Carter, Smith, Merriam, Rogers & Traxler began as a general practice firm in 1952, but "Carter Law" evolved into a firm devoted almost exclusively to complex litigation, ranging from complex commercial and business litigation, medical malpractice, substantial personal injury cases, real estate litigation, probate litigation, eminent domain, family law, and criminal law.
Carter Law has been a premier litigation law firm in Greenville, South Carolina that was innovative and aggressive in its approach to litigation while strongly adhering to the principles of high ethical standards, professionalism, and tradition.
The business model of Carter Law has been simple: quality work and dedication to the client are the most enduring reward.
The partners of Carter Law never desired to build a legacy law firm, and they each dedicated themselves to their cases and their clients and not to a "business model." Service to the client and not profit was most important goal.
Some the former partners have passed away; others have reached the end of their careers and now enjoy retirement. Carter Law continues its work through Tom Traxler, who now devotes the remainder of his career to mediation and arbitration.
The firm's senior partner, Rex Carter, was a retired Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives and historically practiced predominantly in legislative affairs and appeared before state regulatory agencies. Rex died in 2014.
Jeff Smith historically emphasized medical malpractice and large personal injury claims. He has been retired for over 20 years.
Jeff Merriam handled the firm's criminal defense litigation, as well as general litigation and family law. He retired at the end of 2021.
David Rogers handled general litigation, in particular medical malpractice and banking cases. David passed away in 2010.
Tom Traxler focused primarily on complex commercial litigation and family law and has written various software programs used by the South Carolina Family Court judges and lawyers, but he now limits his practice to mediation and arbitration.
Brook Fowler involved himself in the firm's medical malpractice and personal injury cases and banking litigation, as well as other general litigation cases, but retired in 2025.
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