Leslie Sarji

Leslie Sarji

Attorney

I have extensive experience with trial advocacy and am a seasoned attorney who is able to argue both the facts and the law effectively. I have a background in both criminal defense and civil litigation, which has given me an exceptional understanding of the rules that govern procedure in our South Carolina courts and the skill and knowledge necessary to succeed in litigation.

I am goal oriented but am able to balance the desire to “win at any cost” with the compassion and understanding that are necessary and unique to practicing in Family Court. So often in Family Court, there is no win or lose – only problems that require creative solutions that are mindful of what is in the best interests of the family and the children, and my background and experience can be used to reach your goals in a way that preserves your integrity and the essence of what is best for you and your children.

Unfortunately, at times in Family Court, it is necessary that the gloves come off and we must engage in battle. My background as a seasoned trial lawyer will serve you well in the courtroom – and I will do everything in my power to achieve the results you desire.

Litigation can be wildly expensive, and I understand the need to be efficient as well as effective for my clients. I will do my utmost to keep your litigation costs down, and my pledge to you is that I will not bill you for any unnecessary time or expenses.

I began my career at the Public Defender’s Office in Family Court, defending juveniles accused of crimes. I then moved to General Sessions Court, defending adults accused of crimes. I participated in a vast number of jury trials while employed at the Public Defender’s Office, as both first and second chair. My experience includes charges that range the gamut from handling tickets in Magistrate’s Court to defending murder cases in General Sessions.

From the Public Defender’s Office, I began working in 2002 for Suggs & Kelly Lawyers, which later became the Mike Kelly Law Group. I managed the Myrtle Beach office of the Columbia based Plaintiff’s focused law firm. My practice areas included Social Security Disability, Civil Litigation, Workers’ Compensation, and Criminal Defense.

I grew up in Charleston and attended the College of Charleston. I graduated in 1993 with a B.A. in History. I opened my practice in 2009. I focus primarily on domestic cases, including uncontested divorces, custody actions, child support modifications, Rules to Show Cause, and other contested matters in Family Court, and I also handle criminal defense cases, including juvenile delinquency cases, misdemeanors, and felonies in State Court as well as defending Federal Criminal charges.

I attended the University of South Carolina School of Law and graduated in 1998. While in law school, I was a member of the Moot Court Bar and participated in the ABA Appellate Advocacy Competition. I was also the Associate Justice of Administration. I was a member of the Environmental Law Journal as well as Phi Delta Phi (a legal fraternity), and I was social chairman for Phi Delta Phi during my third year of law school.

I am admitted to practice in South Carolina State Court, Federal District Court, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. I currently handle Family Law Cases, Post Conviction Relief (PCR) cases, Criminal Defense in Family Court, General Sessions, and in Federal District Court, as well as doing criminal appeals in State Court and in the Fourth Circuit.

I have attended the criminal trial advocacy college, which is a 2 week long, intensive seminar focused on trial skills in criminal court. I have also attended a civil trial advocacy college, which focuses on trial skills in the civil arena.