(Columbia, SC) – President Barack Obama has nominated a Columbia defense lawyer to serve as South Carolina's next U.S. attorney.
The White House said Tuesday Bill Nettles had been selected because of his distinguished and impressive career.
“He will be relentless in his pursuit of justice and serve the people of South Carolina with distinction,” said Obama, in a written statement.
Nettles currently practices with his father-in-law, Alex Sanders, who is a former judge and founder of the Charleston School of Law.
Their firm, Sanders and Nettles LLC, primarily handles criminal defense and death penalty cases.
Nettles said he first learned he was chosen after receiving a call from the office of Sen. Lindsey Graham.
“I was very happy, you know, I’ve been hoping that this was going to happen.”
He said the nomination process has been ongoing since July.
“It’s my hope that I am able to protect the people of South Carolina and to administer justice in a fair and even handed way,” said Nettles.
He began his legal career as a public defender in Richland County in 1995, before going into private practice two years later. He is a graduate of The Citadel and Widener School of Law.
Nettles will replace outgoing U.S. Attorney Walt Wilkins, who has said he will step down Jan. 10.
The White House also named Circuit Judge Michelle Childs and attorney Richard Mark Gergel, both of Columbia, to fill seats on South Carolina’s federal bench.
Obama also selected Williamsburg County Sheriff Kelvin Washington to serve as the state's next U.S. Marshal.
All of the appointments must be approved by the U.S. Senate.
“This is just the first step in this…I hope the Senate will confirm me,” said Nettles.
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