John P. Gettys, Jr.

John P. Gettys, Jr. is a seasoned attorney with a broad practice centered on real estate transactions, probate administration, and probate litigation. His work includes residential purchases, refinances, and home equity lines of credit, as well as guiding clients through complex legal issues involving estates, trusts, and fiduciary responsibilities with steady, practical counsel.

John built a strong academic foundation through progressive study in history, public administration, and law. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Erskine College in 1991. He then completed a Master of Public Administration in 1995, followed by a Juris Doctor in 1995 from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

John has extensive experience in probate litigation, representing personal representatives, heirs, trustees, and beneficiaries in contested and uncontested matters. His work often involves will disputes, trust interpretation, guardianships, and conservatorships for children, aging adults, and individuals with special needs, always with close attention to legal detail and procedural accuracy.

John also represents clients in civil litigation, including claims arising from motor vehicle accidents and catastrophic injuries. In cases involving insurance settlements, he applies his probate knowledge to help families plan responsibly, including advising on life-care plans designed to protect long-term financial stability for seriously injured individuals.

John has remained deeply engaged in public service and civic leadership throughout his career. He was elected mayor of Rock Hill in 2017 and previously served as a Rock Hill City Council member from 2002 to 2010. His service also includes leadership roles supporting community development and regional initiatives.

John P. Gettys, Jr. has received numerous professional honors recognizing his legal work and public contributions. These honors include the Transportation Association of South Carolina Award for Local Elected Official of the Year and recognition as South Carolina Lawyers Weekly Lawyer of the Year. He has also received the Dream Keeper Award from the City of Rock Hill Martin Luther King Committee and the Community Service Merit Award from Come-See-Me. He is AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell and has been listed in Best Lawyers in America for Real Estate Law, Trusts and Estates, and Litigation.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Morton & Gettys
• Member, South Carolina Bar

Licensed State

• South Carolina

Education

• University of South Carolina School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of South Carolina
  Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Erskine College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges