Education: University of South Carolina, J.D. (2007); Wofford College, B.A., Government (2004, summa cum laude);

Admitted: South Carolina (2007); North Carolina (2012)

Born: Hartsville, South Carolina

Memberships:

Horry County Bar Association, Officer; South Carolina Bar Association, South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; North Carolina Bar Association; Coastal American Inn of Court

Biography:

Hayes Stanton is a shareholder in the firm’s litigation department.  His practice focuses on domestic or family law, general civil litigation, such as personal injury or contract disputes, as well as criminal defense.  Hayes is also certified to act as a Guardian Ad Litem in contested custody disputes throughout the State of South Carolinaas well as being certified as a South Carolina Family Court Mediator.

Hayes was born in Hartsville, South Carolina in 1981, and graduated from Hartsville High School in 2000.  Thereafter, he attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2004.  While a student, Hayes was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity for which he served as an officer (Number V) and philanthropy chair.  He was also the recipient of the Professor Charles Edward Cauthen Scholarship Award which is given annually to a member of the senior class.  During his college summers, Hayes lived and spent his time on the beaches of Pawleys Island.

 In 2007, Hayes graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law where he was a member of the Palmetto Law Society and served as a peer leader during Orientation.  While attending law school, Hayes clerked during the summers with the Bell Legal Group in Georgetown, South Carolina.

After graduation, Hayes returned to Darlington County where he completed a one-year clerkship with the Honorable John M. Milling of the Fourth Judicial Circuit of South Carolina.

In August of 2008, Hayes moved back to the Grand Strand and began his legal career with Harris and Leonard, P.A. in Myrtle Beach.  During his tenure at Harris and Leonard, P.A., Hayes focused his practice on Civil Litigation, Criminal Defense, and Family Law.

Hayes joined the Bellamy Law Firm in June of 2011.  He is an active member of Belin United Methodist Church and the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce’s gsScene.  Hayes, his wife, Molly, their sons, and their two dogs live in Murrells Inlet.  When not practicing law, Hayes enjoys surfing, fishing, playing golf and tennis, relaxing on the beach, or traveling.