Clinch H. Belser, Jr.

Of Counsel

Clinch has practiced law in Columbia since 1974, when he returned to his home city after four years as a U.S. Navy Reserve JAGC officer, first in the Philippine Islands and then at Treasure Island in San Francisco.

Since 1974, Clinch has represented businesses and individuals in litigation in the State and Federal courts in South Carolina at both the trial and appellate levels, as well as at administrative hearings. He also represents business entities in their formation, financing, acquisitions, real estate, and employment matters. He is experienced in probate administration and litigation and in estate planning.

A 1967 graduate of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, and a 1970 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law (magna cum laude, Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review, Vice President of the Student Bar Association), Clinch has enjoyed a wide arrange of civic and cultural activities since his return. He has served as Chairman of the Board of the Children’s Hospital, Campaign Chairman of the American Cancer Society, President of the Kiwanis Club, Vice President of Communications of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, member of the City of Columbia Planning Commission, Board Member of the Richland-Lexington County Cultural Council,  Director and Secretary of the Central Carolina Community Foundation, and Board Member and Secretary of the Palmetto Health Foundation, among other things. He recently finished a term as the President of the Board of the Congaree Land Trust, after serving over six years on the board. Clinch is also a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, where he served on the Vestry. Clinch retired from the United States Navy Reserves as a Commander, JAGC, after 20 years service.

Long ago, Clinch was a two-time South Carolina State Men’s Singles Tennis Champion, Captain of the Princeton University Tennis team, and twice a member of the U.S. Navy team participating in the Interservice Tennis Championships.

Clinch enjoys spending time at his timber farm, where he experiences the outdoors by hunting, fishing, and hiking with his family and friends.

Clinch’s greatest asset is his wife, Mary, a graduate of Converse College, the mother of their three children, and also very active in civic and cultural affairs in Columbia and South Carolina.