Bert "Skip" Utsey

For more than 35 years, Attorney Bert G. Utsey, III (“Skip”) has had the privilege of representing clients in a wide range of legal matters. As a skilled Charleston personal injury attorney and partner at Clawson Fargnoli Utsey, LLC, he focuses his practice on insurance coverage disputes and insurance bad faith litigation, medical malpractice, product liability, premises liability, truck accidents, motor vehicle collisions, serious personal injuries, contract and commercial disputes, and appeals.

In his career, he has handled cases with legal, financial, and sometimes societal significance, while also interacting with highly capable and experienced attorneys. He has tried cases in one-room magistrates’ courts at the ends of dirt roads, argued cases in the South Carolina Supreme Court and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and worked on cases decided by the United States Supreme Court — in addition to judicial and administrative hearings, trials, and appeals at many levels in between. Through each of these experiences, Skip has developed powerful legal knowledge and skills, which he uses to the advantage of his clients.

As a dedicated personal injury lawyer, Skip Utsey takes his responsibility to his clients seriously. He believes that his role is one of trusted advisor and advocate. To that end, he works directly with his clients, meeting with them in person whenever possible and providing consistent communication so that they can feel confident in the process. As your attorney, he will respond personally to your calls and answer your questions promptly, as well as devote his skills, experience, and best efforts toward achieving positive results in your case. His experienced, professional staff – paralegals Sharon Bernard and Shannon Skelly – have over 60 years of combined professional experience, have been working with Skip for more than 25 total years, and constantly assist his clients.

Skip Utsey grew up in Walterboro, South Carolina. He attended the College of Charleston, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in 1984. He received his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1987. He is a prominent and active member of the legal community, with professional memberships with the South Carolina Bar, the Charleston County Bar, the Colleton County Bar, the American Association for Justice, the American Board of Trial Advocates (currently serving as president of its Charleston Chapter), the American College of Trial Lawyers, and the South Carolina Association for Justice (of which he is a past president). Skip is admitted to practice in the State of South Carolina, the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. He has authored several articles in law practice publications and frequently speaks at educational presentations to other attorneys. He is a member of Grace Church Cathedral in Charleston and serves as the Chancellor for the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina.

When he is not working, Attorney Skip Utsey enjoys spending time with his wife and children, particularly on the beach at Pawley’s Island. He is an avid baseball fan (particularly of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the University of South Carolina Gamecocks) and enjoys jazz and other improvisational live music.

Education

• University of South Carolina School of Law
  • J.D., 1987
• College of Charleston
  • B.S., Business Administration, 1984