Rene Stuhr Dukes Named to Family Law Power List

The Charleston-based attorney earns recognition for her expertise in South Carolina family law.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Divorce

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Charleston attorney Rene Stuhr Dukes was recognized by South Carolina Lawyers Weekly for her leadership and expertise in state family law. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

South Carolina Lawyers Weekly has named local attorney Rene Stuhr Dukes to its 2026 Family Law Power List. This recognition highlights her professional record and leadership in the legal community.

Why it matters

The list honors senior legal practitioners who demonstrate a track record of success, deep knowledge of statutes, and innovative approaches to client problem-solving. It serves as a benchmark for excellence among legal professionals operating within the state.

Dukes serves as a shareholder and co-chair of the Family Law Group at Saxton & Stump. She was previously named an Influential Woman of Law in 2025 and appeared on the Charleston Business Magazine Legal Elite list from 2019 through 2024.

The players

Rene Stuhr Dukes

She is a shareholder and Family Law Group co-chair at Saxton & Stump who specializes in family law.

South Carolina Lawyers Weekly

This publication provides news and professional recognition for attorneys practicing throughout South Carolina.

The details

As a prominent figure in Charleston, Dukes also provided pro bono legal services following the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church tragedy. Her inclusion in the 2026 Power List recognizes her ongoing impact on regional family law case work and regulations.

Timeline

  1. June 2015: Dukes performed pro bono work following the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church shooting.

  2. 2019-2024: Dukes appeared annually on the Charleston Business Magazine Legal Elite list.

  3. 2024: Dukes was previously named to the Family Law Power List.

  4. 2025: Dukes was named an Influential Woman of Law.

  5. 2026: Dukes was named to the 2026 Family Law Power List.

Culture Shift

The recognition of Rene Stuhr Dukes follows a pattern set by the 2015 Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church shooting where she engaged in community-centered pro bono legal work. This highlights a broader trend where top-tier legal experts are increasingly valued for their community service alongside their traditional litigation success.

For residents seeking legal counsel, this recognition provides a metric of experience for selecting family law representation in the Charleston area. It helps clients identify practitioners who have established a reputation for problem-solving within the state's legal framework.

The takeaway

Selecting a family law attorney is a significant decision that impacts long-term personal and financial outcomes. Prospective clients can look for professionals who maintain high peer rankings and a demonstrated history of successful case resolutions.

Further reading

For more information on legal standards and local resources, visit our Charleston Divorce section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Post and Courier.