Newberry, SC

Pat McWhirter

H. Patterson McWhirter, President and founding shareholder of McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, P.A., has dedicated his career to protecting the rights of injured people and has obtained tens of millions of dollars for his clients. As one of the leading injury lawyers in the country for over 45 years, Pat McWhirter has been named to the Best Lawyers in America, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and Super Lawyers. If you have been injured in an accident, Mr. McWhirter will ensure that you receive the best possible legal representation to get the money you deserve.

Tommy Bellinger

Thomas P. Bellinger, a shareholder with McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, P.A., is a highly respected workers compensation and personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience. Mr. Bellinger practices primarily in the firm’s Lexington and Newberry offices where he focuses on workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, premises liability, product liability, automobile accidents, and all forms of personal injury. Mr. Bellinger has been named to the Best Lawyers in America. If you have been injured on the job or by the negligence of a third party, Mr. Bellinger will fight tirelessly to obtain the highest possible recovery on your behalf.

Christopher M. Cunningham

Christopher M. Cunningham, a shareholder at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, P.A., specializing in personal injury law. With extensive experience in cases involving automobile accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, and various other personal injuries, Chris is committed to advocating for those adversely affected by accidents. He strives to secure just compensation to aid his clients’ recovery and help them regain stability in their lives.

W. Chad Jenkins

Partner W. Chad Jenkins’ primary areas of practice include criminal defense, family court matters, and personal injury/workers compensation cases. He obtained a sizable verdict for a local business in a worker’s compensation insurance coverage dispute. He has a thriving criminal defense practice, handling felony and misdemeanor cases, including DUI and other traffic-related matters. He served as a presenter at Continuing Legal Education seminars on criminal trials and for Magistrate judges. He is certified in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and Datamaster, and continues to learn law enforcement’s latest techniques. He presented on 'Defending A Breath Test Case' at the SCACDL Reese Joye DUI Seminar and at the DUIDLA seminar. He also presented on sex crimes and instructs at Magistrate training seminars. He served as an office courier and law clerk at Pope & Hudgens during college and law school, and returned to practice law in 2000 after a judicial clerkship. He served as an adjunct professor of Constitutional Law at Newberry College, serves on the Newberry Downtown Development Association Board, and previously served on the local YMCA Board of Directors.

Maya J. Weeks

Maya J. Weeks is an accomplished attorney with a rich educational background and extensive legal experience. She earned her B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina Upstate and later received a dual master’s degree in criminal justice and criminology along with her law degree from the University of South Carolina. During her law studies, she actively participated as the Social Action Chair of the Black Law Student Association and served as a CASA Guardian ad litem. After completing her education, Maya clerked for the active retired judges and court administration, gaining valuable insights into the judicial process. She then joined a defense firm as an associate attorney, where she handled general litigation and insurance defense. Maya is admitted to practice in the South Carolina Bar and the District of South Carolina. Currently, Maya is an active member of the Young Lawyer’s Division of the SC Bar, where she contributes to the annual Cinderella Project among other committees. Additionally, she is involved with the South Carolina Black Lawyers’ Association, South Carolina Women Lawyers’ Association, and the Richland County Bar, reflecting her commitment to her profession and community. Maya Weeks is an associate at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, specializing in personal injury cases including auto accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, and more. She is dedicated to advocating fiercely on your behalf, striving to secure the compensation you deserve. Her goal is to help you restore your life to its rightful path with both diligence and compassion.

Emma B. Sullivan

Emma Sullivan, a shareholder at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, P.A., is an engaged and compassionate advocate for all her clients. She handles all forms of medical malpractice and mass torts, as well as personal injury cases. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, Ms. Sullivan will ensure that you receive the highest standard of legal representation to help you get the settlement you deserve.

Thomas H. Pope III

Tom Pope has tried cases in state and federal courts for over 45 years. He is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and served as Chair of the ACTL State Committee. He is past-President of the South Carolina Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and was honored as the Jeter E. Rhodes, Jr. Trial Lawyer of the Year for 2017. He has been listed in South Carolina Super Lawyers since its inception. He also teaches American Civil Litigation and mock trial to law students in former Communist countries of eastern Europe and Asia. He served on the Board of Law Examiners of the South Carolina Supreme Court and was awarded The Order of the Palmetto. He is a certified mediator and arbitrator.