Russ 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 private practice, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Harry A. Beach in the Allegan County Circuit Court in Michigan from 1993-1995.
Russ practices in the areas of estate planning and bankruptcy. His goal is to place his clients’ interests first and to find the right solution for each client’s needs. “I enjoy the work I do because it’s constructive,” Russ says. “Whether it’s dealing with debts by using the bankruptcy laws or creating a legacy for a client’s loved ones by drafting an estate plan, it’s very satisfying work.” Read more.
Tonya is a dog lover with two Chihuahuas: Rosy Mae, a mix with rat terrier, and Rambo, a mix with miniature pincher ("min pin"). When he's good, she calls him John Jay, or J.J., but when he's bad (which is most of the time) she calls him Rambo.
Tonya is an avid kayaker, or "yacker" as she calls it, and practically lives at Lake Marion in the summer months. If you're ever there, you may see her in a kayak with her two dogs—life jackets and all. She also loves spending time looking for shark teeth at Edisto Beach throughout the year.
"Tonya loves spreadsheets, data, and details. She's the most organized, detail-oriented person I've ever met," Russ says.
She loves talking to clients and learning how to best help them with their legal needs.
Tonya has been with our firm since 2012.
Alison was born and raised in North Carolina and now proudly calls South Carolina home. She's spent most of her life packing, unpacking, and explaining to people where “home” is as an army wife. "We’ve lived in more zip codes than I can count," she says, "but our all-time favorite duty station was the tropical wonderland of Okinawa, Japan where I learned that island life, good food, and warm beaches are my vibe."
Alison spent years as a stay-at-home mom to four sons, a heroic occupation that included refereeing four sons, feeding four sons, and wondering how four sons could generate that much laundry. "It basically qualifies me for a Ph.D in chaos management." Eventually, she upgraded to paralegal—a job that transferred her skill set of problem-solving, managing complex situations, and keeping people on track remarkably well.
Three of her sons also served in the military, proving that the “duty calls” gene runs strong—that and an appreciation for good boots! These days, she's the proud grandmother of four, which is far more fun because she can spoil them and send them home.
When she's not rearranging furniture for the third time this month, planning a trip, or watching baseball like it’s a sacred ritual, she indulges in my family history—because she comes from some truly colorful characters. Her great-grandmother was an Appalachian Granny Witch a/k/a a traditional folk healer, who could cure what ailed you long before Google was an option. And her great-great grandfather was a famed mountaineer and bear hunter in the Balsams of Haywood County, North Carolina during the 1880s. So, if it seems like she comes by determination, resourcefulness, and occasional “mountain magic” naturally, now you know why.
Alison has been with our firm since 2016.
Jennifer started her career in the hotel world after earning her degree in hospitality management, but she eventually traded room keys for a stenography machine and spent 25 years as a freelance court reporter—a career that let her raise two sons while keeping up with every word anyone ever said.
Four years ago, she left New York for South Carolina’s warm weather and palm trees and shifted into the legal field, as a legal assistant, where she now answers phones, wrangles the schedule, and jumps in wherever the paralegals need her. Being a native New Yorker, she bring a friendly spark, a sense of humor, and just the right amount of “let’s keep things moving” to the office. She enjoys being the first person most people come in contact with at our firm and is passionate about helping others.
Her two sons have since planted their own roots here in South Carolina, and having her family in the same place is one of her greatest joys. She also just adopted a kitten, which has added a perfect mix of joy and mischief to her home.
When she's not at work, she's outside enjoying the weather, relaxing by the pool, and cooking, which is her passion. She also loves decorating, shopping, and entertaining friends and family.
Jennifer has been with our firm since 2024.
Austin, or “Audi” as he’s called, recently joined the DeMott Law Firm after a ten-year career with the U.S Army in military intelligence. Audi brings a strong commitment to discipline, teamwork, and excellence.
As the son of an army dad, he’s lived many places, but he now calls South Carolina home. On the home front, he’s the father of an energetic five-year-old while also pursuing a degree in Radiologic Technology. Audi enjoys boating, hiking, and working out at the gym.
