Former Solicitor Wilkins starts new law firm

GREENVILLE, SC – Just weeks after announcing he was stepping down as the top prosecutor for Greenville and Pickens counties, Walt Wilkins has joined forces with two well-respected Upstate attorneys to launch a new law firm.  

Wilkins Davis is a boutique litigation firm concentrating in complex litigation, with an expandable platform through strategic alliances permitting nationwide representation. With a track record of success in high-stakes, high-profile matters, Wilkins Davis represents clients across the country in complex civil, criminal, and constitutional cases. 

The firm is Led by William W. “Billy” Wilkins, former Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, former United States District Judge, and former Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission; Walt Wilkins, former Assistant United States Attorney, former United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina, and longtime 13th Circuit Solicitor; and Lane Davis, a seasoned litigator with decades of experience in high-stakes commercial litigation and appellate cases. 

“This team brings a very rare combination of judicial insight, prosecutorial leadership, and trial excellence,” Walt Wilkins said.  

The firm will focus on: 

• Complex Civil Litigation: Representing clients in high-stakes business disputes, class actions, and catastrophic injury cases. 

• Criminal Law: Defense against serious state and federal charges, including drug offenses, cybercrime, tax evasion, and white-collar crimes. 

• Corporate Compliance & Internal Investigations: Helping businesses navigate internal fraud, theft, or government scrutiny with strategic, discreet legal guidance. 

• Victim Representation: Pursuing justice for those harmed by violence, abuse, or negligence—including sexual abuse, DUI injury, and trafficking. 

• Federal Government Investigations: Public corruption, whistleblower claims, regulatory enforcement, and Title IX matters. 

• Forfeiture Defense: Protecting money and property seized during criminal investigations and government enforcement actions. 

“We are grounded in integrity, driven by legacy, and defined by results,” Davis said. “It’s not just who we are. It’s what we deliver.” 

The story of how the three came together is rather straight forward. Walt Wilkins and Davis worked at the same law firm (Leatherwood, Walker, Todd & Mann) for five years in the early 2000s. They always discussed practicing law together and were able to join forces when then Solicitor Wilkins took on Platinum Plus in a complex nuisance action riddled with first amendment issues. Lane and Walt successfully convinced the Court that the establishment was a nuisance engaging in inappropriate actions which led to its ultimate closing.  Now ten years later, Lane and Walt had the opportunity to start their own practice upon the retirement of Walt and it just made perfect sense. They are bringing under one roof an incredible amount of experience in complex high stakes litigation and have the ability to service all of their clients litigation needs.  

Meanwhile, after his long career in the judiciary, Billy Wilkins worked for Maynard Nexsen before starting his own boutique firm in 2024. The three decided to come together as one firm. 

“This is an exciting new venture for the three of us,” said Billy Wilkins. “We are ready for everything.” 

About Wilkins Davis:

Wilkins Davis is a boutique litigation firm concentrating in complex litigation, with an expandable platform through strategic alliances permitting nationwide representation. The firm is led by three of the nation’s most respected attorneys. Learn more at wilkinsdavis.com.