Rita Bolt Barker, Associate
- Architectural Works Copyright Infringement Litigation
- Economic Incentives
- Environmental
- Litigation
- Real Estate
Rita works primarily in the area of general litigation, with an emphasis on environmental and insurance coverage issues. Her varied environmental experience includes advising clients on matters arising under the Endangered Species Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, the Clean Water Act, and the SC Pollution Control Act. She assists clients in investigating and responding to matters before administrative agencies and has taught Administrative Law for Clemson University's Masters of Public Administration program. Rita advises clients on assessing environmental risks and incentives associated with corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and real estate deals. Rita is also involved in the firm's architectural copyright infringement litigation team.
Representative Matters
Rita's recent experience includes:
Advising real estate developers to enroll property in the SC brownfields program;
Representation of a major metropolitan city in complex water allocation litigation;
Appellate litigation regarding statutory interpretation of significant coastal development legislation;
Assisting various national corporations to secure insurance coverage for defense and indemnification costs; and,
Advising a buyer of potential environmental liabilities associated with the purchase of an international manufacturing company.
Professional Background
| 2007– Present | Wyche Burgess Freeman & Parham, P.A. |
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| 2005–2007 | Associate, King & Spalding, LLP, Atlanta, Georgia |
| 2004–2005 | Law Clerk, Hon. Beverly B. Martin, United States District Court, Atlanta, Georgia |
Educational Background
| 2004, J.D. | Harvard Law School; Harvard Women's Law Journal, Executive Editor; President, Board of Student Advisers; Legal Writing and Research Teaching Assistant |
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| 2001, B.A. | Clemson University, Political Science & Speech and Communication Studies, (summa cum laude); Student Body President, Norris Medal Winner |
Bar and Court Admission
- Georgia Bar, 2004
- South Carolina Bar, 2008
Professional Activities and Memberships
Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Environmental Issues Committee
Georgia Bar Association, Environmental Section
Representative Community Activities
- Clemson University Library Ambassador
- Harvard Law School Alumni Association Volunteer
- Honorary Chair, South Carolina 4-H Congress
- Upstate Forever
Awards and Honors
- Harvard Law School Dean's Award for Community Leadership
Publications and Presentations
Insurance Recovery in Connection with Property Damage and Interruption of Business, Web Client Seminar, August 2006