Motley Rice attorney Marlon Kimpson awarded AAJ’s Soaring Eagle Award
The American Association for Justice recognized South Carolina state senator and Motley Rice attorney Marlon Kimpson in a ceremony July 22, awarding him its 2017 Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Soaring Eagle Award.
Established in 1997 and presented annually by AAJ’s Minority Caucus, the Soaring Eagle Award recognizes struggles faced by lawyers of color and is awarded to a recipient who overcame challenges and paved the way for others in order to pursue excellence and make outstanding contributions to the legal profession. Notable past recipients from South Carolina include U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn and the late U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Perry, Jr.
“I have been privileged to practice law with Motley Rice LLC, one of the largest plaintiffs’ firms in the country, in handling complex class actions, mass torts and personal injury cases,” Marlon said. “I have done my best to impart what I’ve learned over the years to lawyers who haven’t had the opportunity to work on these cases. I am grateful for the camaraderie and relationships I’ve developed in the AAJ Minority Caucus. It is an honor to be a part of an organization that works to further help diversify the legal profession and coordinate on meaningful legislation to protect civil rights.”
Born in Columbia, S.C., Marlon worked in commercial banking before pursuing a career in law. Marlon clerked for Judge Perry in the U.S. District Court of South Carolina at the onset of his legal career, and went on to represent clients in a wide array of practice areas, including securities fraud and catastrophic injury cases. In 2013, Marlon was elected to represent the citizens of South Carolina’s District 42 in Charleston and Dorchester counties.
Marlon has held additional leadership roles with the University of South Carolina Board of Visitors, the Charleston Black Lawyers Association, and the South Carolina Election Commission. He is a lifetime member of the NAACP, a member of Sigma Pi Phi Boulé and Omega Psi Phi fraternity.