Atty. Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope

Atty. Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope

Tommy Pope brings an extensive litigation background of over 30 years of law enforcement and prosecution experience. From 1993-2006, Tommy served as Solicitor for the 16th Circuit (Union & York Counties, SC).

Rock Hill Rock Hill 38 yrs experience 38 year
Call (839) 274-1680 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope at a glance

Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope is a Partner based in Rock Hill, South Carolina, practicing at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys. They have 38+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1988. Their practice focuses on car accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, personal injury, and product liability. Admitted to practice in South Carolina Federal District Court United States Supreme Court (1988). Educated at University of South Carolina School of Law (J.D. Member, 1987) and University of South Carolina (B.S., 1984). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of South Carolina Bar Association (1988) York County Bar Association South Carolina Solicitors Association (1993) South Carolina Common Prosecution Coordination Chairman (2006) South Carolina Association for Justice. Serands clients in Rock Hill, SC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Tommy Pope brings an extensive litigation background of over 30 years of law enforcement and prosecution experience
  • From 1993-2006, Tommy served as Solicitor for the 16th Circuit (Union & York Counties, SC)
  • Under his guidance, the 16th Circuit consistently led the State in caseload management, providing effective and timely prosecution of criminal cases
  • He is most often recognized for his 1995 prosecution of Susan Smith in Union County, South Carolina, who made national headlines for the drowning deaths of her two children
  • Today, he is frequently called upon by various national and international media outlets to provide legal commentary on cases involving parents who kill their children
  • Tommy received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of South Carolina in 1984 and a Juris Doctorate from the School of Law in 1987
  • He also attended the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy where he graduated with honors
  • In 1999, Tommy Pope received the Silver Compleat Lawyer Award from the University of South Carolina Law School Alumni Association, recognizing competence, integrity, ethics and superior performance in his profession
  • In 2008, Tommy was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, our state’s highest civilian honor for his dedication and service to the people of South Carolina
  • Tommy currently volunteers as a mentor for the Supreme Court of South Carolina Lawyer Mentoring Program
  • He has also served as an instructor for the National College of District Attorneys at the National Advocacy Center in Columbia, South Carolina and also has lectured to State Prosecutors’ Associations across the country
  • Additionally, Tommy has been called upon by South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal to serve on numerous committees regarding the administration of justice in our state
  • Since 2010, Tommy has served as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives for District 47
  • He was assigned to the Judiciary and Ethics committees (2013-2014) and was on the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs committee (2011-12)
  • He also served on the House Republican Caucus Ethics Reform Study committee (2012-2014), the House Republican Caucus Tax Study committee and as a House Republican Floor Leader
  • Tommy was recognized in 2011 by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce as a recipient of their Business Advocate Award for commending key legislative votes on critical business issues
  • The American Legion of South Carolina named Tommy as their 2012 Legislator of the Year
  • Tommy was also selected to the 2013 and 2014 South Carolina Super Lawyers list
  • This prestigious honor is awarded to less than five percent of South Carolina lawyers
  • Selection is based on outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement
  • He was also an honoree for the South Carolina Lawyers Weekly’s Leadership in Law Award in March of 2014
  • South Carolina Bar Association Member: since 1988 House of Delegates, Board of Governors Chairman of the Judicial Qualifications Committee Mock Trial Coach York Country Bar Association Member South Carolina Solicitors Association Member: since 1993 President: 2001-03 South Carolina Common Prosecution Coordination Chairman: 2006 South Carolina Association for Justice Member Selected to the 2013 South Carolina Super Lawyers list Legislative Involvement •Member, SC House of Representatives – District 47 •Member, Judiciary Committee (2013-2014) •Member, Ethics Committee (2013-2014) •Member, Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee (2011-12) •Member, House Republican Caucus Ethics Reform Study Committee (2012-2014) •Past Member, House Republican Caucus Tax Study Committee •House Republican Floor Leader

Practice Areas Explained

Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Car Accidents

Hurt in a car crash? Car accident lawyers fight insurance companies for fair compensation — free consult, no fee unless you win.

Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope is one of 36,807 car accidents attorneys indexed nationally. Browse car accidents attorneys in South Carolina →

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice lawyers represent patients harmed by negligent doctors, hospitals, and other providers. Free case review, no fee unless you win.

Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope is one of 49,086 medical malpractice attorneys indexed nationally. Browse medical malpractice attorneys in South Carolina →

Wrongful Death

Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope is one of 31,253 wrongful death attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wrongful death attorneys in South Carolina →

Personal Injury

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in South Carolina →

Product Liability

Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope is one of 66,193 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability attorneys in South Carolina →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in South Carolina

Practicing law in South Carolina. Legal matters in South Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Rock Hill are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate South Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in South Carolina brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in South Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional South Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Rock Hill or all attorneys in South Carolina.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope

Where is Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope's law office located?
Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope's law practice is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The firm is Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope handle?
Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope focuses on car accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, personal injury, product liability. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in South Carolina.
How long has Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope practiced law?
Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope has 38+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1988.
Where did Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope go to law school?
Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope earned their education at (J.D. Member, 1987); (B.S., 1984).
How can I contact Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope for a consultation?
You can contact Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope received?
Thomas E. 'Tommy' Pope's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D. Member
University of South Carolina School of Law
- 1987
B.S.
University of South Carolina
- 1984

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

South Carolina Federal District Court United States Supreme Court
Admitted: 1988

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