(COLUMBIA, S.C.)–Stephen K. Benjamin, Special Counsel at Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP and Mayor of the City of Columbia, named among the “50 Most Influential People of 2012” by Columbia Business Monthly.

Mr. Benjamin was elected mayor in 2010 and joined Parker Poe in 2012. He has practiced law for more than 17 years and represents government and corporate clients in government relations, economic development and public finance matters.

Mr. Benjamin previously served as the Director of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services in Governor Jim Hodges’ Cabinet. He also served in South Carolina’s Fourth Judicial Circuit as an assistant prosecutor and was the Democratic nominee for the South Carolina Attorney General in 2002.

Mr. Benjamin has been named to The State’s “10 Top Movers and Shakers” to watch in Government and Politics and “20 Business Leaders Changing Columbia." He was also named to the “Top 50 List of Influential Locals” by the Free Times in 2012, and featured in the first spot because he “has brought new vigor and urgency to City Hall.”

Mr. Benjamin earned his JD in 1994 and BS in 1991 from the University of South Carolina.

About Parker Poe
Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP has more than 200 lawyers in five offices located in major markets across North Carolina and South Carolina. The Firm provides legal counsel to large commercial and public organizations on litigation, corporate and regulatory matters. It has been recognized in recent years as one of the fastest growing law firms in the United States and as an award-winning leader in the use of technology to provide better and more efficient service to domestic and international clients. For more information, please visit www.parkerpoe.com.