Admissions

South Carolina

Education

University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D.

University of South Carolina, B.A., Political Science

Charleston Group Lawyers - Stephen K. Benjamin

Mr. Benjamin represents private and public clients, including local governments, in public finance, corporate, public policy and regulatory matters. He co-chairs the firm's Public Finance and Affordable Housing practices and is listed in The Bond Buyer’s Municipal Marketplace, better known as the “Red Book" as sole bond counsel. Mr. Benjamin is experienced with general obligation bonds and revenue based obligations that cities, counties and political subdivisions frequently issue. He also serves as underwriter's and disclosure counsel to investment banks. Mr. Benjamin serves as Executive Chairman of Municipal Bonds for America.

In April 2010, Mr. Benjamin was elected Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina with a vision of transforming South Carolina's largest and Capital City into the most talented, educated and entrepreneurial city in America. He continues to serve as mayor. Mr. Benjamin served as President of the United States Conference of Mayors and as President of the African American Mayors Association. He is a member of the Accelerator for America Advisory Council and co-chair of the Mayors for 100% Clean Energy campaign. In 1999, Mr. Benjamin was appointed by Democratic Governor Jim Hodges to lead the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services.

Mr. Benjamin has twice been named to The Washington Post's "The Root 100 List” (2011 and 2013) as well as the 2014 GRIO 100. He received a 2014 Triumph Award from the National Action Network as their 2014 Public Servant of the Year.

Professional Affiliations

Executive Chairman, Municipal Bonds for America
Member, Federal Communications Commission’s Intergovernmental Advisory Committee
Member, Affordable Housing Advisory Council for Federal Home Loan Bank Atlanta
Member, South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development Board
South Carolina Association of Black Lawyers
American Bar Association
National Bar Association
South Carolina Bar Association

Community/Civic Activities

President, US Conference of Mayors (2018-2019)
Executive Chairman, Municipal Bonds for America
Co-Chair, Mayors for 100% Clean Energy Campaign
President, African-American Mayors Association (2015-2016)
Member, Accelerator for America Advisory Council
Honorary Co-Chair, New Leaders Council
Trustee, Benedict College

Representative Presentations

2019 National Association of Bond Lawyers Workshop - Presentation on advocacy efforts pertaining to the importance of tax-exempt municipal bonds

Honors & Awards

2018 Leading Globally Matters Locally Award by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition
2018 Historic Preservation Elected Official Award by Preservation South Carolina
2018 AIPAC Ralph Bunche Award
2018 Distinguished Achievement Award by the Sierra Club
2017 Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery by a Public Official by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
2017 Partner America Small Business Advocate Award
2016 Columbia Chamber of Commerce Small & Minority Business Advocate of the Year
2016 Deborah Boward Leadership Award winner by Senior Resources
2006 SC Bar Association Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year
2001 SC Young Lawyer of the Year
1999 National Bar Association Young Lawyer of the Year

Practice areas