AMY L. GAFFNEY, Esq.

Amy has presided over mediation cases at the state and federal levels and has been involved in the resolution of hundreds of cases spanning fields such as Employment, Contract, Tort, and more. Amy draws on her litigation experience to provide comprehensive insight on each specific case and create a clear, communicative atmosphere that provides the parties the necessary platform to craft a satisfactory resolution.

In her litigation practice, Amy is one of the founding members of GaffneyLewis, LLC, one of South Carolina’s only women-owned, ethnically diverse law firms certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. Amy is considered one of the top employment litigators in the country, representing clients in a variety of employment matters ranging from collective actions on behalf of public and private employees, individual claims of discrimination and harassment, to injured clients in personal injury and civil rights cases.

BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE – Communication, General
Queens College (now Queens University of Charlotte), Magna Cum Laude, 1991

JURIS DOCTOR DEGREE
J.D. University of South Carolina School of Law, 1994

Amy has been a certified mediator since 1995 and is a member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. As a litigator, Amy has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America since 2012 in Employment Law and Litigation and in 2019 was recognized as Lawyer of the Year for her work in Labor and Employment Litigation by the publication. Amy has an AV Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

What is it like working with you?

” People say that I listen carefully and focus on details. This attention to detail allows me to look deeply into problems that individuals or companies are facing when they come to me for assistance. “

What do you consider to be some of your unique strengths?

” My memory. My partners refer to me as “Rainman” because of my ability to recall discrete facts about a case. Also my perspective from both plaintiffs’ and defense work gives me a more global insight into a dispute. Whether I’m litigating a case for a client or mediating a case, I make a concerted effort not to focus just on what divides parties in a conflict, but where there are common, shared interests, and I build on those common interests to help my clients. “

Are there any special achievements or qualifications that enhance your contribution to your practice areas?

” I’m a dedicated yoga practitioner, having earned my 200-hour teaching certification and currently working on my 500 hour certificate. We all know litigation can be tough and sometimes contentious and I think my yoga training complements and even enhances my legal work because it helps me with my focus, my ability to avoid distraction in my work, and in in finding ease in the most difficult circumstances. “

In general, would you say that you are highly devoted to your career?

” Yes! In fact, I’m a member of the Employment Law Section of the South Carolina Bar in addition to being a member of the South Carolina Association for Justice (SCAJ). I have given presentations at the South Carolina Bar’s Annual Convention, the South Carolina Bar’s Employment Law Section’s Annual Meeting, the annual NAMWOLF and NRRDA conferences, and at various other seminars on issues that arise in the employment arena. I have also been invited to participate in several programs on the art of trial advocacy. “