Our Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Jill E.M. HaLevi, President
John A. Massalon, Vice President
Richard S. Dukes, Treasurer
Directors
Tyla N. Bowman
Sunita Kumar
Greg Perry
Ben R. Pogue, III
Nina N. Sperling
Catherine M. Wilhoit
Staff
Elizabeth (Betsy) H. Grund, Administrator (through Feb 2024)
Kijana Davis, Administrator (from March 2024)
Jill E.M. HaLevi
President
(843) 819-0557
jill@charlestonmediator.com
Jill received her law degree from the University of Michigan, and she has been a member of the South Carolina Bar since 1995. She spent the first 10 years of her legal career as a county and then federal public defender, during which time she was active in the creation of the Charleston County Drug and Mental Health Courts. Jill spent two years working on legal issues relating to Israel, first at an organization dedicated to advocating and mediating on behalf of workers in employment disputes, and then as an attorney representing victims of terrorist attacks. In 2009, she established a solo private practice in downtown Charleston, now focused primarily on mediation and cooperative law in family court. Jill has been trained in civil, criminal, and family court mediation. She was also trained and worked as a Guardian ad Litem and in Collaborative law. Jill is a co-founder of the MMCC as well as the Charleston Cooperative Family Law Association.
John A. Massalon
Vice President
(843) 727-1144
jmassalon@wmalawfirm.net
An attorney since 1987, John is a partner with Wills, Massalon and Allen in Charleston. The firm was founded in 1999 and emphasizes civil litigation and mediation. His practice includes a focus on commercial litigation pertaining to business disputes, contract matters, and land use issues. John is a certified mediator and arbitrator and regularly serves as a neutral in matters pending in the State and Federal Courts of South Carolina. Prior to his current position, he was a partner with Holmes and Thompson and before that John served as law clerk to US District Judge Falcon B. Hawkins and US Magistrate Judge Robert Carr. John earned a B.A. in History from the College of Charleston in 1984 and a J.D. From the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1987. John is a member of numerous legal associations. He is the Past President of the Charleston County Bar Association, the former Chair of the Dispute Resolution Section of the South Carolina Bar, a board member for the Preservation Society of Charleston and a member of the Mediation and Meeting Center of Charleston Board of Directors.
Richard S. Dukes
Treasurer
843-576-2810
rdukes@turnerpadget.com
Rich Dukes is an experienced litigator and trial lawyer who has served as lead counsel in a wide variety of substantive areas of law, including defense of medical device manufacturers in products liability and regulatory matters; professional liability matters; corporate and business litigation; securities litigation; and employment matters. Rich also has extensive experience representing clients in admiralty and maritime claims including representation of vessel manufacturers in products liability actions, and owners and operators of watercraft of all sizes. Rich has also handled Jones Act claims and cargo damage claims over the years. Rich has represented many clients in “bet the company” cases that have involved enormous challenges and have required creative approaches to novel legal and factual problems. With that in mind, Rich works with the client and general counsel to determine the most efficient and effective litigation strategy that suits both the immediate and long-term business needs of the client. Rich also became a certified circuit court mediator in 2016.
Rich is a leader in innovative uses of technology to streamline information management in complex business litigation. He has successfully implemented strategies to employ advanced technology to maximize efficiency and to facilitate collaboration and effective division of labor with counsel in multiple states who are working on multiple related matters. In developing strategies to coordinate parallel litigation across several states, Rich has found that by embracing technological advances, the litigation team can work together to achieve favorable results.
Tyla N. Bowman
Director
tyla@bowman-law.net
Tyla N. Bowman is the daughter of the late Alonzo Eurie and Barbara Elbert. She is a native of James Island, SC and graduated from James Island High School in 1994. In 1995 she began her enlistment in the United States Army as an Administrative Specialist for 8 years.
In 2004, Tyla graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice. Desiring to further her studies and fulfill her childhood dream, she enrolled in the Charleston School of Law in 2006 and graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 2010.
Prior to practicing law, Tyla worked as a paralegal and law clerk for nine years alongside some of South Carolina’s most prestigious attorneys. She gained a wealth of knowledge in Divorce and Family Law and in 2016 she founded The Bowman Law Firm in North Charleston, South Carolina. Tyla’s legal education coupled with her work experience and dedication to protecting her clients’ best interest ensures that client’s of her firm receive thorough, well-considered and competent service.
Tyla is married to Reverend Tremayne Bowman, Sr. of Greenwood, SC and is the mother of four children. When she isn’t fighting for her clients’ rights, Tyla enjoys spending time with her family and friends and serving the members of her church – Adam’s African Methodist Episcopal Church and the local community.
Tyla’s motto: Keep God in everything you do, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.
Sunita Kumar
Director
(331) 333-2488
skumarsunita@icloud.com
Sunita Kumar is a former energy and environment sector executive with international engineering, business development, and project management experience in the nuclear, renewable, and manufacturing sectors.
Sunita is trained as a civil and family court mediator, completing her mediation training through the SC Bar Association in 2019, with additional national and international accreditations. Since then, she has successfully mediated numerous civil and family court cases with over 1000 combined mediation hours. Sunita was inspired to gain a statewide view of mediation, conflict, and conflict resolution, taking her on a journey which eventually had her leading the strategic plan for transformation of the Mediation and Meeting Center of Charleston (MMCC) and serving as its inaugural Executive Director from May 2021-April 2023.
In addition to MMCC, Sunita is a volunteer mediator with Upstate Mediation Center in Greenville, South Carolina, and Midlands Mediation Center in Columbia, South Carolina. In 2021, she was selected as the first Founder’s Fellow for Mediators Beyond Borders International. Sunita knows the power of mediation in helping resolve conflict and enabling parties to reach durable and lasting agreement.
Sunita holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Duke University, a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Tennessee, and a certificate in International Business from Georgetown University. She has over 25 years of experience in the energy, environment, and manufacturing sectors, including first of a kind roles in global sales and marketing, engineering design, licensing, construction, and project management. Her business development portfolio totals billions of USD with complex negotiations across public and private sector entities.
Sunita grew up in the mountains and foothills surrounding Greenville, SC, and Brevard, NC. She welcomes connecting with the SC coastal region and Lowcountry as she works to help parties in the region resolve disputes through mediation. She believes in helping individuals, communities, businesses, organizations, and governments build pathways and bridges to peacefully and sustainably resolve conflict in their lives, no matter the type or size.
Greg Perry
Director
gregperryglobal@gmail.com
Greg Perry, a native of North Charleston, has dedicated his life to serving others and making a positive impact on his community. Recognizing the importance of support and assistance, Greg founded a nonprofit in 2009 aimed at helping single moms with their everyday needs. Greg has spent his life seeking to be for others what he wishes someone would be for him if he found himself in that same circumstance.
Greg has been actively involved in various roles within his community. He has served as a mentor, youth basketball coach, and even an adopted father figure at schools for young boys. Furthermore, Greg selflessly served as a volunteer Chaplain at the detention center in North Charleston, offering guidance and support to those in need.
In terms of education, Greg holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, a Master of Science degree in Higher Education, and has pursued graduate studies towards an MBA from The Citadel. His educational background has equipped him with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of community development and engagement. Greg’s professional experience includes working as an educator in a middle school. Currently, he serves as a program manager for an entrepreneurial program and holds the position of adjunct professor, teaching a marketing course. Through these roles, he has empowered individuals with knowledge and skills to thrive in the business world.
Benjamin R. Pogue, III
Director
(843) 270-5520
ben@benpoguelaw.com, ben@seanwilsonlaw.com
Before he became a successful trial lawyer, litigator, and mediator, Ben served our community for nearly a decade as a top-rated morning meteorologist and broadcast journalist for the NBC affiliate in Charleston. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina’s devastating impact in 2005, Ben gave up television and meteorology to volunteer with the American Red Cross relief effort. When he returned, he was called to serve in a different way, as an attorney.
Since graduating from the Charleston School of Law in 2009, Ben has tried dozens of cases to verdict—from million-dollar lawsuits involving disabling injury or corporate dispute, to small claims cases where a month’s rent can still be life-altering. He’s been named to the list of South Carolina Super Lawyers’ “Rising Stars” and was honored to be elected by his peers to the South Carolina Bar Association’s House of Delegates in 2016, where he continues to serve.
After rising to partner in a small defense practice, Ben launched his own firm in 2017, and later joined the Law Office of Sean M. Wilson, LLC in December of 2021. He is certified by the South Carolina Supreme Court as a mediator and arbitrator and has mediated hundreds of disputes. Ben has always been dedicated to serving those in need and having a deeper understanding of the solutions that impact his clients. Ben continues to work with and advocate for community needs, especially in mentoring, adult education, housing, and environmental resilience.
He is now also an adjunct professor at the Charleston School of Law, teaching Strategy and Tactics and incorporating litigation, negotiation, and mediation strategies.
Ben is married to Nina Sossamon-Pogue (author, speaker, podcaster, former tech executive, and Emmy-winning former news anchor) and they have lived in our community for more than 25 years. They are the proud parents of three children, all college graduates and educated in Charleston County public schools.
Nina N. Sperling
Director
(502) 240-2212
nnsperling@icloud.com
Nina “Nikki” Sperling is a licensed attorney in South Carolina, Montana, and federally, through SC district court. Prior to law school, Nikki served as an executive at a Fortune 5 company. She is currently a staff attorney with the Center of Heirs Property Preservation in Charleston, SC.
Nikki graduated from The Charleston School of Law on May 13, 2018, and was awarded the Honorary Charleston School of Law, William Bennett Regan Award, for Outstanding Leadership and Commitment to Public Service. Nina served as a prior President of the Federal Bar Association, Student Division, a pupil of The Petigru Inn of Courts, a prior Justice of Phi Alpha Delta Haynesworth Chapter, a Student Ambassador, and also a member of multiple other student organizations. She was the 2018 Pro Bono Populi Service Award recipient and she was also recognized for outstanding public service through her pro bono contributions at The Mediation and Meeting Center of Charleston and other nonprofit organizations in the Charleston, SC community. She completed a Comprehensive International Trial Advocacy course in Oxford, England, and has experience as a Law Clerk and an Intern at the Mediation and Meeting Center of Charleston (MMCC). She completed the required SC Bar Family Mediation training course in March 2018 prior to joining the MMCC and in 2018 completed the training courses for Civil Mediation.
Prior to her legal studies, she worked eighteen years for a corporation and enjoyed the skills and experiences she gained as a Field Manager. She graduated from The University of Louisville, with a B.A. in Psychology and Minor in Women Gender Studies, receiving honors of Dean’s list, Golden Key, and Psi Chi in December 2015. As a Study Abroad Diplomat she had the opportunity to learn International Law in six different countries through a partnership with Stetson University College of Law. Nikki lives by the motto “We rise by lifting others.”
She is involved w/ SC Human Trafficking task force, Federal Bar Member, Phi Alpha Delta Justice for the Lowcountry chapter, and Red Cross legal liaison.
Catherine M. Wilhoit
Director
(410) 591-2461
cwilhoit@triallaw.com
Catherine Wilhoit is an attorney based in Charleston, South Carolina. She has experience handling aspects of a wide range of civil disputes, including personal injury matters, premises and products liability suits, medical malpractice, as well as business and securities-based litigation and arbitration.
Mrs. Wilhoit is a South Carolina Supreme Court Certified Arbitrator, Civil Mediator, and Family Mediator. In addition to the practice of law, Mrs. Wilhoit teaches ADR and Arbitration Law and Practice as an Adjunct Professor at Charleston Law, runs an alternative dispute resolution based business, volunteers for the 9th Circuit as a Juvenile Arbitrator, and serves as President of the Mediation and Meeting Center of Charleston.