The New Chapter: What Walt Wilkins Is Doing Now After Retiring As Greenville’s Top Prosecutor
The Upstate South Carolina legal community witnessed a major transition in the summer of 2025, with the retirement of one of its most prominent figures, Walt Wilkins. After a distinguished career that included serving as the top prosecutor for Greenville and Pickens counties, Wilkins announced he was stepping away from the role of 13th Circuit Solicitor to embark on a new professional journey. This move has been one of the most significant recent shifts in the region’s judicial and political landscape, opening a new chapter for both Wilkins and the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. The news, which broke in late May 2025, confirmed that Wilkins would be entering private practice alongside his father, a legendary figure in his own right.
The decision to retire, effective in May 2025, and then officially step aside in early June 2025, marked the end of a long tenure dedicated to public service and the pursuit of justice across the Upstate. His new venture is a boutique litigation firm, a move that allows him to apply his decades of experience in high-stakes legal battles from a different perspective. For residents of Greenville, SC, and the surrounding areas, understanding the legacy and the future of Walt Wilkins is key to grasping the dynamics of local leadership and the legal system.
Walt Wilkins: A Comprehensive Biography and Career Timeline
William Walter “Walt” Wilkins III is a deeply rooted figure in the Greenville, South Carolina area, born and raised in the city that would become the primary focus of his public service career. His professional life has been characterized by a steady ascent through some of the nation’s most demanding legal and governmental roles.
- Full Name: William Walter “Walt” Wilkins III
- Born: 1974 (Approximate)
- Birthplace: Greenville, South Carolina
- Education:
- Wofford College (Graduated 1996)
- University of South Carolina School of Law (Received Law Degree)
- Family: Son of William W. "Billy" Wilkins, a former Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and a prominent legal figure.
- Career History:
- Assistant U.S. Attorney: Served in the Greenville office starting in 2005.
- United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina: Appointed by President George W. Bush, serving as the federal government's top prosecutor in the state.
- 13th Circuit Solicitor (2010–2025): Elected in 2010 and re-elected, serving as the chief prosecutor for all state criminal cases in Greenville and Pickens counties. He was the longest-serving solicitor for the 13th Circuit.
- Private Practice (2025–Present): Co-founder of the law firm Wilkins Davis.
- Notable Mentions: He is a Liberty Fellowship Class of 2013 member. He was also a former candidate for Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina.
The Shock Retirement and Transition to Private Practice
The announcement of Walt Wilkins’ retirement as the 13th Circuit Solicitor in May 2025 came as a significant development, especially given his long and successful tenure as the chief prosecutor for the Upstate. Wilkins cited the desire to step aside and enter the practice of law with his father as the primary reason for his decision, marking a pivot from public service to a specialized private sector role.
The role of the 13th Circuit Solicitor is critical, handling all state criminal prosecutions across Greenville and Pickens counties, which include some of the fastest-growing and most populous areas in South Carolina. Wilkins’ leadership in this capacity involved overseeing high-profile criminal cases and establishing policies that shaped the justice system for over a decade. His departure necessitated an immediate replacement to maintain the continuity of the legal process.
In the wake of his resignation, Governor Henry McMaster moved quickly to appoint a successor. On June 6, 2025, Governor McMaster appointed Greenville attorney Cindy S. Crick to serve as the new 13th Circuit Solicitor. This appointment ensured a smooth transition of power, with Crick stepping in to lead the office’s mission of seeking justice for victims and ensuring public safety in the two-county circuit.
Wilkins Davis: The New Upstate Powerhouse Law Firm
Just weeks after his retirement, Walt Wilkins, alongside his father, William W. "Billy" Wilkins, launched their new legal venture: Wilkins Davis. This new firm immediately signaled its intent to be a major player in the South Carolina legal landscape, leveraging the combined experience of a father-son duo who have held some of the highest offices in state and federal law.
The firm is described as a boutique litigation practice, moving away from the high volume of a prosecutor’s office to a highly specialized caseload. Their focus areas are designed to handle the most challenging and complex legal matters, drawing on Walt Wilkins’ background as a seasoned prosecutor and his father’s extensive judicial experience.
Key Practice Areas at Wilkins Davis (Entities):
- Complex Civil Litigation: This includes high-stakes business disputes, often involving intricate corporate law or significant financial implications.
- Class Actions: Representing large groups of people in civil lawsuits, a specialized area requiring significant resources and expertise.
- Catastrophic Injury Cases: Handling severe personal injury cases where the damages are substantial and life-altering.
- Criminal Law: Utilizing Walt Wilkins’ deep experience as a former U.S. Attorney and Circuit Solicitor to represent clients facing serious state and federal charges.
The establishment of Wilkins Davis is a major development for the Upstate South Carolina legal community. It creates a new destination for clients requiring elite representation in complex matters, particularly those that cross the boundaries between state and federal jurisdictions. The firm’s platform is even described as having an "expandable platform through strategic alliances permitting nationwide" reach for certain cases, underscoring its ambition beyond the local Greenville market.
Walt Wilkins’ Enduring Legacy in Greenville and Pickens Counties
Walt Wilkins’ impact on Greenville and Pickens counties extends far beyond the courtroom. As the 13th Circuit Solicitor, he was a key leader in the region’s public safety efforts. His long tenure provided stability and consistency to the prosecution of thousands of criminal cases, from violent crimes to complex drug trafficking operations.
The transition from a high-profile public servant to a private litigation specialist is a familiar path for many top prosecutors. It allows Wilkins to focus his formidable legal skills on a select number of cases, potentially achieving high-impact results for his clients in the realm of business and high-stakes civil law. His deep understanding of the inner workings of the state and federal justice systems—from his time as a U.S. Attorney to his role as Solicitor—provides a unique advantage in navigating complex legal challenges.
As the Upstate continues its explosive growth, the presence of experienced legal minds like Walt Wilkins in the private sector ensures that the region has the legal infrastructure to support its expanding business and residential needs. His career trajectory—from Wofford College to the U.S. Attorney's Office, and now to a boutique law firm—cements his status as one of Greenville, SC’s most influential and enduring legal and political entities. The Wilkins name remains synonymous with legal excellence in South Carolina, a tradition that continues with the new Wilkins Davis firm.
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