In the first episode of a new series on The Legal Bench Podcast, Collins & Lacy President/CEO Christian Stegmaier interviews attorney Ty Zeigler, one of the firm's newer lawyers.

In an insurance defense model, it’s easy to think of the carrier as the client. They are, after all, the ones paying the bills. They set guidelines, dictate reporting requirements, and ultimately decide whether to settle or proceed to trial. But the reality is more nuanced. The insured—the business or individual being defended—is the true client.

For the insured, a lawsuit isn’t just another case. It’s not one of 50 files sitting on a lawyer’s desk. It’s personal. It’s their business, their reputation, their livelihood on the line. Many insureds have never been sued before. They don’t understand the legal process, and they certainly don’t see their case as just another number.

Yet, too often, defense lawyers treat them as such. They provide minimal communication, fail to truly advocate, and approach cases with a “this will just get mediated” attitude. That’s not advocacy. That’s not lawyering.

Collins & Lacy President, CEO and chair of the firm's Retail & Hospitality Practice Group talks with two of his team leaders, attorneys Molly Flynn and Andy Smith.

“In Conversation With” is a continuing series on the Legal Bench Podcast hosted by Christian Stegmaier, Collins & Lacy President and Chief Executive Officer, where he engages with influential South Carolinians who are making significant impacts across our state. In this episode, Christian sits down with Kenny Berger, a distinguished plaintiff's lawyer based in Columbia, South Carolina, known not only for his legal acumen but also for his deep commitment to generosity in both relationships and spirit.

Kenny Berger is the founder of the Law Office of Kenneth E. Berger, LLC, where he has earned a reputation as a compassionate and formidable advocate for those who have suffered serious injuries. His practice is dedicated to representing individuals and families in complex personal injury and wrongful death cases, with a particular focus on cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Kenny’s commitment to justice and client service has made him a respected figure in the South Carolina legal community, known for achieving significant results while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

In this insightful conversation, Christian and Kenny delve into the importance of cultivating generosity—not just as a practice in the courtroom but as a guiding principle in life. They explore how this mindset influences Kenny’s approach to building and nurturing relationships, both personal and professional, and how it shapes his interactions with clients, colleagues, and the broader community.

Kenny shares candid reflections on the impact of generosity in creating lasting connections, fostering trust, and ultimately achieving success that is measured not only in legal victories but in the positive change brought about for others. His approach to law is as much about the human element as it is about legal strategy, emphasizing the value of kindness, understanding, and giving back.

It was a privilege to have Kenny Berger as our guest for this episode, and we hope his insights inspire listeners to consider the role of generosity in their own lives and careers.