happened to stay afloat but only because the soldiers bailed out water with their helmets. Troops were seasick, vision was obscured by smoke and fog. Some troops were discharged on the sandbar and therefore had to wade with heavy equipment from the sandbar to the shore. Many drowned. Tanks faced the same fate. They were sometime released in water that was too deep and they sank. For those soldiers that safely made it to the shoreline, they were faced with making it through the defenses erected on the shoreline earlier mentioned while being shot at with automatic weapons and artillery strategically placed in the cliffs. The troops fortunate enough that made it to the shoreline became easy targets as they could not make progress across the exits in the cliffs off of the beach. Because the planned exits off the beach were too fortified, brave troops began to scale the steep cliffs to work to get through and behind the line of coastal fortifications. The victories at Omaha Beach were slow but once Allied troops were able to overcome the massive coastal defenses, open useable exits, entry to the mainland of France was open. The exits from the beaches became like freeways in the days ensuing as troops and equipment were deployed to the beaches of Normandy into France.

Of course, it is well-known that more than 4,000 Allied troops lost their lives in the D-Day invasion. Thousands more were wounded and missing. This invasion remains the most massive amphibious landing in history.

When I visited the Normandy American Cemetery when I was in college with a study group, we were met with the same mist and haze from the English Channel as the troops. Later that morning as the mist receded as a curtain would from a stage, thousands of perfectly symmetrical tombstones appeared in every direction across the cemetery. I began to think of the last moments of the lives of these men laying before me who died trying to conquer the beach on June 6, 1944. As I began to imagine, the mist began to look like smoke fired from weaponry; the air smelled like gunpowder. The silence turned to uproar – officers shouting orders, guns bombarding, men taking their last breath. I was moved remembering the invasion.

Furman Henry Finklea was born in 1914 in Hyman, South Carolina, less than a mile from where I was raised. Although he successfully crossed Normandy beaches, he died shortly after the invasion in France on August 1, 1944. His remains were returned from the Normandy Cemetery to Beulah Baptist Church in Hyman. It is to my forefather, Furman H. Finklea and those who he served with in World War II that I am grateful for on this day. Also ever since meeting Riley Propps while he worked as a Florence Court Bailiff. I don’t think about World War II or Normandy without thinking Mr. Riley. Mr. Riley was an Army veteran who served in the Second Armored Division from North Africa to Sicily to Normandy to Belgium, to Germany and in the famed Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Riley was 96 when he passed December 17, 2018.

This is also a good occasion to remind ourselves of one of the principles of our Founding Fathers which is that we as free people and a free nation will not survive unless we maintain a strong military. To reflect on the thoughts of one of our founders, Benjamin Franklin wrote, “The very fame of our strength and readiness would be a means of discoursing our enemies; for tis a wise and true saying, that “One sword often keeps another in the scabbard.” The way to secure peace is to be prepared for war. They that are on their guard, and appear ready to receive their adversaries, are in much less danger of being attacked than the supine, secure and negligent.”

George Washington, one of the greatest military leaders and presidents ever stated, “A free people ought not to only be armed, but disciplined; to which end a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite.”

Therefore, let us never forget that while peace is the ultimate goal, our country needs to remain the greatest military power of any nation! Thank you to all of our veterans and their families.

Q: What does your Job entail?
A: I primarily assist the Pee Dee Community in purchasing and selling commercial and residential real estate. My team and I help home buyers navigate during the often-confusing closing process. We also help investors purchase and sell real estate and other commercial assets.

Q: Why did you decide to practice law?
A: During high school I had my first position in a law office, and it made a deep impact impression to see how the attorneys I worked with were able to resolve difficult problems, for the clients they served.

Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Working with people.

Q: What is a fun fact about you?
A: I currently work in the same building I did while on my first job in high school. What was once my office, is now a supply closet.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: I enjoy spending my downtime with my wife and two kids. I also enjoy competing in freshwater bass tournaments, fishing inshore saltwater, and training and hunting with my Boykin Spaniels.

Q: What does your Job entail?
A: I primarily handle civil litigation, including business, probate, and real estate disputes. I also assist my clients with starting new businesses to select an appropriate business entity, form the business entity, and prepare any corporate documents or agreement necessary for the business. I have also began working with individuals who have worker’s compensation claims.

Q: Why did you decide to practice law?
A: I decided to practice law after working for an attorney while I was in undergrad. I decided to pursue a legal career because I enjoy the analysis that comes with applying the law to different factual situations. I also like trying to find solutions to resolve legal disputes.

Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I like that practicing law is challenging and that it is a career where you can learn something new every day.

Q: What is a fun fact about you?
A: I am an identical twin.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: Outside of work I like to spend time with my wife, family and friends. I also enjoy playing and watching sports.

Q: What does your Job entail?
A: As an attorney I help clients with legal needs. Most cases typically start with a phone call or meeting where I either answer the questions and concerns on the spot and that solves the issue. If not, I open a file to provide more in depth representation. Not only is knowledge of the law important in rendering advice but experience in how the law is applied, the judicial process and likely outcomes. I take great pride in our slogan that we are “Attorneys and Counselors at Law”. A good lawyer not only knows the law, but provides counsel that transcends the immediate legal issue(s) confronting a client and focus on the “big” picture and what is best for a client’s overall situation. I often say we don’t want to win the battle and lose the war.

Q: Why did you decide to practice law?
A: I was attracted to law school because I loved politics, studying about our government, and public service. When I entered law school, I had no exposure to the practice of law or the courtroom but had been a Senate Office Page and Congressional Intern in Washington, DC. I think my initial thoughts where that I would use my legal education in public service. As I completed college and began law school, my aspirations didn’t change but I discovered working in the private sector would also afford me an opportunity to help people. Through private practice, I do in fact serve the public! Though my career I have been able to serve and help thousands of clients with the legal matters and have an impact on the community in which I live and work.

Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I would hope it would be obvious that I like the satisfaction out of helping others.

Q: What is a fun fact about you?
A: Outside of my law practice, I enjoy buying, selling, developing, and speculating in real estate. I grew up on the farm and on construction sites with my dad. I enjoy operating tractors and construction equipment – I can hang with the best operator though I am a little rusty!

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: I really don’t have any hobbies like golfing or hunting, but I love the outdoors. I really can’t make time for myself being married with five children – I enjoy spending time with my family.

The Finklea Law Firm wanted to reach out and update you on how our office is impacted by courthouse closings and other disruptions caused by the COVID-19 situation.

First, in regard to REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS, we have received many calls from folks fearful that the various courthouse closings will cause a complete stoppage in our ability to close real estate transactions. At present, that is not the case. We have been in contact with many of the Clerks of Court/Register of Deeds offices in our area and the general sentiment at this time is that while courthouses will be closed to the public, they will have work-arounds in place to still allow for recording of documents. For example, we spoke late yesterday with Doris Poulos O’Hara, Clerk of Court for Florence County, and she fully understands the impact that a full shutdown would have, and she does not intend to allow that to happen. To be completely transparent with you, I’ll note that could be out of her hands if the Supreme Court were to issue an order requiring a shutdown, but at this time we do not have any indication that is being considered.

The current plan that is in place in Florence and Marion is for a drop box to be established at the courthouse that will allow us to leave items for recording by the courthouse staff. The staff will walk the documents through the process of receiving Tax Assessor approval and return the recorded documents to us as soon as possible. Title abstractors will be encouraged to do as much work as possible online but can make appointments to go to the courthouse. Other counties, such as Darlington, Williamsburg, and Chesterfield have a process for e-recording so the courthouse closings may not be very impactful on our work in those areas. Dillon County still has their records and recording office open and they anticipate having a process similar to Florence/Marion if they close.

There are certainly delays in receiving title work and funding after closing due to these new requirements. That, however, is much better than a complete interruption in workflow.

Second, in regard to CIRCUIT COURT, FAMILY COURT, AND MAGISTRATES COURT, most hearings have been cancelled. Judges are available for emergency type matters and other special circumstances. The Judges are in communication with attorneys and clerks of court, but this side of our practice has almost stopped. We are still conducting mediations and depositions but even some of those are being cancelled. Since almost all pleadings in Circuit Court are now filed electronically, we can still prosecute and move cases along through the litigation and discovery process, but we can’t appear before the Court in the traditional manner. I am pleased to state I have found our clerks of court and judges have worked diligently to be accommodating while also maintaining precautions.

We also wanted to point out measures we are taking in our office to try to keep our families, clients, and community safe but continue work. Those measures, include:

• Making hand sanitizer available throughout our offices
• Asking clients to reschedule appointments or conducting telephone or facetime conferences
• Wiping down our waiting areas and conference room tables and chairs daily
• Spraying disinfectant after each client appointment
• Providing new pens for each client and encouraging clients to keep the pens once the closing is completed
• Asking that non-essential parties refrain from attending meetings
• Promoting best practices for personal hygiene and workplace cleanliness to employees
• Directing any visitor or employee with symptoms of ANY illness to stay home
• Providing lunches to staff to minimize non-essential travel
• Establishing an enclosed tent with conference table outside of our main office for elderly clients or anyone not wishing to come into the building itself
• Providing childcare services and a play area outside for our employees who have children out of school during this time

While we want to do our part to keep the economy from shutting down, we certainly do not want to facilitate the spread of this virus. We pray for wisdom on how to handle our business and your legal needs during this time. May we all be granted discretion, patience, protection and safety.

Q: What does your Job entail?
A: My job entails a myriad of duties and responsibilities. I advocate for my clients, negotiate cases, and sometimes litigate cases that cannot be resolved without a judge or jury.

Q: Why did you decide to practice law?
A: I decided to practice law because I have always like to debate. I also enjoy assisting people in their time of need. The practice of law was a natural way to blend those elements and be a part one of the most noble professions.

Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I would say that the best part about my job is when I have made a client is satisfied with the outcome of their case. When you make your client whole again or give them piece of mind, it makes you feel accomplished.

Q: What is a fun fact about you?
A: Many people do not know this, but I am a preacher’s kid. I also use to sing in a quartet.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: In my free time outside of work, I enjoy watching sports and hanging out with my family.