July 2024
In a remarkable legal achievement, the Bill Connor Law Firm has secured its second seven-figure settlement within a year. Led by attorney and retired U.S. Army Infantry Colonel Bill Connor, this milestone places him among a small and distinguished group of attorneys who have achieved multiple multi-million-dollar results within a short timeframe.
A Legacy of Service and Advocacy
Bill Connor’s journey began over three decades ago following his graduation from The Citadel in 1990. His distinguished military career as an Airborne and Ranger-qualified Combat Infantryman included multiple deployments to the Middle East and Afghanistan. He served in Mechanized, Light, and Ranger Infantry units, commanding both Light Infantry and Ranger training companies. After over a decade on active duty, he transitioned to the Reserve component while attending law school at the University of South Carolina.
Connor’s dedication to service extended beyond the military. After earning his law degree, he returned to active duty, deploying to Afghanistan from 2007-2008 as the senior U.S. military adviser in Helmand Province. He later served as the lead Command and General Staff Officer Course instructor for South Carolina before retiring from the Army in December 2020. Since then, he has focused on his law practice, achieving outstanding results for his clients.
Securing Justice for Clients
The most recent case involved a tragic incident where a Vietnam-era veteran was fatally struck at a highway intersection. His widow, acting under the South Carolina Wrongful Death Statute and as the personal representative of his estate, sought justice for her husband’s untimely passing. The accident occurred when another driver sped through a stop sign, resulting in a devastating collision.
Connor initially attempted to negotiate a fair settlement but was met with resistance. Litigation became necessary, mirroring the intense legal battles of his previous seven-figure case settled in July 2023. Describing the process, Connor compared the challenges of high-stakes litigation to combat: “It was not unlike facing opposition on the battlefield. The other side leveraged the resources of a large defense law firm, which often deters smaller firms from taking on such cases. Fewer than one percent of lawyers handle cases that settle for over a million dollars.”
The Road to Resolution
As litigation progressed, the defense, which had initially offered only $50,000, reconsidered their position in early 2024. A mediation session was held in March, during which Connor applied his military strategic planning expertise to outline the strengths of the case. He emphasized the undeniable evidence and the liability factors that warranted a substantial settlement.
“The other side showed reason during mediation,” Connor explained. “They started above their initial offer, and throughout the lengthy negotiation process, we applied calculated analysis—similar to mission planning in the military. It was crucial to weigh the risks of going to trial, where a jury decision could leave our client with nothing. Judgment and discernment, key lessons from my military career, played a significant role.”
Ultimately, the case settled for just over one million dollars, including $50,000 in underinsured coverage. The final hearing to approve the settlement took place on April 15, 2024.
A Year of Landmark Achievements
Reflecting on this success, Connor stated, “Achieving this milestone twice within a year is a rare accomplishment. We consistently prayed with our staff and with our client throughout the process, just as I did before missions in Afghanistan. Our prayers were answered in both battlefields.”
From July 2023 to July 2024, Connor’s law firm has delivered exceptional results for clients, marking a year of significant legal victories. Beyond his legal practice, he remains committed to serving as a member of The Citadel’s Board of Visitors and advancing his new business venture, NATIONAL DEFENSE CONSULTANTS, LLC.
Recognizing the unique position he holds among his legal peers, Connor attributes his success to faith and perseverance. “Though no amount of money can replace the loss of a loved one, securing justice provides the widow and her family with the peace and security they deserve.”
For more information about the Bill Connor Law Firm, visit – https://billconnorlaw.com/