LEE SIMPSON

A Spartanburg native, Lee brings a local perspective and a service-oriented mindset to his practice. Lee joined Gibbes Burton in 2021 as a legal project coordinator before earning his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. His transition from a valued staff member to an Attorney reflects his commitment to the firm’s mission and his dedication to providing rigorous legal representation for his clients. Lee is licensed to practice law in the State of South Carolina and focuses his practice on civil litigation, particularly in matters involving law enforcement agencies and correctional institutions.

Prior to his legal career, Lee served as a Security Forces Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force. Lee was stationed in South Korea and Japan, where he conducted law enforcement and security operations on multiple military bases and throughout Asia. This background provides Lee with an insider’s perspective on the split-second decision-making inherent to police and correctional work. This practical knowledge is essential when investigating the factual nuances of cases, analyzing use-of-force incidents, or navigating the complexities of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the South Carolina Tort Claims Act.

Personal Interests

Whether inside or outside the courtroom, Lee is not afraid to take it to the mat. An accomplished martial artist, he has won multiple international jiu jitsu tournaments and still enjoys self-defense training and teaching. Lee also loves being outdoors and spending time with his wife, Haley.

Bar Admissions

• South Carolina, 2025

Education

• University of South Carolina School of Law
  • J.D. – 2025
  • Honors: CALI Award for Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing; Dean’s List
• Colorado State University
  • B.A. – 2020
  • Honors: magna cum laude
• Community College of the Air Force
  • A.A.S. in Criminal Justice – 2017

Professional Associations and Memberships

• South Carolina Bar, Member
• Spartanburg County Bar Association, Member