Ben Leader, a Rock Hill native and second-generation attorney, attended Northwestern High School and graduated from Clemson University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, and a Minor in Legal Studies. In 2013, Ben received his Law Degree from Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law in Raleigh, North Carolina.
During his time in law school, Ben worked for the Honorable Chief Judge John C. Martin of the North Carolina Court of Appeals, and he also worked for a small plaintiff civil litigation firm. Following law school, Ben served as Law Clerk to the late Honorable John C. Hayes III, of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit of South Carolina. Ben describes his clerkship with Judge Hayes as one of the best years of his life, and he is forever grateful for the mentorship and guidance he received from Judge Hayes.
Ben’s father, Jack Leader, has been an attorney with Elrod Pope since 1989. While Elrod Pope has always been a big part of Ben’s life, he made the decision to follow in his father’s footsteps and officially joined Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys as an Associate Attorney in 2014. Ben was later named a Partner in 2019. Ben has always viewed his dad as his biggest role model and closest friend, and being able to practice law along his dad’s side for more than a decade has been an incredibly rewarding experience that he will always cherish.
Ben now focuses his practice on all types of Personal Injury cases. He has successfully resolved more than 750 injury claims and collected millions of dollars on behalf of his clients. While Ben prides himself on providing high quality service and results to his clients, he is most proud of the strong relationships that he builds with each and every client that he represents.
Ben is now one of the firm’s Managing Partners, overseeing the Intake and Marketing Departments. Ben’s strategic insight on managing and growing a law firm has resulted in him being invited to be a guest speaker at national legal conferences, and also on various legal podcasts. When not working in or on the law firm, Ben enjoys spending time with his wife, Lauren, and their two sons. He also enjoys traveling, playing golf, and avidly supporting his beloved Clemson Tigers.
Education:
B.A., Clemson University, 2010
J.D., Campbell University School of Law, 2013
Admissions:
State of South Carolina
State of North Carolina
United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina
United States District Court for the District of South Carolina
United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Honors:
Campbell University School of Law “Webster’s Scholar”, 2013
Super Lawyers “Rising Star” – 2023, 2024
Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” – 2023, 2024
National Trial Lawyers Top 100 – 2023, 2024
Clemson University “Roaring 10” Honoree – 2016
Memberships & Involvement:
American Association for Justice
South Carolina Association for Justice
North Carolina Advocates for Justice
Southern Trial Lawyers Association
North Carolina Bar Association
York County Bar Association
Clemson University Alumni Association Board of Directors
York County Clemson Club – Past President, Vice President, & Treasurer
Leadership South Carolina – Class of 2018
Blue Key Honor Society
Tiger Brotherhood Honorary Service Fraternity