Charleston, S.C. – Robertson H. Wendt, Jr., of the Law Offices of Robertson Wendt, a North Charleston based firm specializing in legal issues related to Social Security and other disability benefits, has been selected as one of South Carolina Lawyers Weekly’s 2011 Leadership in Law honorees. Wendt is one of just 15 in the state and three in the Lowcountry area to receive the honor. Winners were announced at an awards dinner held last night in Charleston.

The South Carolina Lawyers Weekly Leadership in Law award recognizes excellence in the legal community of counsel. The award spotlights those within the legal community who selflessly dedicate time and energy to their profession. Honorees are celebrated for going above and beyond in their everyday job and for their efforts to enhance the legal profession through mentoring and involvement within their communities.

Wendt, who has been practicing law for close to 30 years, is one of only two board certified Social Security disability specialists in the state of South Carolina, and one of just 59 in the country, to be certified by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification (NBLSC). Over the years, he has successfully handled thousands of Social Security disability claims, and colleagues have elected him numerous times as chair of the Social Security Section of the South Carolina Association for Justice (formerly the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association).

Additionally, he is a founding member of the Social Security Disability Law Section for the American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America) and served as section chair. He also conceived and promoted the idea of board certification for Social Security disability specialists and served on the five-member committee appointed by the NBLSC, which developed the first accredited national certification program for this area of law.

Wendt, who is admitted to practice in South Carolina, the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, and the United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, is currently a member of the South Carolina Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, and the Charleston County Bar Association. He is also a sustaining member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, the American Association for Justice, and the South Carolina Association for Justice. He routinely serves as speaker, trainer, and panelist for numerous local, state, and national programs and organizations related to Social Security disability law and practice.

Over the years, he has worked diligently to contribute to community causes and organizations. As a young lawyer in his 20s he was appointed by the governor to serve on the Charleston-Dorchester Community Mental Health Board.  As chair, he advocated for the adoption of innovative programs in coordination with the Medical University of South Carolina, making Charleston a state-wide model for progressive community mental health care.  Later, Wendt was appointed by Charleston County Council to chair the first board tasked with hearing appeals on a then new and highly controversial waste management user fee.  He also was a candidate for Charleston County Council.

Additionally, Wendt and his wife, Priscilla, pioneered efforts in the sustainable design movement in the 1990s by designing and building a home on Folly Beach, which was considered ahead of its time in terms of green building design.

He is currently an active member of Grace Episcopal Church, where he has served in numerous outreach, educational, administrative, and liturgical ministries, and as a vestry member, warden, and diocesan convention delegate. He has led two annual stewardship campaigns there and co-chaired the campaign “Saving Grace,” helping to raise over 6.2 million dollars toward preservation and restoration efforts for the 160-year old church building. Wendt lives in downtown Charleston with his wife and daughter.

The Law Offices of Robertson Wendt represent individuals whose working lives and careers have been cut short by disabling medical conditions prior to retirement age. The firm helps clients win approval for benefits in complex Social Security disability, long-term disability, and other disability-related claims. Rob Wendt, in practice for nearly 30 years, is one of just two board certified Social Security disability specialists in the state of South Carolina, and one of just 59 in the country certified by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification (NBLSC). His team includes highly skilled professionals who hold extensive first-hand experience with the Social Security Administration.  Located in North Charleston, S.C., with offices adjacent to the local Social Security hearing office, the Law Offices of Robertson Wendt serve clients throughout lower South Carolina, including Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, Beaufort, and Hilton Head. For more information, please visit www.robertsonwendt.com.

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