Paul R. Thurmond

Paul R. Thurmond is a co-founder of Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A., where he leads the firm’s criminal defense practice. A skilled trial lawyer, he has defended clients facing serious charges, including drug crimes, federal white-collar cases, and violent offenses. With a background that spans prosecution, defense, legislation, and judicial service, Thurmond brings an unmatched perspective and strategic insight to every matter he handles.

Thurmond earned his Bachelor’s from Vanderbilt University, where he was a four-year letterman and captain of the tennis team, before receiving his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law. During law school, he was elected Chairman of the Honor Council. His early career included serving as an Assistant Solicitor in Charleston County, where he prosecuted more than 1,300 cases and maintained a conviction rate exceeding 90 percent.

Thurmond has also served in public office and teaching roles that enrich his legal perspective. He was elected to the Charleston County Council in 2006 and later represented District 41 as a South Carolina State Senator from 2012 to 2016. His public service extended to teaching mock trials as an adjunct professor at the College of Charleston and serving as a part-time municipal prosecutor in North Charleston. In 2019, he was appointed as a Municipal Court Judge for the Town of Mount Pleasant, where he was reappointed in 2020.

Highly regarded by peers and clients, Paul R. Thurmond has earned recognition from Super Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and the Charleston City Paper’s “Best DUI Attorney.” Active in the community, he serves on the Charleston County Aviation Authority, Turning Leaf, and the Roper St. Francis Innovation Board. His practice is driven by dedication to his clients, his family, and his community.

Law Office Affiliations

• Co-Founder, Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A.
• Member, Charleston County Bar Association
• Member, South Carolina Bar Association
• Member, South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Licensed State

• South Carolina

Education

• University of South Carolina School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Vanderbilt University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges