Former SC Revenue Director Welcomed Back to Firm

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The former Director of the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) will rejoin private practice with his prior firm. Rick Reames will practice with Nexsen Pruet’s Tax and Economic Development teams and will be based in the firm’s headquarters in Columbia.

Former Governor Nikki Haley, now UN Ambassador Haley, appointed Reames as Director of the South Carolina Department of Revenue in 2014.  He was unanimously confirmed by the South Carolina Senate and served the Department until January 3, 2017. 

Reames’ noted successes during his time as Director include transitioning the agency from a massive data breach that occurred prior to his appointment.  His tenure was highlighted by significant budget savings and by increased efficiencies in nearly all agency divisions.

Reames has been active in state affairs, having previously chaired the Enterprise Zone Committee, which is responsible for award job development tax credits to new and expanding businesses. He also served alongside Nexsen Pruet Chairman Leighton Lord on the South Carolina Department of Commerce Coordinating Council for Economic Development, and was an ex officio member of the South Carolina Board of Economic Advisors.

Prior to public service, Reames practiced with Nexsen Pruet for nearly 15 years where he was a partner practicing in tax and business areas. He counseled clients on matters ranging from tax planning to economic development incentives. Reames represented parties from the health care, manufacturing and real estate industries, utilities, charitable organizations and high net-worth individuals.

“We are glad to welcome Rick back to the firm,” said Leighton Lord, current Chairman of Nexsen Pruet. “His background, experience and skill set will help our clients navigate complex tax, business, and public policy issues.”

Reames earned his undergraduate degree in Business Economics from Wofford College, his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law and his L.LM. degree in taxation from New York University School of Law. He was a member of the Federation of Tax Administrators Board of Trustees, the Chair of the SC Enterprise Zone Committee, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development, and the State Board of Economic Advisors. Reames was also one of 21 Fellows selected for the Liberty Fellowship Class of 2016, a program affiliated with the Aspen Institute that promotes outstanding leadership in South Carolina.

Nexsen Pruet is one of the largest law firms in the Carolinas, with more than 190 attorneys and offices in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach, S.C. as well as Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh, N.C.  Founded in 1945, Nexsen Pruet provides a broad range of legal services to the business community and represents companies and other entities in local, state, national, and international venues.