Joel received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science as well as a minor in Business Administration from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC in 2006. While at Winthrop, Joel served as the President of Winthrop’s Pre-Law Society, was named to Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science National Honor Society as well as the Dean’s Honor List. He also co-founded Winthrop’s chapter of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Winthrop is also where Joel met his wife, Marina Hamilton. Joel Received his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland, Ohio in 2009. He served as a student ambassador to prospective students as well as student representative to the Cleveland Bar Association. Joel was named to the Dean’s list for academic achievement and graduated with a Concentration in Business Law. Outside of the classroom, Joel co-founded and served as the Vice President of Operations for the Cleveland chapter of Minds Matter. Minds Matter assists underprivileged, high-achieving, inner-city high school students in gaining admission to four year colleges and universities. Minds Matter has quickly become one of the most respected and exciting non-profit organizations in Cleveland attracting exceptional students to the program as well as motivated young professional volunteers and distinguished board members. Joel received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama for his efforts. During his sophomore year at Winthrop, Joel went to work as an intern with the Rinehart, Matthews, Schiller, Shaw and Reeves Law Firm in Rock Hill. It was during his time here that Joel found his passion for the law and helping injured people. It was during Joel’s first year at Case when Mr. Schiller gave Joel the opportunity to clerk for his firm. Joel jumped at the chance and made the drive from Cleveland, Ohio to Rock Hill every Fall, Christmas, Spring and Summer break to work and gain invaluable experience in serving others. Thanks to this experience, Joel began his practice in 2009 with five years of working alongside Mr. Schiller as an intern and then law clerk. In addition to practicing law, Joel has served on the board for the United Way of Lancaster County as well as on the leadership committee for the York County Republican Party. Joel and Marina enjoy hiking, camping and traveling as well as the shooting sports and actively rescue and foster dogs until they can be place with a “forever home”. The couple resides in Rock Hill where they are active in the community.

Tommy Pope is a managing partner of Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys in Rock Hill, South Carolina bringing an extensive background of over 30 years of litigation experience. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of South Carolina in 1984 and a Juris Doctorate from the School of Law in 1987. He also attended the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy where he graduated with honors. From 1993-2006, Tommy served as the elected Solicitor for the 16th Circuit (Union & York Counties, SC). In 1999, he received the Silver Compleat Lawyer Award from the University of South Carolina Law School Alumni Association, recognizing competence, integrity, ethics, and superior performance in his profession. In 2008, he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, our state’s highest civilian honor for his dedication and service to the people of South Carolina. That same year, Tommy joined Luke Elrod and the Elrod Law Firm to form the Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys where he has since focused primarily on helping people who were injured or killed by the negligence of others. Since 2010, Tommy has also served as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives for District 47. In December of 2014, he was selected by his peers as Speaker Pro Tempore of the House and continues in that capacity today. As an attorney, Tommy has been selected yearly since 2013 as a South Carolina Super Lawyer. This prestigious honor is awarded to less than five percent of South Carolina lawyers. Selection is based on outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. He was also an honoree for the South Carolina Lawyers Weekly’s Leadership in Law Award in March of 2014. He is currently rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer rating standard. This is given to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers. Throughout his career, Tommy is most often recognized for his 1995 prosecution of Susan Smith in Union County, South Carolina, who made national headlines for the drowning deaths of her two children. Today, he is frequently called upon by various national and international media outlets to provide legal commentary on cases involving parents who kill their children. Tommy and his wife Kim have 4 children and 3 grandchildren and reside in York. They are active at Elevation Church Riverwalk in Rock Hill. When not working at Elrod Pope or in the Legislature in Columbia, Tommy enjoys his time with Kim taking care of the farm in York and fishing in Holden Beach, North Carolina.

Attorney Minor opened her legal practice in 2016 with one goal in mind: to provide the highest level of professionalism when assisting clients with legal matters. We understand that family law cases can be emotionally challenging and stressful. That’s why our Rock Hill divorce attorney provides compassionate, honest legal advice and consistent communication throughout the process.