Rita B. Barker
Rita Bolt Barker is a veteran litigator and counselor with experience in environmental, commercial litigation, and insurance coverage matters.
Environmental
Rita has broad experience helping clients navigate the wide range of laws that protect our natural resources. She is a trusted, reliable partner for business and individuals who need a steady guide through the ins and outs of environmental compliance and litigation. Rita delivers results for clients who need assistance in investigating and responding to permitting challenges, as well as in responding to requests for information and enforcement actions before administrative agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. She advises clients on assessing environmental risks and incentives associated with corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and real estate deals. In the real estate context, Rita has experience securing and enforcing conservation easements and redeveloping brownfield properties through South Carolina’s Voluntary Cleanup Contract program. Rita has advised clients on matters arising under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and the SC Pollution Control Act.
Commercial Litigation & Insurance Coverage Disputes
In addition to her environmental work, Rita represents clients in complex commercial litigation matters, including consumer protection, data breach, contractual, and trade secrets disputes. She has broad experience litigating insurance coverage issues, and routinely assists with assessing adequacy of coverage and securing coverage for defense and indemnification costs. Rita has taught Administrative Law at Clemson University and Environmental Law at Furman University. She serves as the chair of the firm’s Recruiting Committee.
- Named one of Greenville's "Best and Brightest 35 and Under" by Greenville Business Magazine, 2011
- Graduate of Leadership Greenville, Class 37, 2011
- Connections: Women Leaders of the Upstate, Class of 2010
- Harvard Law School Dean's Award for Community Leadership, 2004
- Received the "Distinguished Environmental Advocacy Award" from the American Bar Assocation, 2013
- Recognized on Pro Bono Honor Roll by Supreme Court of South Carolina, 2019
- Best Lawyers 2018 Greenville Environmental Law "Lawyer of the Year," 2018
- Listed in Chambers USA, 2014-Present
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2012-Present
- Recognized as "Legal Elite" by the Greenville Business Magazine, 2012-Present
- Named a "Rising Star" by South Carolina Super Lawyers, 2012-Present
Greenville, South Carolina 29601
