Atty. Wm. Bert Brannon

Atty. Wm. Bert Brannon

From the moment the business is merely an idea through handing it down to the next generation, Bert Brannon helps clients make sure they have a solid foundation, a clear direction and a plan for keeping their families’ futures secure. A veteran attorney who has served the Midlands for more than 20 years, Bert’s primary practice areas are estate planning and business succession planning, areas that typically are tightly tied for most small business owners.

Columbia Columbia 35 yrs experience 35 year
Call (803) 461-2316 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Wm. Bert Brannon at a glance

Wm. Bert Brannon is a Member based in Columbia, South Carolina. They have 35+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1991. Their practice focuses on wills, trusts, probate, estate planning, and business. Admitted to practice in South Carolina (1991), U.S. District Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals (1992), U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina (1992), and U.S. Tax Court (1993). Educated at University of South Carolina (J.D. New, 1991) and Furmam University (B.S. University, 1987). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Richland County and South Carolina (Member, Estate Planning and Probate Section) Bar Association American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel, fellow Columbia Tax Study Group, past chairman Columbia Estate Planning Council, past president. Serands clients in Columbia, SC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • From the moment the business is merely an idea through handing it down to the next generation, Bert Brannon helps clients make sure they have a solid foundation, a clear direction and a plan for keeping their families’ futures secure
  • A veteran attorney who has served the Midlands for more than 20 years, Bert’s primary practice areas are estate planning and business succession planning, areas that typically are tightly tied for most small business owners
  • His practice also includes probate and trust administration
  • choice of entity planning
  • taxation of estates and trusts and business entities
  • and corporate law
  • For the many small business owners he represents and counsels, he begins by helping them select the proper entity upon formation, whether that’s a publicly or privately held corporation, a general or limited partnership, a closely held corporation, a family-run company or a sole proprietorship
  • He also works with many charitable entities, assisting them in obtaining tax-exempt status
  • As business matters naturally flow into personal issues, Bert assists clients with a range of estate planning matters, from writing wills to creating trusts
  • He helps with powers of attorney and advance directives, including living wills and healthcare powers of attorney
  • He has represented trustees and personal representatives for estates, helping families after the death of a loved one
  • He also has served as a trustee for various trusts and as a special administrator and personal representative in special situations and contested estates
  • A graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, Bert is a South Carolina Supreme Court certified specialist in estate planning and probate law
  • He’s written on the topics, co-authoring a chapter on Wills and Testamentary Trusts in Estate Planning in South Carolina, Volume II and Author, South Carolina Probate Practice Manual, 5th Edition
  • A member of the Columbia Estate Planning Council and fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, he frequently lectures on the topics as part of the South Carolina Bar’s continuing legal education program
  • He’s also an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law, teaching estate planning
  • HONORS & AWARDS: Best Lawyers in America, Trusts and Estates, 2008 to present
  • Litigation – Trusts & Estates, 2018 to present
  • Lawyer of the Year, Litigation – Trusts & Estates, 2019
  • South Carolina Super Lawyers, Estate Planning & Probate, Closely Held Businesses, 2010 to present
  • AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

Practice Areas Explained

Wm. Bert Brannon's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Wm. Bert Brannon handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Wills

Wm. Bert Brannon is one of 34,541 wills attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wills attorneys in South Carolina →

Trusts

Wm. Bert Brannon is one of 104,172 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in South Carolina →

Probate

Wm. Bert Brannon is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in South Carolina →

Estate Planning & Probate

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

Wm. Bert Brannon is one of 226,537 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in South Carolina →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Wm. Bert Brannon is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business 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 Columbia 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 Columbia or all attorneys in South Carolina.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Wm. Bert Brannon

Where is Wm. Bert Brannon's law office located?
Wm. Bert Brannon's law practice is located in Columbia, South Carolina. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Wm. Bert Brannon handle?
Wm. Bert Brannon focuses on wills, trusts, probate, estate planning, business. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in South Carolina.
How long has Wm. Bert Brannon practiced law?
Wm. Bert Brannon has 35+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1991.
Where did Wm. Bert Brannon go to law school?
Wm. Bert Brannon earned their education at (J.D. New, 1991); (B.S. University, 1987).
How can I contact Wm. Bert Brannon for a consultation?
You can contact Wm. Bert Brannon 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 Wm. Bert Brannon received?
Wm. Bert Brannon's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D. New
University of South Carolina
- 1991
B.S. University
Furmam University
- 1987

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

South Carolina
Admitted: 1991
U.S. District Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
Admitted: 1992
U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina
Admitted: 1992
U.S. Tax Court
Admitted: 1993

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