Profile photo of Clifton Newman

Clifton Newman

Arbitrator Mediator Special Master
Aiken, SC, United States

About

Justice Newman transitions to private dispute resolution following a twenty-four-year tenure as a trial judge on the South Carolina Circuit Court. During his time on the bench, he presided over thousands of matters involving complex civil litigation, medical malpractice, and high-profile criminal trials. His judicial career is marked by handling sensitive, multi-party disputes and presiding over numerous cases of significant public interest.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Civil Litigation Civil Rights Employment & Labor Government & Administrative Healthcare & Life Sciences Personal Injury & Torts Real Estate & Property

Professional Experience

Circuit Court Judge
South Carolina Judicial Department
Private Practitioner
Law Office of Clifton Newman
Assistant Solicitor
Williamsburg County
Managing Attorney
Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program

Publications Leadership

  • Frequent lecturer on judicial ethics and trial advocacy for the South Carolina Bar
  • Keynote speaker at the Roger Williams University School of Law
  • Panelist for various American Bar Association litigation conferences
  • Contributor to South Carolina judicial education programs

Positioning Takeaways

A retired jurist with extensive experience in complex civil and criminal litigation, particularly suited for high-profile mediations and neutral evaluations requiring a steady, authoritative presence.

License & Certifications

  • South Carolina Bar Admission
  • Ohio Bar Admission

Education

Juris Doctor
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
1976
Bachelor of Arts
Cleveland State University
1973

Distinction

Presided over the internationally publicized Alex Murdaugh double-murder trial.

Reputation

Justice Newman is widely regarded for his calm judicial temperament and his ability to maintain order in high-stakes, emotionally charged legal proceedings. Peers and practitioners frequently cite his fairness, patience, and deep understanding of South Carolina law.