Karen Manning Joined Nelson Mullins as Partner

The law firm announced that Manning has returned to its Columbia office after a stint in state government.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People

Karen Manning Joined Nelson Mullins as Partner

Live Poll

Does hiring former government regulators into private law firms hurt public trust in government impartiality?

Karen Manning has rejoined the law firm Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough as a partner. She makes her return to the firm from the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Why it matters

The firm is bolstering its legal team by bringing back a professional with recent experience in a key state government department. This move reunites the attorney with a firm where she had previously practiced.

The firm officially confirmed the hiring of one partner to its Columbia branch. This appointment follows Manning's previous tenure at the same legal organization.

The players

Karen Manning

She is an attorney who has rejoined the law firm Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough as a partner.

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough

It is a prominent law firm with an office in Columbia that recently announced a new partner appointment.

South Carolina Department of Commerce

This state government agency is where Manning served immediately prior to her current return to private practice.

The details

Karen Manning returns to the firm after having served at the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Her move back to Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough marks a significant staffing change for the firm's Columbia operations.

Nelson Mullins announced the hiring of Karen Manning on September 22, 2026.

Market Landscape

This appointment highlights the common industry practice of leveraging expertise gained in the public sector to strengthen private legal practices. Such moves are typical in the competitive legal market as firms seek to align their internal talent with the regulatory experience held by former government officials.

Clients of the firm may see changes in the handling of their legal matters due to the arrival of a new partner. The transition reflects the ongoing evolution of the firm's legal team and its capabilities within the Columbia market.

The takeaway

Attorneys who cycle between government agencies and private firms often provide enhanced value to clients due to their unique regulatory insights. Professionals in the legal sector may find that such lateral moves are a frequent occurrence in high-stakes corporate law environments.