CHARLOTTE, N.C., January 21, 2004 — The law firm of Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein (www.parkerpoe.com) announced today that it is expanding its South Carolina practice with the opening of an office in Charleston.

With more than 150 attorneys in locations in Charlotte, Raleigh, Columbia, Spartanburg and now Charleston, and with its reach to clients across the country, Parker Poe continues to build on its reputation as one of the leading law firms based in the Carolinas. The Charleston office will open with four partners and one special counsel.

"Parker Poe’s goal is to grow strategically by enhancing the depth and breadth of service and experience across the Carolinas," said Parker Poe Managing Partner William P. Farthing Jr. "Charleston’s commercial importance makes this expansion a natural extension of Parker Poe’s client-focused strategy for growth."

The proven attorneys who have joined Parker Poe in Charleston will combine their experience and knowledge with Parker Poe’s broad expertise across a wide range of practice areas, providing a new level of resources for existing and new clients.

Joining Parker Poe in Charleston as partners are Robert C. Byrd, J. Walker Coleman IV, Susan Taylor Wall and Matthew J. Norton, all formerly of Nexsen Pruet in Charleston. Charles F. Castner, also formerly of Nexsen Pruet, joins Parker Poe in Charleston as special counsel.

"While Parker Poe is new to Charleston, the firm’s reputation precedes it in the market," said Matthew Norton. "My colleagues and I are excited about the opportunity to be a part of Parker Poe’s expansion into this important city."

The Charleston Parker Poe offices are at 200 Meeting Street, Suite 301.

About Parker Poe: With more than 150 attorneys, Parker, Poe, Adams & Bernstein has steadily grown to become one of the Carolinas’ largest and most respected law firms. Parker Poe’s local, regional, national and international clients include corporations, financial institutions, public utilities, colleges and universities, manufacturers, developers, and other businesses and professionals.