William Applegate

William Applegate is a highly accomplished trial attorney with almost twenty years of courtroom experience. He has handled complex litigation involving catastrophic injury cases such as toxic torts, electrocutions, medical negligence, police negligence, and premises liability. Known for his relentless advocacy, he has achieved numerous trial victories, including multiple record-setting jury verdicts.

William earned his undergraduate degree from the College of Charleston before pursuing his Juris Doctor at the University of South Carolina School of Law. As a law student, he received the Public Interest Law Society Grant to work in Washington, D.C., served as vice president of the Pro Bono Board, and participated as a student member of the John Belton O’Neal Inn of Court. Following law school, he clerked for the Honorable James R. Barber, III of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of South Carolina.

William has tried some of the most high-profile cases in recent years. In 2014, he secured a $35.9 million jury award for a paralyzed construction worker, the largest verdict in Montgomery County history. In 2019, he obtained a $21 million verdict in Colleton County for the wrongful death of a worker electrocuted by an unmaintained power line. In 2021, he achieved a $13.1 million award for a college student with a traumatic brain injury caused by a road construction defect. In each case, he rejected multimillion-dollar offers to ensure clients were fully compensated by juries.

William Applegate continues to combine legal skill, determination, and compassion to fight for those facing life-altering injuries and injustices, building a career defined by record results and service to his community. He has consistently earned Martindale-Hubbell’s highest AV rating and has been recognized by peers as one of the state’s top litigators. His leadership and dedication to the law have also earned him numerous professional honors. Beyond the courtroom, he serves on the board of the Historic Charleston Foundation and supports organizations such as One80 Place, Communities in Schools, the Coastal Conservation League, and the Southern Environmental Law Center.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Yarborough Applegate Law Firm, LLC
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Charleston County Bar Association
• Member, South Carolina Association
• Member, South Carolina Association for Justice
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates (Charleston Chapter)

Licensed State

• South Carolina

Education

• University of South Carolina School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• College of Charleston
  BA in English and Spanish

Awards & Badges