Jim Ritchie
Jim is the head of Ritchie & Associates, a unique law firm that works with high impact companies and individuals in North Carolina and South Carolina. He brings over thirty years of legal and public policy experience to the firm.
Concurrent with his professional career, Jim served in the South Carolina Senate for eight years and as Majority Whip for the last four years of his tenure. His legislative service was marked by his leadership to increase South Carolina’s competitiveness in the global economy and creating effective public/private partnerships. He earned a strong reputation for marshaling support for key initiatives and effectively negotiating with members of both parties to find common ground.
Education & Fellowships
Wake Forest University School of Law, JD
West Virginia University, BA, Political Science
Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government, National Conference of State Legislatures, Legislative Leadership Institute
Georgetown University, Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems, The Fund for American Studies
Liberty Fellow, Aspen Global Leadership Network
Selected Awards & Honors
The State’s Ten Most Effective Senators in South Carolina
South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Public Servant of the Year
Maritime Association of South Carolina Legislator of the Year
South Carolina Policy Council Palmetto Leadership Award
S.C. Association of REALTORS W. Mack Chamblee Jr. Quality of Life Award
Home Builders Association of S.C. Hammer and Trowel Award
US Green Building Council South Carolina Individual Leadership Award
Palmetto Conservation Foundation Founders Award
Boys & Girls Clubs of America S.C. Area Council C.A.R.E. Award
SAFE Homes-Rape Crisis Coalition Leadership Award
Board & Commission Experience
Chairman, South Carolina Judicial Merit Selection Commission
Member, South Carolina Commission on International Agreements and Cooperation
Board of Directors, Palmetto Conservation Foundation
Board of Directors, Urban League of the Upstate
Board of Directors, Peace Center for the Performing Arts
Board of Directors and General Counsel, Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce
Vice President and General Counsel, Italy-America Chamber of Commerce SE, SC
Board of Advisors, USC School of Law, Joint Law and Masters in International Business Program