Meet Lawyers of the DeMott Law Firm

Russell A. DeMott is a 1993 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and has been practicing law since 1995.  During law school, Russ served on the South Carolina Law Review.  Prior to going into practice, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Harry A. Beach in the Allegan County Circuit Court in Michigan.

Since 1995, Russ has represented clients in bankruptcy.  During his legal career, Russ has practiced criminal defense, family law, real estate law, and general litigation.  He now practices solely bankruptcy and foreclosure defense. His goal is to place his clients’ interests first and to find the right solution for each client’s financial problems.  “I enjoy bankruptcy work because it’s constructive,” Russ says.  “It helps families escape financial bondage and allows them to rebuild their lives.”

Russ lives in Summerville with his wife, children, and an assortment of family pets. He has also served on the Board of the Dorchester Children’s Center. He enjoys giving back to the community he calls home and views his law practice as a way to make the Charleston area a better place to live.

Russ is AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.  “AV Preeminent® is a significant rating accomplishment – a testament to the fact that a lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence.” CV, BV, and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards, and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories–legal ability and general ethical standards.

Russ served as an Associate Probate Judge for the Dorchester County Probate Court from 2011 to 2017 and currently serves as a Magistrate Judge for Dorchester County. He is also certified as a Mediator by the South Carolina Board of Arbitrator and Mediator Certification for both Circuit Court and Probate Court cases.

Russell DeMott, Charleston Area Bankruptcy and Foreclosure Defense Lawyer

Julie Beeks Stewart began her career at a prominent personal injury firm in the lowcountry where she handled a variety of personal injury cases. She then served as a law clerk for the Honorable Bentley D. Price in the Ninth Judicial Circuit for two years.

Following her clerkship, Julie practiced criminal defense at the First Circuit Public Defender’s Office. She handled a diverse range of criminal cases, including drugs, theft, fraud, as well as more serious charges such as robbery, murder, and sex crimes in state and federal court. In addition to practicing law, Julie serves as a part-time magistrate judge for Dorchester County.

Julie’s legal competence has earned her admission to practice law in South Carolina, the U.S. District Court District of South Carolina, and the District of Columbia. Her professional affiliations include membership in the South Carolina Bar Association, the Dorchester County Bar Association, South Carolina Women Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association, the D.C. Bar Association, and James L. Petigru Inn of Court. She is a graduate of Clemson University and the Charleston School of Law.

Julie’s comprehensive legal background and dedication to her clients make her an exceptional choice for your legal needs.  As Julie says, “I believe every client deserves my passion and dedication and to always have their interests put first. I enjoy helping people during some of the most difficult times in their lives.”

Graves H. Wilson, Jr. (retired) is a 1988 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law.  After graduation, Graves served as a law clerk for the Honorable Marion H. Kinon, Circuit Court Judge for the 12th Judicial Circuit.  After his clerkship, Graves joined the 12th Circuit Solicitor’s office in Florence County, South Carolina.  He later returned to his home town of Greenville, South Carolina to practice law where he practiced criminal defense, family law, and general litigation. Most recently, Graves worked as staff attorney for the Dorchester County Department of Social Services in child abuse and neglect cases.  He retired in 2011 and joined the DeMott Law Firm to concentrate on foreclosure defense litigation.

Prior to beginning his legal career, Graves served as a Cobra attack helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1973. During that time, Graves served a tour of duty in Vietnam, participating in the Cambodian Incursion to support the 18th ARVN Division as it attacked the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong sanctuaries inside the Parrot’s Beak region of the eastern border of Cambodia.

Graves enjoys working with homeowners to help them stay in their homes.  He believes that in many instances, avoiding foreclosure is not just best for the homeowner, but also for the investors who own the mortgage note and for the community at large.  “Foreclosure is a loss for everyone–not just the homeowner,” Graves says.  “It should be avoided if at all possible and most certainly where the homeowner is only a few payments behind.”

Graves has two daughters and five grandchildren.  He also has a faithful companion, Sadie, a Boykin Spaniel.

In 2015, Graves retired from the practice of law.  He now works as a tour guide at Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, home to the U.S.S. Yorktown and the new Vietnam Exhibit. Despite his busy career at Patriots Point, he makes time to visit the firm for lunch on a regular basis.

Take a look at the Graves & Hal Show (or Hal & Graves?) video about the U.S.S. Yorktown below.