The Law Office of Clifford Bush III | Beaufort, SC

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Clifford Bush, III, Esquire

Clifford Bush III, Esquire holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Benedict College and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Kent State University, where he graduated with honors. He received his law degree from Howard University, where he was a member of the Moot Court Trial Advocacy Team, Sigma Delta Tau Legal Fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and Howard University’s Public Interest Society. Immediately following law school, Mr. Bush joined Harvey & Battey as an associate. He then became a partner with Bush, Doughty & Jones until he formed the Law Office of Clifford Bush, III, LLC in 2006. While the Law Office of Clifford Bush III is a general civil litigation law firm, Clifford concentrates his practice in the areas of personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death.

Mr. Bush is currently the Chief Judge of the Municipal Court in the town of Bluffton. He is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, Judge Advocate General's Corps., U.S. Army Reserves. He is happily married to Aretha Rhone-Bush and has a daughter, Savannah, and a son, Rasheem. Outside the firm, Clifford takes every opportunity to speak to young people, encouraging them to continue with their education and give back to their community.

James Andrew “Drew” Smith, Esquire

Drew was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. Drew graduated from The Citadel in 1994 (Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration) and Cumberland School of Law (Juris Doctor) in 1997. While at Cumberland School of Law, Drew served as a member of The American Journal of Trial Advocacy. Drew is admitted before the South Carolina Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the State of South Carolina, and the United States Supreme Court. Drew served with the United States Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps, Reserve Component, as a Legal Assistance Officer, Trial Counsel, Chief of Recruiting (Reserve Component), retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel as a Command Judge Advocate. Drew graduated the United States Naval War College, achieving a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.

Drew began his civilian legal career in 1997 at Love, Thornton, Arnold & Thomason, PA, as a general civil litigator. Thereafter, he served as defense counsel at Gallivan, White & Boyd, PA from 1999 to 2009 in the area of workers compensation, achieving partner status. Beginning in 2009, Drew served for 14 years on active duty in the US Army JAGC, RC. After retirement, Drew, his wife, Katie, and son, Mack, settled back into South Carolina.

Beginning in 2023, Drew returned to civilian practice with a fellow Judge Advocate and lifelong friend, Clifford Bush, III, at The Law Office of Clifford Bush, III, LLC. At The Law Office of Clifford Bush, III, LLC, Drew focuses on general civil litigation, workers compensation, Social Security disability, VA disability, and criminal defense. Drew continues to serve the public as a part-time municipal judge for the Town of Bluffton. In his personal time, Drew enjoys golfing, fishing, bow hunting, coaching archery, and coaching his son in tennis.

Cozette McNeil, Esquire

Cozette McNeil’s practice focuses on probate and workers’ compensation matters in addition to civil and personal injury litigation in the firm’s Walterboro office, bringing over a decade of legal experience to the Law Office of Clifford Bush, III. “I strive to be a zealous advocate for my clients and to establish strong, positive relationships,” she says. “With my experience and work ethic, I intend to fulfill my client's expectations in an efficient manner and work with the clients to obtain positive results.”

Prior to joining the Law Office of Clifford Bush, III, Cozette was the Assistant Solicitor for the 14th Judicial Circuit and the 9th Judicial Circuit for almost nine years. She subsequently focused on workers’ compensation matters in the Charleston office of McAngus, Goudelock & Courie, LLC for almost two years.

Outside of the office, Cozette enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, serving her community, as well as cheering on her son at his football games and track meets and her daughter at her basketball and lacrosse games.

Legal Support

Practice Areas
Probate
Workers’ Compensation
Civil Litigation
Personal Injury Litigation

Education
Charleston School of Law (JD)
College of Charleston (BS Business Administration)

Professional Memberships
Charleston County Bar Association

Bar Admissions
South Carolina (2013)

Certifications
Certified Family Court Mediator