Columbia, SC personal injury attorney Mark D. Chappell talks about his service to the bar and his community and what he does when he’s not practicing law. He considers his greatest involvement to be raising his four children and now enjoying time with his nine grandchildren. Over the years, he has coached all of his children in various sports, served as a Scout leader, and guided both of his sons to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. As an elder in his church and an active participant in the legal community, he has consistently balanced family leadership with professional service.

Within the legal profession, he has served on multiple committees, is a past president of the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association, and currently serves on the Board of Governors of the American Association for Justice. Today, he is deeply focused on mentoring, helping to establish programs through the South Carolina Bar’s Solo and Small Firm Section as well as through the national Injury Board organization. He notes that mentoring has become a true passion—likely influenced by his experience as a parent, a founder of multiple law firms, and his commitment to giving back by helping develop the next generation of lawyers.

His personal life reflects that same dedication to building and creating. His home office, for example, took years to design and includes a mahogany workspace downstairs with a playroom upstairs for his grandchildren. A skilled woodworker, he has contributed to building multiple Habitat for Humanity houses and continues to enjoy working with his hands. He also maintains a farm, where time spent on a tractor provides both perspective and peace of mind.

He finds great fulfillment in knowing that his efforts—whether through mentoring, coaching, or leading Scouts—have left lasting impressions. He is especially proud when former players still approach him decades later and call him “Coach,” a title that, to him, reflects the enduring impact of his involvement across generations.