Emory University Law School announced that Luther J. Battiste, III has been awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for 2026, the law school’s highest award. Mr. Battiste is a 1974 graduate of the law school.
Battiste is a founding shareholder of Johnson Toal and Battiste, PA. which has offices in Orangeburg and Columbia. Luther Battiste graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1971 and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the institution in 1999.
Mr. Batiste made national legal history when in 2020 he became the first African American president of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an invitation only organization comprised of many of the nation’s leading plaintiff and defense lawyers. He previously severed as president of the Columbia Lawyers Association, the Richland County Bar Association, the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association and of Southeastern American Board of Trial Advocates (SEABOTA).
Luther Battiste served on Columbia City Council from 1983 to 1998 including two terms as Mayor Pro-Tempore. The Luther J. Battiste, 111 Monument and Plaza was constructed in his honor in 1998 for his service.
Battiste has served as Chair of the Richland-Lexington Airport Commission, president of the board of the Columbia Art Museum, chair of University Associates of the University of South Carolina and on the board of South State Bank for 15 years. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Capital City Club and as a board member of Columbia College.