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Ross A. Appel

Partner

Biography

Ross’s practice focuses on zoning and land use law — zoning appeals, property rights litigation, entitlement pursuit, and everything in between.

When a developer’s project gets derailed, Ross gets it back on track. When a local government needs someone who understands zoning, they call Ross. He represents developers and local governments all over South Carolina on projects big and small.

That work is the core of what he does. He also handles class action lawsuits against local governments for illegally collecting fees and other charges — and has secured several multimillion-dollar settlements doing it.

Ross doesn’t get hired because someone found him in a Google search. He gets hired because people know him, trust him, and know his track record.

Part of that comes from his roots. A Charleston native, Ross served on the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals before being elected to Charleston City Council in 2019, where he continues to serve today. He has sat on both sides of the table — as the attorney making the argument and as the official deciding the outcome. That perspective is rare. His clients benefit from it.

Ross is a recognized voice on land use issues across South Carolina. He speaks regularly at continuing legal education seminars and business and governmental forums throughout the state.

When you need to understand how the system works, Ross can tell you. More importantly, he gets results.

Education

  • The University of Florida, B.A., Philosophy and History 2006
  • The University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 2009
    • Editorial Board, Southeastern Environmental Law Journal