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Meet Mark Watkins

Attorney Mark Watkins, a proud Rock Hill, South Carolina native now serves clients at Joye Law Firm’s Myrtle Beach office. A dedicated advocate for injury victims, Mark focuses on workers’ compensation claims and civil plaintiff’s law, including cases involving auto accidents, animal attacks, and injuries caused by negligent property owners.

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I really enjoyed the experience I received from everyone at Joye Law Firm pertaining to my worker’s compensation claim. They always kept me informed and updated with all communications.
-Latonya S.

What Do You Want New Clients to Know?

I’ve had many great mentors but one of my coaches used to say, “Rules without relationship equals rebellion.” This idea has profoundly influenced how I work with clients. Many people harbor a distrust of attorneys, and I see it as my responsibility to build trust and guide them through what can be an overwhelming process. Most clients have never faced legal proceedings before, so my goal is to maintain transparency and open communication, helping them understand each step and ensuring they feel supported from our first meeting through the day their case is closed.

What Inspired You to Become an Attorney?

I come from a humble background and owe much to mentors who guided me, like my 8th-grade science teacher, Mr. Norris Williams, and middle school resource specialist, Mr. Richard Pickering. These men recognized my potential and shaped my path. Initially, I aspired to become a teacher to make a difference in people’s lives. However, as I explored this career path, I realized that while teaching is profoundly impactful, meaningful change often stems from shaping policy. Becoming an attorney felt like the right path to influence broader systemic issues.

What is the most satisfying aspect of being a lawyer?

I’m proud that every day I get the opportunity to wake up and make a difference for someone who has suffered unimaginable pain due to the actions of someone else. It’s a big responsibility that I don’t take lightly, but I’m grateful that I get to solve problems for people that seem insurmountable. The ability to make a difference feeds my drive.

Mark’s Background and Education

Mark grew up in York County, spending much of his formidable years with his grandma. After completing his undergraduate studies, he volunteered with AmeriCorps City Year as a corps member in Los Angeles. It was during this time he realized the value of addressing systemic issues through law. After earning his law degree, Mark clerked for the Honorable Jocelyn Newman and practiced education law and employment law at a defense firm, gaining insights that now inform his work representing plaintiffs.

In law school, he held various leadership roles, including serving as a Student Ambassador, Student Bar Association Senator, President of the Christian Legal Society, Southern Region Board Member of the National Black Law Students Association, Trial Advocacy Board Member, and pupil member of the James L. Petigru chapter of the American Inns of Court.

While initially drawn to education law, Mark realized his passion lay in directly helping individuals, leading him to transition to personal injury law. He was inspired to join Joye Law Firm because of its strong commitment to giving back to the community and Mark actively participates in the firm’s volunteer initiatives.

In his free time, Mark enjoys quality time with his family, staying active, and nurturing his faith.

  • Coastal Carolina University, Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science
  • Charleston School of Law, Juris Doctor
  • State Bar of South Carolina
  • United States District Court for the District of South Carolina
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • State Bar of South Carolina, Young Lawyers Division Member
  • Charleston County Bar Association, Member
  • Richland County Bar Association, Public Service Committee Member
  • Horry County Bar Association, Member
  • South Carolina Black Lawyers Association
  • State Bar of South Carolina Leadership Academy, 2024
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