Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.7 /5.0
30 Client Reviews
PRO
Virtual Consultation Available
I am a Member of the firm, Gillen & Pickelsimer, LLC, where I focus my practice on matters involving the family. I have been fortunate to receive an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Newberry College, and my Master of Criminal Justice and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of South Carolina.
Whether the issue is a divorce; child custody; parenting time; spousal and child support; property division; division of retirement benefits; tax consequences of divorce; mediation and arbitration; annulments; paternity; prenuptial and postnuptial agreements; change of domicile; or post-judgment proceedings, the investigative and conflict resolution skills I developed during my 16+ years as a law enforcement officer, coupled with my knowledge and experience in family law, equip me well to serve the best interests of my clients.
I know that the legal process can be confusing. Keeping this in mind, I am committed to ensure that my clients know what to expect along each step of their cases, and I am sensitive and responsive to all questions my clients may have concerning the legal process. Having personally experienced a divorce, I understand the emotional impact a divorce has on both parents and their children. I make it a point to keep my clients focused on their children and how their decisions and actions throughout the case will impact them. Because of my concern for children, I am also privileged to serve as a Guardian ad litem in cases, where I advocate for best interests of children in custody disputes.
While in law school, I served as a member of the South Carolina Law Review, which is the principal legal publication in South Carolina. My article "Attorney Malpractice in Will Drafting: Will South Carolina Expand Privity to Impose a Duty to Intended Beneficiaries of a Will?" was published in South Carolina Law Review and has been cited by the South Carolina Supreme Court, in a published opinion, and various legal publications. I have also served as an adjunct faculty member for Newberry College and Piedmont Technical College, and I have made presentations at Continuing Legal Education courses on the topics of Securities Fraud, Expert Witness Testimony, and Spyware. I have several published decisions in the South Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of South Carolina.
With regard to any endorsements or reviews appearing on this site, please note that results achieved on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.
8
Practice Areas
18 years
18 years
18 years
Always
State: South Carolina
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Other places you can find Max online.
Showing 6 - 8 of 8 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | March 10, 2015 | Divorce & Separation
Divorcee
Max was hired to handle my complicated divorce matter. He worked thoroughly and diligently to provide the best counsel to see me through this matter. I have never been disappointed in his work. He was highly recommended to me as the best person to handle my situation.
Posted by Lisa | January 24, 2014 | Divorce & Separation
Excellent divorce attorney!
Max recently represented me for my divorce. Max balanced patience with me when I was hesitant to file charges and go on the offensive with great guidance on what I needed to do in order to take charge of the situation. Max read the situation really well with my ex-husband and knew what we had to do...
Posted by KG in Chapin, SC | January 16, 2014 | Child Custody
Excellent Divorce Attorney
Max handled my separation hearing with amazing skill. Max is very knowledgable and has excellent skills in court. I am so thankful for his awesome advice and for winning custody of my children. I will always be grateful to Max because his talent as a lawyer has allowed me to kiss my children and tuck...
"I endorse this lawyer. I have tried several family law matters with Max. He has terrific trial preparation, research, and legal writing skills. Max knows how to try difficult cases, from beginning to end. He is a formidable and respected lawyer in our legal community. He has and maintains the highest ethical standards. I would refer a family member or close friend to him for representation in a difficult matter--to me, that is the highest recommendation I can give an attorney."
"I met Max in Colorado while we were attending a weeklong Lawyer training for continuing education. He was impressive before the class and even more afterwards. I found Max to be a very perceptive and astute attorney and I highly recommend him as a strong advocate for his clients."
"Max is one of the best attorneys in the state. Extremely knowledgeable and does an outstanding job representing his clients. I have worked with Max on the same side of cases as well as opposing sides. I highly recommend Max."
"I endorse this lawyer. Max was the opposing counsel on a very difficult family issue. I found him to be professional, courteous, and responsive."
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2024
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
Client Champion - Gold, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Client Champion - Gold, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Certified Family Court Mediator, SC Board of Arbitration and Mediation
2006
Member, South Carolina Law Review
2002
South Carolina Outstanding Young American, South Carolina Jaycees
2019 - Present
Partner/Member, Gillen & Pickelsimer, LLC
1900 - Present
Member, Gillen & Pickelsimer, LLC
2008 - 2019
Partner/Member, Payne, Black & Pickelsimer, LLC (formerly Warner, Payne & Black)
2008 - Present
South Carolina BarMember
2008 - Present
Richland County Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Lexington County Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
American Bar Associationmember
Member
Member
The South Carolina Supreme Court found that the emails in question were not being held in elecronic storage as defined by the SCA.
The Court court affirmed the Court's imposition of attorneys fees while reducing the amount of the award.
The Court held that the trial court improperly tethered the alimony award to the costs of insurance.
The Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court.
2008
Juris Doctor
1997
Master of Science
1993
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2017
2009
2008
English
Legal Answers
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29 Dec 2019
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30 May 2019
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13 Sep 2018