We’re proud to share that our founder, Joseph Preston “Pete” Strom, Jr., Esq., has been selected by the South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center as the 2025 Advocate of the Year, receiving the Rev. Sen. Clementa C. Pinckney Award for Justice. This recognition reflects Pete’s lifelong commitment to expanding justice and opportunity across South Carolina.
What the Honor Recognizes
The Advocate of the Year award celebrates leaders who advance justice for low-income South Carolinians and strengthen community well-being through service and advocacy. Pete’s decades of leadership, philanthropy, and legal work exemplify those values.
Pete’s Lasting Impact
Pete’s relationship with SC Appleseed spans many years as a board member, generous supporter, and advocate for systemic change. His leadership helped secure a transformative cy pres award that continues to fund legal initiatives supporting low-income residents. Beyond that, Pete’s work has contributed to hundreds of millions of dollars in relief for South Carolina utility ratepayers through landmark legal action—impacting lives statewide and strengthening the pursuit of justice for all.
A Legacy of Service
From his years as the U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina to his ongoing work leading Strom Law Firm, Pete’s mission has remained constant: to defend the rights of South Carolinians and create lasting positive change in his community.
We congratulate Pete on this extraordinary achievement and thank the South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center for recognizing his lifetime of service and advocacy.
🔗 Learn more about the award and SC Appleseed’s mission
About the Award
The Rev. Sen. Clementa C. Pinckney Award for Justice honors those who embody Senator Pinckney’s legacy—leadership rooted in compassion, integrity, and a lifelong pursuit of justice. Each year, SC Appleseed’s Board of Directors selects a leader whose efforts have strengthened the fight for economic, social, and racial justice across South Carolina.
Past recipients include civic and legal trailblazers such as Congressman James Clyburn, Coach Dawn Staley, Secretary Richard W. Riley, Senator Vincent Sheheen, and Attorney Sarah Leverette—making this year’s recognition for Pete especially meaningful among such distinguished company.
About Strom Law Firm
Founded in 1996 by former U.S. Attorney Pete Strom, Strom Law Firm advocates for individuals and families across South Carolina in matters including personal injury, consumer protection, civil rights, employment, and more. Our mission is simple: protect the injured, defend the accused, and champion fairness for all.
Contact Us:
Phone: (803) 252-4800
Offices: Columbia, Walterboro, Spartanburg