Burr & Forman announces the addition of Columbia-based Counsel Michael Burchstead to the firm’s Commercial Litigation practice group. Michael comes to Burr as an experienced litigator who has represented individuals and businesses before the state and federal courts of South Carolina and administrative tribunals. He also has a diverse background, which includes experience in the areas of government ethics, political campaign finance law, lobbying compliance, election law, and health care.

As former General Counsel for the South Carolina State Ethics Commission, Michael prosecuted enforcement matters alleging violations of the South Carolina Ethics Act, provided advisory opinions to individuals and entities subject to the Ethics Act, and served as legal counsel to the Commission itself. Previous to that position, Michael served as an Assistant Attorney General for the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, prosecuting health care fraud. Since leaving government service for the private sector, Michael has focused much of his practice on representation of governmental entities, candidates for elective office, political committees, and other individuals or entities in enforcement actions under the Ethics Act and providing compliance advice to those seeking to avoid an enforcement action. Michael’s experience also includes advising governmental entities on investigations and audits and representing candidates for office in both election protests and litigation.

He received his Juris Doctorate from The University of South Carolina School of Law and B.A. from the College of Charleston. Michael may be reached in the Columbia office at (803) 753-3261 or mburchstead@burr.com.

About Burr & Forman's Litigation Practice

Burr & Forman’s Litigation practice group is comprised of over 150 attorneys spanning 19 offices in our 8-state footprint. Combined, this team is licensed in 28 states with pro hac vice status in numerous courts throughout the United States. Our success representing our clients in commercial disputes is based on our desire to establish strong, personal, long-term relationships with them. We are committed to understanding our clients’ businesses so we can align our efforts with their goals and position ourselves appropriately to support their dispute resolution strategy. Read more about the practice on our website.