The History of Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A.

P. A. Willcox, Founder of Willcox Law Firm

When P.A. Willcox moved to Florence County from Marion, SC, the city of Florence was just being formed and he immediately became a figure in the community and was even mentioned as a possible choice for the town’s first mayor. Mr. Willcox won Florence County court’s first suit in 1889 and in 1892 he successfully defended in a famous murder case that established his reputation in the area. The firm, like the city of Florence, has its history rooted in the railroad industry and has been a part of Florence since its inception. Joined by his cousin, Fred L. Willcox in 1895 the Willcox Law Firm was formed. When the area became a great railroad center, the firm emerged as the leading representative for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and the Atlantic Timber Company. P.A Willcox eventually became General Solicitor for Atlantic Coast Line Railroad.

Fred Willcox, co-founder of Willcox Law Firm

The Willcox Law firm has played an extensive role in the evolution of state and national bar associations, in the emergence of the University of South Carolina, and promotion of Florence, SC. In addition, the firm has always been known for its involvement with community service and its attorney’s have held the titles of judge, congressman, trustee and many others.

Included in those ranks was Melvin Purvis, who after graduating law school was a Junior Partner with the Willcox Law Firm before joining the FBI.  Purvis later went on to earn the distinction of the “The man who got John Dillinger”.  The story was chronicled in the 2009 motion picture Public Enemies in which Christina Bale portrayed Mr. Purvis and Johnny Depp played Dillinger. After leaving the FBI, Melvin Purvis returned to Florence and married Roseanne Willcox, the daughter of one of our founders, P.A. Willcox. 

Melvin Purvis

The Willcox Law firm continues in its dedication to its clients, our adherence to the principles of ethics and professionalism and in always giving back to the community that has supported it for more than a 100 years. While the technology associated with the practice of law may have changed, the beliefs and traditions set forth by P.A. and Fred Willcox has not.

South Carolina Lawyers Serving Areas Surrounding Florence and Myrtle Beach in Employment Law, Business Law, Litigation, Estate Planning, Real Estate and Federal Criminal Defense.

Willcox, Buyck & Williams provides sound legal advice and representation to individual and business clients throughout state and federal courts in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Kentucky in a variety of areas, including:

In years past, businesses looked exclusively to large law firms to handle their business, labor, employment, contract, and litigation concerns. Today, business executives and risk managers are much more sophisticated: their selection of counsel is based more on the real needs of the case at hand and a bottom-line orientation.

This change has served our firm well, for we have had success working with businesses, other attorneys, in-house counsel, and litigation managers of businesses, corporations, and government agencies across the region.

Large-Firm Experience and Small-Firm Service

What sets us apart from other law firms is that we provide our clients with the best of both worlds. We offer large firm ability and experience along with the creativity and care that is the hallmark of smaller firms.

In addition to litigation and trial work, our lawyers also emphasize planning and risk management as an important part of our practice. We help individuals, businesses, and corporations avoid compliance issues, litigation, and other pitfalls that can lead to staggering settlements, jury verdicts, and attorney's fees. Our lawyers are able to offer practical solutions to clients by applying the right combination of creativity, innovation, commitment, and common sense.

Our Guarantee

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