Midlands Profiles
Howser Newman & Besley
From the modest building on Washington Street, to the relaxed atmosphere and genuine sense of friendship and respect amongst the firm's founding attorneys, Howser Newman and Besley (HNB) is a different kind of a law firm. For the past thirteen years, they have quietly gone about their business of delivering excellent legal advice and consummate professionalism at a reasonable price. They may just be the best-kept secret in town.
Bill Besley, one of the founding members of HNB says: "Many people think that bigger is better when it comes to law firms, but I would put our lawyers up against any firm in the state. Our quality of representation is outstanding and our loyal clients will attest to that. We are proud of the personal attention that each of us gives to our files. The client knows that when they hire one of the partners to handle a file, that partner will ensure that the client is delivered quality work and results in the most economical manner. The community and the country are facing tough economic times and we feel our clients more than ever need us to be efficient and economical ourselves."
"We believed in each other.
Pulling the rope in the
same direction for thirteen years
has worked well for us."
Started as a boutique firm in 1996 by members Dave Howser, Jamie Newman, Bill Besley, and then-associate Ben McCoy, HNB primarily delivered insurance-defense litigation and worker's compensation services to insurance companies in all South Carolina State and Federal Courts.
Above Photo: Ben McCoy, Dave Howser, Jamie Newman, Bill Besley
©Photo by Molly Harrell
"Prior to that time, insurance defense work was traditionally offered in the context of larger firms, but for competitive reasons, it no longer made sense to house this unique practice area under one roof with others," says Jamie Newman. He adds: "moving our insurance practice to a smaller more specialized firm allowed us the ability to offer our clients better rates because we did not have to support the costs of a large infrastructure."
"In response to its clients' needs, HNB has grown strategically over the years, building a real estate practice led by attorney Frank Mock, and opening an office in Charleston which member Andy Haselden leads. Their mission and culture have never changed. The defining quality of this firm may be its lack of large egos. Each member is extremely proud that the firm functions as a team. "We want to see each other do well. Our practices have flourished with everyone's support," says Andy Haselden.
Above Photo: Geov Hanna, Kelley Shull Cannon, Andy Haselden
©Photo by Molly Harrell
"Up to this point, our decisions have been unanimous, after attentive discussion," says member Kelley Cannon. This works administratively as well. Member Geov Hanna adds: "Our associates and staff also are encouraged to take ownership in the firm to improve and enhance our service." Although the entrepreneurial leap came with its challenges, the founding attorneys were confident in their collective ability.
"We believed in each other. Pulling the rope in the same direction for thirteen years has worked well for us," says Bill Besley. The respect for the senior leadership that is provided to the firm by Dave Howser is obvious.
"With Dave Howser, we have not just one of the best lawyers in the country, but one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He is as good as it gets in this profession," says Ben McCoy. "We try to emulate him while still maintaining our own creative style and personality."
While law firms might have a reputation for exacting a pound of flesh from junior associates, HNB has developed a culture of keeping things in perspective.
"We do not run a sweat shop," says Dave Howser. "We expect people to work hard when they are here, but we recognize that it is important to have a life outside of the office."
"A great lawyer is the combination of tremendous, consistent effort and great talent, skill and experience," says McCoy. "That is true for any profession. When we hire, we look for extraordinary individuals whose internal standard is much higher than any that could be put on them by the firm." As with any successful corporation, HNB has found the right formula of putting a focus on people and providing great leadership.
