Nikki G. Setzler

Founding Partner


n_setzler2.gifNikki Setzler was born in Asheville, North Carolina.  He is a 1968 graduate of the University of South Carolina where he received a bachelor of arts in political science.  In 1971, he was admitted to practice in South Carolina after earning his juris doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law.  Upon graduation, he worked as an associate for Harry M. Lightsey, Jr. at the law firm of Berry, Lightsey & Gibbes, until he opened his own firm in West Columbia.

Mr. Setzler has served in the South Carolina Senate since 1977 and currently represents Aiken, Lexington and Saluda counties.  From 1988-2000, he chaired the Senate Education Committee.  Mr. Setzler was a Cayce City Judge from 1974-76 and served as attorney for the Town of Springdale from 1975-77.  Since 1992, he has served as attorney for the City of West Columbia.

Mr. Setzler has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Central Midlands Regional Planning Council, the Southeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Commission and the S.C. General Assembly’s Joint Appropriations Review Committee.  He is currently a member of the Southern Regional Education Board, the Columbia YMCA board of directors, the board of directors and executive committee of Engenuity and the board of directors for the Lexington Development Corporation.  Mr. Setzler is also a member of the board and past president of the Brookland Cayce High School Foundation.  From 1987 to 2002, he served on the advisory board of The Branch Banking and Trust Company and since 2002 has served on the advisory board of Security Federal Bank.

Mr. Setzler is a member of the Lexington County and American Bar Associations, the South Carolina Bar and the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association and Phi Delta Phi.  He has been awarded the top AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell for "the highest ethical and professional standards."

Honors & Awards

  • Honorary doctorate of Humane Letters, University of Charleston, 1992
  • Honorary doctorate of Education, Columbia College 1997, Carl Perkins Humanitarian of the Year Award for SC, 1995
  • Public Servant of the Year by SC Chamber of Commerce, 1998

Practice Areas

  • General Civil Litigation (including mediation and arbitration)
  • Commercial Construction Law
  • Business Litigation
  • Business Transactions
  • Business Incorporations and Organizations
  • Family Law
  • Personal Injury Law
  • Administrative Law
  • Municipal Law