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. The biggest involvement for this individual has been in raising four children and now nine grandchildren. They have coached all their children in various sports and served as a scout leader, with both sons achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. In addition to family commitments, this individual has been active in the community, having served on multiple committees and as past president of the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association. Currently, they serve on the Board of Governors of the American Association for Justice and are involved with two groups creating mentor programs through the South Carolina Bar Solo and Small Firm Section and the Injury Board, a national organization. Mentoring has become a passion, possibly influenced by their experiences as a parent. They have also founded several law firms, focusing on giving back and nurturing the next generation.

Their home office stands as a testament to their dedication, having taken several years to build. While the downstairs features mahogany, the upstairs includes a playroom for grandchildren. They have engaged in woodworking and built multiple Habitat for Humanity houses, always enjoying hands-on projects. With a farm, this individual finds that spending time on a tractor is the perfect way to clear their head. They have been deeply involved with family and activities that will have a lasting impact, whether through mentoring, coaching, or scout leading. It is particularly rewarding for them to still have people approach and refer to them as “coach,” even after 30 years, knowing that the next generation still considers them a mentor.