Byron E. Gipson became the Solicitor of the Fifth Circuit on January 9, 2019. Prior to that time, he practiced with the law firm of Johnson, Toal & Battiste, P.A. for 21 years in the areas of criminal defense and personal injury, becoming a Partner in 2005. He tried numerous cases including high-profile murder and violent crimes. Mr. Gipson graduated from the College of Charleston with degrees in English and Political Science. He later attended the University of South Carolina School of Law. After graduation, Mr. Gipson became law clerk to the Honorable L. Casey Manning, Chief Administrative for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. In 2000, Mr. Gipson was appointed to the South Carolina Humanities Council Board of Directors by Governor Jim Hodges. He was later elected as the Chairman of the Humanities Council in September 2004. In 2010, he was appointed by the South Carolina Supreme Court to serve on The Committee on Character and Fitness. Mr. Gipson is also a board member of the South Carolina Bar Foundation and is past Chair of the Municipal Election Commission. He is currently a member of the Richland County, South Carolina, and National, and American Bar Associations. Mr. Gipson has previously lectured at numerous legal seminars regarding criminal trials, evidence, and ethics.
Affiliations: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., South Carolina Humanities Council, South Carolina Bar Committee on Character and Fitness, South Carolina Bar Foundation, Richland County Bar Association, National Bar Association, American Bar Association.