Ritchie & Associates is one of the Carolinas’ leading equine law firms.

Led by Jim Ritchie, a veteran attorney and experienced horseman who is licensed in North and South Carolina, this full-service practice guides equestrian professionals, training barns, riders, owners, investors, and non-profit associations through the complex world of equine law.

about jim ritchie

Growing up in Virginia, I learned from an early age about the sacrifices and responsibilities of caring for horses. It was a standing rule in our house that I checked the horses each morning before school and made sure they were fed and watered before our family gathered for dinner.

I have hunted and shown, boarded, owned, bought, sold, and helped birth and bury horses. I know and love the horse world and I want to help the sport and the industry grow and prosper throughout the Carolinas. That is why I make equine law an important part of my practice.

I work with each client to build a strong partnership to meet their goals. Together we build a solid legal foundation to support their equine business, investments, or hobby.

a good equine lawyer…

Pays close attention to the details

Plans ahead to improve success and avoid losses

Resume

Jim is the head of Ritchie & Associates, a unique law firm that works with high impact companies and individuals in North Carolina and South Carolina. He brings over thirty years of legal and public policy experience to the firm.

Concurrent with his professional career, Jim served in the South Carolina Senate for eight years and as Majority Whip for the last four years of his tenure. His legislative service was marked by his leadership to increase South Carolina’s competitiveness in the global economy and creating effective public/private partnerships. He earned a strong reputation for marshaling support for key initiatives and effectively negotiating with members of both parties to find common ground.

***Jim Ritchie speaking at the National Conference on Equine Law in Lexington, KY in May 2023.***

Education & Fellowships

Wake Forest University School of Law, JD
West Virginia University, BA, Political Science
Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government, National Conference of State Legislatures, Legislative Leadership Institute
Georgetown University, Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems, The Fund for American Studies
Liberty Fellow, Aspen Global Leadership Network

Selected Awards & Honors

The State’s Ten Most Effective Senators in South Carolina
South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Public Servant of the Year
South Carolina Policy Council Palmetto Leadership Award
S.C. Association of REALTORS W. Mack Chamblee Jr. Quality of Life Award
US Green Building Council South Carolina Individual Leadership Award
Palmetto Conservation Foundation Founders Award
Boys & Girls Clubs of America S.C. Area Council C.A.R.E. Award
SAFE Homes-Rape Crisis Coalition Leadership Award

Board & Commission Experience

Chairman, South Carolina Judicial Merit Selection Commission
Member, South Carolina Commission on International Agreements and Cooperation
Board of Directors, Palmetto Conservation Foundation
Board of Directors, Peace Center for the Performing Arts
Board of Directors and General Counsel, Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce
Vice President and General Counsel, Italy-America Chamber of Commerce SE, SC

Tryon Equine Law in the News and CLE Materials

Click here to read recently published articles in various equestrian magazines.
Tryon Equine Law is a proud sponsor of the 2022 Block House
Tyron Equine Law has led a variety of CLE courses, including programs through the SC Bar Association.