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Meet the Author
Richard “Dick” Harpootlian is a distinguished attorney, public servant, and leader, known for his work on high-profile cases and his contributions to both law and public policy.
A graduate of Clemson University (B.A. in History) and the University of South Carolina School of Law (J.D.), Harpootlian has built a reputation as a fearless prosecutor, a political strategist, and a steadfast advocate for justice.
Beginning his career as a prosecutor at the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Harpootlian quickly rose to Deputy Solicitor, where he supervised a team of 20 attorneys and handled complex and high-stakes criminal cases. As Chief Homicide Prosecutor, Harpootlian personally prosecuted hundreds of murder cases, including twelve death penalty cases. In 1983, he co-prosecuted Donald “Pee Wee” Gaskins, the largest mass murderer in the history of South Carolina, securing a conviction that ultimately led to Gaskins’ execution. This case became even more personal when Gaskins attempted to have Harpootlian’s young daughter kidnapped and held hostage, a plot that was thwarted thanks to timely intervention from law enforcement.
From 1991-1995, Harpootlian served as Solicitor, prosecuting and obtaining convictions in several high-profile cases, including the woman who hit and killed United States Senator Strom Thurmond’s daughter and James Holderman, the former President of the University of South Carolina. After leaving public service, Harpootlian built a thriving private practice specializing in whistleblower actions, criminal defense, and civil litigation, recovering almost half a billion dollars for his clients.
Beyond the courtroom, Harpootlian’s political accolades are equally notable. As Chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party, he orchestrated a series of historic election victories, including unseating an incumbent governor for the first time in state history. Harpootlian served as a South Carolina Senator from 2018 to 2024, where he utilized his influence to advance public policy and champion critical issues. His expertise in politics and law has made him a frequent guest on major news programs like 60 Minutes and NBC Nightly News, and he is frequently quoted in national publications including TIME and The New York Times. He was a subject of the 2010 New York Times best seller ‘Game Change’ and notably represented Alex Murdaugh in the 2021 double murder trial.
Dick Harpootlian is married to Jamie Lindler Harpootlian who recently served as the United States Ambassador to Slovenia under the Biden administration and has a daughter, Kate.
Meet the Author
Richard “Dick” Harpootlian is a distinguished attorney, public servant, and leader, known for his work on high-profile cases and his contributions to both law and public policy. A graduate of Clemson University (B.A. in History) and the University of South Carolina School of Law (J.D.), Harpootlian has built a reputation as a fearless prosecutor, a political strategist, and a steadfast advocate for justice.
Beginning his career as a prosecutor at the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Harpootlian quickly rose to Deputy Solicitor, where he supervised a team of 20 attorneys and handled complex and high-stakes criminal cases. As Chief Homicide Prosecutor, Harpootlian personally prosecuted hundreds of murder cases, including twelve death penalty cases. In 1983, he co-prosecuted Donald “Pee Wee” Gaskins, the largest mass murderer in the history of South Carolina, securing a conviction that ultimately led to Gaskins’ execution. This case became even more personal when Gaskins attempted to have Harpootlian’s young daughter kidnapped and held hostage, a plot that was thwarted thanks to timely intervention from law enforcement.
From 1991-1995, Harpootlian served as Solicitor, prosecuting and obtaining convictions in several high-profile cases, including the woman who hit and killed United States Senator Strom Thurmond’s daughter and James Holderman, the former President of the University of South Carolina. After leaving public service, Harpootlian built a thriving private practice specializing in whistleblower actions, criminal defense, and civil litigation, recovering almost half a billion dollars for his clients.
Beyond the courtroom, Harpootlian’s political accolades are equally notable. As Chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party, he orchestrated a series of historic election victories, including unseating an incumbent governor for the first time in state history. Harpootlian served as a South Carolina Senator from 2018 to 2024, where he utilized his influence to advance public policy and champion critical issues. His expertise in politics and law has made him a frequent guest on major news programs like 60 Minutes and NBC Nightly News, and he is frequently quoted in national publications including TIME and The New York Times. He was a subject of the 2010 New York Times best seller ‘Game Change’ and notably represented Alex Murdaugh in the 2021 double murder trial.
Dick Harpootlian is married to Jamie Lindler Harpootlian who recently served as the United States Ambassador to Slovenia under the Biden administration and has a daughter, Kate.
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