Robert D. Robbins

Robert D. “Robby” Robbins was born in Charleston, S.C. A native of St. George, South Carolina, Robby was the Valedictorian of the Dorchester Academy class of 1980.

He obtained his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Political Science from the University of South Carolina in 1984 and also obtained his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he graduated in 1987.

Upon graduation from law school, Robby returned to his home town of St. George and joined the practice of attorney Jim Bell. He later became a partner in the firm of Bell and Robbins. During this time he helped shape policies for the South Carolina Young Lawyers Division as its First Circuit Representative.

In 1988, as a member of the Board of the St. George Development Corporation, Robby was instrumental in the action to enroll the Town of St. George in the State of South Carolina downtown revitalization program. As a result of these efforts, the town created the Lourie Theatre Corporation, which serves as the performing arts center in the Town of St. George.

In 1997, Robby left the private practice of law to become the First Circuit Deputy Solicitor for Dorchester County, South Carolina, where he was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Dorchester County Solicitors Office. From 2001 until 2003, Robby also served as the First Circuit Deputy Solicitor for Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties, making him responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the entire First Circuit.

In 2004 Robby was appointed First Circuit Solicitor for Dorchester County by Governor Mark Sanford. He was a prosecutor of violent crimes and significant drug cases. During his tenure as a prosecutor, Robby attained a 98% trial conviction rate and participated in five death penalty trials, which all resulted in the ultimate punishment. He also solely prosecuted another dozen murder trials.

Robby returned to the private sector in 2005, when he joined Nelson Mullins law firm in Charleston. His practice focused on criminal and civil litigation and governmental relations. In December 2007, Robby founded Robert D. Robbins, Attorney at Law, LLC, in Summerville, SC, where he has practiced for the last ten years.

In June of 2018, Robby joined Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A. to launch their Dorchester office, where he will continue to practice in the areas of criminal defense, DUI defense, personal injury, workers compensation, business litigation, and local government relations.

Robby primarily practices in Dorchester, Berkeley, and Charleston counties and will accept cases throughout the Lowcountry and Midlands regions of South Carolina.

Awards and Recognition

• 2016 Honorary Paul Harris Fellow from Summerville Rotary Club
• 2014 Best Cicenia Award for Dorchester Children’s Center
• 2012 Recipient of Summerville Journal Scene Men to Watch Award
• 1996 Outstanding Young American for Community Service SC Jaycees

Professional Associations and Memberships

• American Bar Association
• South Carolina Bar Association
• Dorchester County (South Carolina) Bar Association
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• South Carolina Bar House of Delegates, 1st Circuit Representative (2007-2015)

Civic and Community Involvement

• Board Member of Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and past chair of the Infrastructure Visioning Task Force
• Member and Vice-Chairman of SCDOT Commission (2016-present)
• Member of Volvo Community Advisory Group
• Member of BCDCOG Board and CHATS (2010-Present)
• Member and past President of Summerville Exchange Club
• Former Chair and Board Member of the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber Board of Directors
• Board of Directors of Dorchester County Water Authority (2014-2016)
• 1st Circuit Representative to South Carolina Bar House of Delegates (2007-2015)
• Former President, St. George Jaycees and St. George Businessmen’s Club
• Former Board Member of St. George Development Corporation.
• Former Board Member and Chair of Tri-County Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Former Board Member of Lourie Theatre Corporation
• Former Member of Habitat of Humanity, Children in Crisis, Charleston Regional Development Alliance, and Dorchester Two Education Foundation.