Audra M. Byrd

Audra Byrd is a highly regarded litigator with a robust practice focused on commercial disputes, business torts, and probate litigation. With a deep commitment to her clients and community, Audra has built a reputation for effectively representing corporations, small businesses, and individuals in complex legal matters.

Audra’s career began by gaining extensive courtroom experience defending personal injury and premises liability claims for insurance companies. Her practice evolved over time, and she now focuses on high-stakes business disputes, including shareholder oppression, business defamation, civil conspiracy, debt collection, and contract disputes. She also has significant experience litigating trust and estate matters in Probate Court.

A skilled advocate, Audra has achieved remarkable outcomes for her clients, including a $1.6 million judgment for a business owner in a defamation case and a directed verdict exceeding $7 million for a commercial lender in a fraud and conspiracy dispute. Her ability to navigate complex legal issues and achieve favorable resolutions underscores her dedication to excellence.

Audra has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for Commercial Litigation (2024) and has received numerous other accolades throughout her career. She serves as co-chair of the firm’s Women’s Leadership Program and actively participates in the firm’s business development and mentoring initiatives.

Beyond her legal practice, Audra is a dedicated community leader. Since 2013, she has coached award-winning middle and high school Mock Trial teams in Myrtle Beach, mentoring students to develop critical thinking and advocacy skills. Under her leadership, her teams have consistently won state, regional, and “Battle of the Carolinas” championships.

Audra’s combination of legal acumen, strategic thinking, and commitment to community engagement makes her a trusted advisor and tenacious advocate for her clients.

Represented a small business owner being defamed in online postings and obtained a $1.6 million judgment in favor of the business owner.
Represented an individual in a partnership dispute involving allegations of fraud and breach of fiduciary duty, receiving a verdict in excess of $500,000.
Obtained dismissals of a landowner in a series of premises liability cases where the plaintiff-motorists claimed the condition of the roadway adjoining the landowner’s property was in disrepair and caused serious and fatal accidents.
Obtained a directed verdict in excess of $7 million in favor of commercial lender in a case involving counterclaims alleging fraud, conspiracy and breach of fiduciary duty against lender.

University of South Carolina, J.D., 2007
University of Georgia, B.B.A., B.I.B., 2003

South Carolina Bar, 2007
United States District Court, District of South Carolina, 2007

American Bar Association Section of Litigation, Trial Practice Committee (Co-Chairperson of Diversity & Young Lawyers Subcommittee, 2015-present)
South Carolina Bar Association (Young Lawyers Division, 2007-present)
Horry County Bar Association (Member, 2007-present)
South Carolina Women Lawyers Association (Member, 2007-present)
Coastal Inn of Court (Member, 2015-present)
Lakewood Elementary School Improvement Council, Chairperson (2017-2022), Secretary (2011-2017)
Socastee High School School Improvement Council, Chairperson (2023-present)
Forestbrook Middle School Mock Trial Coach (2013-2017)
Socastee Middle School Mock Trial Coach (2017-2021)
Socastee High School Mock Trial Coach (2024-present)
Horry County Parent Advisory Council (2017-present)
Horry County School Board Parent Cabinet (2024-present)

Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation, 2024
Super Lawyers, South Carolina Rising Star, Business Litigation, 2013-2020
Super Lawyers, South Carolina Rising Star, Civil Litigation Defense, 2017-2018
Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI) Award, Advanced Legal Research, 2007
Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI) Award, Trusts and Estates, 2006
Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI) Award, Environmental Law of Natural Resources, 2006
Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI) Award, Property II, 2005

Articles

"How I Made Partner: 'I Showed My Tenacity and Drive to Do Whatever Was Necessary When Asked,' Says Audra Byrd of Turner Padget," Law.com

"Consumer Law and Debt Collection," Legal Lessons: A Series for the Public, Presented by the South Carolina Bar Association, October 25, 2011
"Defining and Limiting Accountants' Liability to Third Parties," Professional Liability Defense Federation, Fall Newsletter 2010

Presentations & Speaking Engagements

Associate Mentoring and Advancement - How to Do and How to Get

"Associate Mentoring and Advancement - How to Do and How to Get," Presenter at Roundtable Discussion for the ABA Section of Litigation, Trial Practice Committee (January 2016)
"Handling Claims Against the Estate," The Probate Process from Start to Finish -- National Business Institute (November 2015)
"Navigating the Magistrate's Court," South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers, Litter Control Association Annual Meeting and Seminar (February 2011)

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