The South Carolina Association for Justice has unanimously elected former Chicagoan Tom A. Killoren Jr. as President, bringing more than three decades of trial experience to the helm of the State’s largest legal organization. He is a partner at Spartanburg-based KD Trial Lawyers, PC. 

Killoren, known as a fierce advocate in the courtroom and a compassionate counsel for his clients, will serve a one-year term. He earned his law degree from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. 

Killoren honed his trial skills early in his career by working under well-known Illinois legal minds, including Philip Corboy, Jr. and former State’s Attorney Paul Logli. Killoren served as an Assistant State’s attorney in Rockford, Illinois, where he grew up, working for Logli. He also worked in Chicago directly under Corboy, Jr. at Corboy & Demetrio, one of the nation’s most widely recognized trial law firms for their work on wrongful death cases.

Killoren moved to South Carolina where he ultimately became a named partner of KD Trial Lawyers, which includes a Circuit Court Judge and a Federal District Court Judge among its noted alumni. 

“I learned from the best of the best trial lawyers at Corboy, and it is now a great honor to lead an Association with lawyers who expand access to justice and ensure that the rights of the underdog are heard and preserved,” said Killoren. “We are fearless advocates for those who have been harmed by others, and we aim to protect the rights of the individual to seek recourse in open and fair courtrooms.”

Killoren regularly receives legal recognitions. He won the South Carolina Legal Elite Award in 2022 and Super Lawyers has recognized Killoren for the past five years. Martindale-Hubbell has bestowed its AV Preeminent rating on him for the past decade.

Killoren is dedicated to giving back to the community. Each year, he organizes a “March Madness” fundraiser for Kids Upstate (formerly the Boys and Girls Clubs of Spartanburg). He also sponsors tennis tournaments benefitting the Habitat for Humanity, the Ellen Hines Smith Girls Home, and the St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic.

Killoren’s new role was formally announced on August 5, 2023, at SCAJ’s Annual Convention where lawyers from across the state gathered for educational seminars and strategic planning.  

About KD Trial Lawyers:
KD Trial Lawyers is the largest personal injury firm in the Spartanburg region. We are seasoned trial attorneys who share over 150 years of professional experience spanning multiple service areas in both state and federal courts. We provide invaluable support, insight, and resources to those who have been seriously injured or have lost a loved one due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. We also handle cases involving workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and family law. 

About SCAJ:
The South Carolina Association for Justice was founded in 1957 to serve as advocates for those who are harmed by the actions of others and to strengthen the justice system through education and action. With membership from all across South Carolina, SCAJ is a strong and growing organization fighting for fairness under the law. Visit SCAJ.com for more information.