When it comes to the latest trends in women's apparel, there's no better place to shop till you drop than Downtown Chucktown. And if you're searching for the finest threads in Charleston, look no further than Copper Penny - the Lowcountry's go-to shop for anyone that has a passion for fashion.
We have been dressing women in Charleston for over 34 years and offer upscale designer collections curated with a Southern eye. Here, women from around the United States discover sophisticated, effortless beauty for every season. Whether you're looking for a sassy new dress to impress that special someone or the perfect outfit for your next vacation, your options are endless at Copper Penny.
With easy-to-find locations close to Charleston's hottest spots, our curated selection of the newest, most popular women's clothing lines reflects the effortless glamour of Charleston. Whether you're a tidy professional or a fierce trend-setter, our goal is to help you find the perfect look for your own unique style. With designer brands like CK Bradley and Holst & Lee on hand year-round, finding your new look is easy and fun when you visit Copper Penny.
Our clothing lines give ladies a refreshing mix of one-of-a-kind authenticity with real wearability, allowing them to shine with confidence and style all year long. So, go ahead and spoil yourself - you deserve to look like a million bucks!
Diamonds are pretty and all, but honestly? Dresses are a girl's best friend. Dresses are fun, comfortable, and versatile. At Copper Penny, they're also fashionable and cute. We have a huge selection of women's dresses in Charleston, SC, from stylistic sheath dresses to drop-waist styles that will make your girlfriends jealous.
These dresses are made to fit your waist and then gradually flare out towards the hem. A-line dresses are excellent for minimizing thighs, hips, and midsections while pulling the eyes to your bust. This style of dress is a great fit for almost any body type. There's a reason why so many brides settle on A-Line dresses for their big day! With plenty of varieties, this is a kind of dress that you can wear again and again.
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Like the A-Line style, empire dresses are made to fit through your bust. Rather than creating a distinctly angular shape like the A-Line, the Empire style flows from the bust down. This is another kind of dress that fits many body types. From curvy to apple body shapes, the Empire draws focus to your bust and minimizes everything else. For lovely ladies on the shorter side, this style defines your silhouette, especially if you choose a maxi length dress.
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A throwback to the roaring 20's style flapper dresses, Drop Waist dresses look best on lean, athletic bodies that don't have too many curves in the hip area. The key to pulling off a Drop Waist style dress is to ensure that it's not hugging you. This dress is best worn when it is able to hang freely on your body.
SHOP NOWOnce you know the kind of waist that fits your body type, it's time to find your shape. A few of our most popular dress shapes include:
Any clothing store for women in Charleston, SC, worth its salt, will have plenty of fit & flare dresses for you to try. This common-shaped dress is one of the most popular on the market, mainly because they look great on every woman, regardless of age or shape. A timeless choice, fit & flare dresses fit through the bodice and flare out just below your hip. This helps develop a balanced, slimming silhouette for most women. If you want to accentuate your best assets and hide everything else, ask our experienced fashionistas to show you some the most popular fit & flare dresses at Copper Penny.
Time to start doing your happy dance! Fit & flare dresses have very balanced proportions, making them a true winner for every body type. Women with athletic builds love this dress for the extra curves. Women with apple-shaped bodies love how fit & flare dresses define their waistlines. Because this dress already looks like an hourglass on the hanger, it will be a natural fit for ladies with such a figure.
Shift dresses are typically rectangular in shape and tend to be comfy and forgiving since they aren't fitted. Also called a column dress, the shift dress is a great choice for polished professionals needing a conservative, fashionable outfit for work.
These dresses look fabulous on women with athletic, lean shapes and women with an apple-like figure. This kind of dress doesn't work well with a belt, so ladies with an hourglass figure may not be able to show off their curves in a shift. Try pairing this dress with a nice pair of heels for a beautiful new look!
Wrap dresses are one of the most popular styles on the market, because they give ladies of most shapes and sizes a flattering, fashionable dress option.
If you have an hourglass, apple, or generally curvy body shape, you're going to love wrap dresses. This style of dress offers a natural waist while placing emphasis on your bust. Wrap dresses give you a balanced silhouette and, with a knee-length fit, are great for any type of color or style, both day and nightwear.
Unless you're feeling extra sassy, chances are you're wearing a top at this very moment. Tops are garments that cover the top half of your body. At Copper Penny, we have an endless selection of tops in a wide range of styles - from basic tees to blouses and everything in between. If you're looking for the highest quality women's tops in Charleston, SC, you just hit the jackpot!
With that said, finding the right top for the right occasion is easier said than done. However, at Copper Penny, we make finding the right top fun. Whether you're looking for a top that makes a statement or you need a classic button-down for a subdued style, we've got your back. We only carry the most popular tops from the best brands and designers around the world.
Sometimes called broadcloth tops, poplins have classic characteristics and are often woven with an over/under weave. This kind of weave gives more substance to your top while also giving you room to breathe. Poplin shirts are typically soft and smooth, and are great for everyday business attire, some formal occasions, and for certain ceremonies. Sweet and feminine, our Bruna poplin eyelet bib top features ruffles at the sleeves and an eyelet lace yoke at the front. Pair your poplin with your favorite pair of shorts or jeans for a contemporary, relaxed look.
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Great for wearing solo or layered over a camisole or tank top, wrap tops are lightweight, versatile, and great for many different occasions. Wrap tops go well with jeans, maxi dresses, and high-waisted jeans or trousers. Our V-Neck Wrap SLV Top by Jayden is uber-popular at Copper Penny and the perfect choice for dressing down or dressing up. The choice is yours!
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For a dose of feminine fashion, be sure you add an off-the-shoulder top to your everyday wardrobe. A casual, sexy choice, off-the-shoulder tops have unique necklines that cut across your upper arms and chest, leaving your shoulders bare. The result is a flirty flash of skin, which elongates your neck and gives a relaxed, "daytime casual" look. Our Nola off-the-shoulder top pairs perfectly with shorts or even a flowy skirt and is hand-woven in Spain using Jacquard fabric.
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Who doesn't love a good tank top?! Tank tops are lightweight, versatile, and equally great for lounging in the yard or running errands on weekends. Tank tops lend an air of simplicity to your outfit and can be styled in endless ways. Take our Velvet Heart Victory Tank, for instance. This tank is a refreshing update on our classic sleeveless tank top, complete with fray details and a scoop neck. Throw in the fact that it's machine washable, and you have a wardrobe winner.
Shop NowHaving trouble finding the best top for your size and style? As the most trusted women's clothing boutique in Charleston, SC, Copper Penny has helped women discover new looks in the Lowcountry for more than two decades. We take pride in providing a personalized, boutique experience for our customers. If you have questions, give us a call or swing by one of our locations. We would be happy to give you our professional opinion.
Until then, here's a quick guide you can follow to help you find the right fit for your women's top in Charleston:
When choosing a women's top for your outfit, you have to consider how comfortable, confident, and beautiful you will feel. The best way to feel your best in an outfit is to make sure it fits correctly. To get started, you'll want to take your measurements. For most women's tops, the best areas to focus on are your hips, waist, and chest.
Hip Measurements: Measuring your hips is fairly easy. Take your measuring tape and use it to wrap around the widest area of your hips.
Waist Measurements: Take your measuring tape and place it at the very top of your hip bone. Wrap it all the way around your body. Try to keep your measuring tape in line with your belly button. For the most accurate measurements, stand up straight and breathe normally.
Chest Measurements: For an accurate chest measurement, take the end of your measuring tape and place it on the fullest area of your bust. From there, wrap the tape around your body, under your armpits, and around the blades of your shoulders. Then, wrap the tape tightly from the back of your body to the front, where you started.
Swing by Copper Penny and ask one of our friendly sales associates to help you out! While you're there, don't forget to check out our huge selection of women's tops in Charleston, SC.
Looking to take your style to the next level? You can also get in touch with a personal stylist directly from our website. With a personal stylist by your side, you can find stunning looks for specific occasions, using comfortable clothing in your favorite colors and cuts. Copper Penny is your one-stop-shop for fashionable, fun, fabulous designer clothing in Charleston. But don't take our word for it's come see for yourself!
CHARLESTON — It’s been nearly a year since the Lowcountry and surrounding areas were blanketed in a rare snow. Meteorologists predict some of the same coastal areas might see more this weekend, though conditions won’t make for a day of play.People in the tri-county area might see snow flurries mixed in with rain during the evening of Saturday, Jan. 17 into Jan. 18, according to the National Weather Service.While temperatures are predicted to dip well below freezing in coming days, forecasters say warm weekend ...
CHARLESTON — It’s been nearly a year since the Lowcountry and surrounding areas were blanketed in a rare snow. Meteorologists predict some of the same coastal areas might see more this weekend, though conditions won’t make for a day of play.
People in the tri-county area might see snow flurries mixed in with rain during the evening of Saturday, Jan. 17 into Jan. 18, according to the National Weather Service.
While temperatures are predicted to dip well below freezing in coming days, forecasters say warm weekend weather will prevent any snow from sticking to surfaces.
A wintry mix of precipitation is anticipated to affect the Charleston area as well as Walterboro, Beaufort, Hilton Head and Allendale, along with some coastal and slight inland areas in Georgia.
Leading into the possible winter weather, residents are advised to bundle up, bring plants inside, use measures to prevent freezing pipes and ensure they have a steady source of heat.
A cold weather advisory will take effect at 8 p.m. Jan. 15 and last through 9 a.m. Jan. 16. Temperatures could drop to the teens, according to NWS.
Temperatures then are expected to rise well above freezing by midday Jan. 17.
With forecast fluctuations and constant weather changes, meteorologists are maintaining a low level of confidence in the potential for snow.
Forecasters are iffy on how much snow residents could see. That depends on where a low pressure system forms, said Alex Trellinger, meteorologist with NWS Charleston.
If the system forms off the coast, conditions will likely be right for a snowier scenario. If it forms over land, the weather will likely be all rain, Trellinger said.
This gamble means that weather systems coming into the area Jan. 17 could produce any number of outcomes.
Regardless, expected daytime highs in the mid-60s mean that nothing is likely to stick, though people may see frost accumulate on grassy areas, according to Trellinger.
The Charleston (SC) Cougars (12-3) aim to continue a three-game home winning streak when they host the Drexel Dragons (8-6) on January 16, 2026.Charleston (SC) was victorious in its most recent game against Hampton, 88-75, on Sunday. Tyja Beans was its leading scorer with 24 points. Drexel was victorious in its most recent game against Hofstra, 67-38, on Sunday. Deja Evans was its leading scorer with 20 points.Watch women’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service t...
The Charleston (SC) Cougars (12-3) aim to continue a three-game home winning streak when they host the Drexel Dragons (8-6) on January 16, 2026.
Charleston (SC) was victorious in its most recent game against Hampton, 88-75, on Sunday. Tyja Beans was its leading scorer with 24 points. Drexel was victorious in its most recent game against Hofstra, 67-38, on Sunday. Deja Evans was its leading scorer with 20 points.
Watch women’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up.
This contest between the Cougars and Dragons will go down on Friday, January 16, 2026. You should expect the opening tip at 7 p.m. ET.
The Cougars and Dragons will hit the floor at TD Arena for this matchup on Jan. 16, and if you want to see the action live, get your tickets now from Vivid Seats!
Charleston (SC) outscores opponents by 19.4 points per game (scoring 78.3 per game to rank 35th in college basketball while allowing 58.9 per outing to rank 65th in college basketball) and has a +291 scoring differential overall.
The Cougars are averaging 78.3 points, 21.3 more than the Dragons give up.
Charleston (SC) knocks down 7.9 three-pointers per game (56th in college basketball), 1.6 more than its opponents (6.3).
The Cougars are posting 89.4 points per game in home games. Away from home, they are averaging 70.3 points per contest.
In its last 10 games, Charleston (SC) has been racking up 73.5 points per contest, an average that’s slightly lower than the 78.3 it has scored over the course of the 2025-26 season.
Drexel’s +96 scoring differential (outscoring opponents by 6.9 points per game) is a result of putting up 63.9 points per game (233rd in college basketball) while allowing 57.0 per contest (34th in college basketball).
The Dragons’ 63.9 points per game are 5.0 more than the Cougars give up.
Drexel hits 5.1 three-pointers per game (270th in college basketball), while its opponents have made 5.9 on average.
The Dragons are scoring more points at home (66.4 per game) than on the road (61.7).
Want to see this game live? Buy tickets for Charleston (SC) vs. Drexel on Vivid Seats.
| Name | GP | PTS | REB | ASST | STL | BLK | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taryn Barbot | 15 | 19.5 | 6.1 | 2.6 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 2.8 |
| Taylor Barbot | 15 | 12.3 | 4.7 | 7.5 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 0.5 |
| Tyja Beans | 15 | 10.6 | 4.3 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| Sophie Tougas | 14 | 8.8 | 3.4 | 0.6 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 1.9 |
| Grace Ezebilo | 15 | 6.6 | 11.7 | 0.1 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.0 |
| Name | GP | PTS | REB | ASST | STL | BLK | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaris Baker | 14 | 19.9 | 3.9 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 2.1 |
| Laine McGurk | 14 | 11.9 | 3.6 | 2.6 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 1.4 |
| Deja Evans | 14 | 10.3 | 6.1 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 0.0 |
| Molly Rullo | 14 | 5.6 | 2.9 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.7 |
| Grace O’Neill | 14 | 4.6 | 5.4 | 4.6 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.5 |
Rep your favorite team with officially licensed apparel from Lids or Fanatics.
And for more CBB game previews, NCAA basketball picks or even how to bet on college basketball check out the latest NCAAB lines on Betsperts.
The Charleston (SC) Cougars (11-6, 4-0 CAA) will attempt to continue a seven-game winning streak when hitting the road against the Towson Tigers (9-9, 1-4 CAA) on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at TU Arena. It airs at 8 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.Towson beat Northeastern 87-78 on the road last time out, and were led by Dylan Williamson (22 PTS, 66.67 FG%, 2-4 from 3PT) and Jaquan Womack (17 PTS, 63.64 FG%). In its most recent game, Charleston (SC) beat Hampton, 74-70, at home. Its top performers were Colby Duggan (22 PTS, 53.85 FG%, 4-...
The Charleston (SC) Cougars (11-6, 4-0 CAA) will attempt to continue a seven-game winning streak when hitting the road against the Towson Tigers (9-9, 1-4 CAA) on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at TU Arena. It airs at 8 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
Towson beat Northeastern 87-78 on the road last time out, and were led by Dylan Williamson (22 PTS, 66.67 FG%, 2-4 from 3PT) and Jaquan Womack (17 PTS, 63.64 FG%). In its most recent game, Charleston (SC) beat Hampton, 74-70, at home. Its top performers were Colby Duggan (22 PTS, 53.85 FG%, 4-7 from 3PT) and Jlynn Counter (19 PTS, 7 AST, 3 STL, 50 FG%).
Here is what you need to get ready for Thursday's college hoops game.
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
College basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Thursday at 9:34 p.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling. We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site. Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.
The Citadel Bulldogs (3-8) will try to halt a five-game road losing skid at the Charleston (SC) Cougars (5-6) on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET.In its most recent game, Charleston (SC) were winners at home over Charlotte, 74-67. Its top performers were Martin Kalu (18 PTS, 8 REB, 75.00 FG%, 4-6 from 3PT) and Jlynn Counter (17 PTS, 42.86 FG%). In its previous game, Citadel fell to South Carolina 71-55 on the road, with Carter Kingsbury (18 PTS, 57.14 FG%) and Sola Adebisi (9 PTS, 3 BLK, 25.00 FG%) the standout performers....
The Citadel Bulldogs (3-8) will try to halt a five-game road losing skid at the Charleston (SC) Cougars (5-6) on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET.
In its most recent game, Charleston (SC) were winners at home over Charlotte, 74-67. Its top performers were Martin Kalu (18 PTS, 8 REB, 75.00 FG%, 4-6 from 3PT) and Jlynn Counter (17 PTS, 42.86 FG%). In its previous game, Citadel fell to South Carolina 71-55 on the road, with Carter Kingsbury (18 PTS, 57.14 FG%) and Sola Adebisi (9 PTS, 3 BLK, 25.00 FG%) the standout performers.
Before watching this matchup, here is what you need to know about Wednesday's college basketball action.
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
College basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Wednesday at 9:34 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling. We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site. Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — A prominent Lowcountry attorney has countersued his law partner for misusing firm money, months after being accused of doing the same himself.The countersuit, filed on Tuesday by David Hoffman, who is the face of the Hoffman Law Firm, alleges that his firm’s partner, Kevin Smith, put over $500,000 of personal expenses, including “excursions” at a downtown adult entertainment business, on a BP gas card belonging to the firm.The suit goes on to allege Smith would attempt to make p...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — A prominent Lowcountry attorney has countersued his law partner for misusing firm money, months after being accused of doing the same himself.
The countersuit, filed on Tuesday by David Hoffman, who is the face of the Hoffman Law Firm, alleges that his firm’s partner, Kevin Smith, put over $500,000 of personal expenses, including “excursions” at a downtown adult entertainment business, on a BP gas card belonging to the firm.
The suit goes on to allege Smith would attempt to make personal purchases on Amazon appear to be made by the firm’s office manager by changing the recipient’s name to hers.
A receipt from the filing purports to show a charge made on Hoffman’s personal firm credit card to fix Smith’s yacht, which the suit alleges is in relation to a yacht business that Smith owns.
Almost three months before Tuesday’s filing, Smith filed a lawsuit against Hoffman, alleging Hoffman committed “actual fraud” by spending firm funds on Botox, mortgage payments and weapons.
In an affidavit filed in November by Smith’s forensic accountant, Christa Yantis, she alleges that between 2017 and 2025 Hoffman spent $10,041,095 of firm funds on personal expenses or transfers to other business entities owned by Hoffman.
Some other payments alleged to have been made by Hoffman include interior and exterior cleaning of his home and costs relating to legal and accounting work.
The Hoffman Law Firm was founded in 2007, but Smith joined the practice in 2012. Around 2014, he became an owner of 49% of the firm, with Hoffman retaining 51%.
In his September lawsuit, Smith claimed that despite the firm only having two members, Hoffman refused to make “equitable distributions” for years.
A forensic accountant stated in court records that the disproportionate share of funds disbursed is $9,400,237.45 for the benefit of Hoffman and that it is highly likely that fraud has occurred.
In an affidavit filed by Hoffman in September, he said, “Both Mr. Smith and I have used firm monies to pay personal expenses,” and also said, “After this controversy arose, I instructed the accountant retained by [the Hoffman Law Firm] to review the tax returns, and to thoroughly go through Quickbook for the relevant period. He has completed the review and amended the tax returns. Those reflect the correction of the transfers made to other accounts.”
“While these transfers are loans to me, and I am responsible for putting them back in the LLC,” Hoffman said.
The Dec. 16 countersuit filed by Hoffman alleged personal expenses made by Smith included:
Among allegations made in initial filings, Hoffman alleged that Smith had discussed his “contemporaneous use of cocaine and other illegal drugs” while at work.
Hoffman’s December countersuit doubled down on these allegations, stating that, “[Smith] indulges in illegal drugs, and he then cannot help himself from regaling the office staff with tales of these ‘adventures’ and his accompanying unlawful conduct.”
Smith has previously denied using cocaine, responding in an email, “I do not use drugs and I believe these accusations are nothing more than retaliation against me for exposing Hoffman’s financial misconduct.”
In September, multiple affidavits were filed by Hoffman and eight other employees at the Hoffman Law Firm filed affidavits alleging that Smith wasn’t productive at work.
“Mr. Smith has done absolutely nothing with regard to the management of the law firm, and he has done comparatively little in the way of productivity.” Hoffman stated, “For quite some time, I have been dissatisfied with Mr. Smith and his behaviors. I suffered along but was increasingly dissatisfied of the effect it was having on our firm.”
Hoffman paralegal, Tracie Hopkins, said in her affidavit that, “When [Smith] was in the office, he spent an inordinate amount of time focusing upon his charter yacht business to the detriment of his case load. I overheard him talking on the telephone on many occasions about scheduling the charter boat.”
Hoffman office manager Stephanie Mills said, “He travels frequently across the country and internationally, performing at music festivals. He has on occasion discussed with me and others his partying life, including the use of illicit drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine.”
Hoffman claims in court filings that he had discussed with various legal counsel the need for the Hoffman Law Firm to remove Smith from the firm, leading up to August, on the basis of his alleged workplace conduct.
Judge Patrick Fant said in a September order that Hoffman was required to stop restricting financial records from Smith.
Fant addressed the contents of affidavits filed by Hoffman and his employees.
“Mr. Hoffman’s affidavit and those of the Firm employees do not provide a basis for denying the plaintiffs the temporary relief requested,” Fant said.
Hoffman released a statement regarding Tuesday’s countersuit:
Today’s court filing sets forth my response and counterclaims, which detail serious allegations regarding misconduct and financial misuse. I stand firmly behind the allegations set forth in the filing and believe it is important that truth and accountability prevail. While it is unfortunate that this matter has reached this point, addressing it through the proper legal channels is necessary.
Because this is active litigation, I will not litigate these matters in the media and will address them through the court process. This is a private business dispute and does not affect our clients, cases, or the day-to-day operations of Hoffman Law Firm.
Smith released a statement late Tuesday afternoon in response to Hoffman’s countersuit:
This situation has never been about ego, control, or public conflict. My actions have been guided by one obligation above all others. Protect the clients, protect the people who serve them, and protect the integrity of the firm. Clients deserve steady hands, clear communication, and lawyers who put their interests first.
His release continued:
Smith instituted this lawsuit after noticing irregularities on the firm’s tax returns. When Smith requested the firm’s financial records from David Hoffman, he was instructed not to enter the building again and told he would be removed from the law firm due to his “distrust” of Hoffman. Smith filed the lawsuit on behalf of himself and Hoffman Law Firm. The lawsuit seeks a full accounting, an order requiring Hoffman to pay back firm money he used for personal expenses, and an order dissociating David Hoffman from the firm. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, a Temporary Restraining Order was issued against Hoffman noting Smith was “likely to succeed on the merits of the claim that Defendant Hoffman has breached his duty of loyalty by systematically and routinely using Firm funds for personal use and making unlawful distributions.” The Court went on to find both Smith and Hoffman Law Firm “are likely to succeed on the claims for conversion and fraud.”
In connection with the litigation, a certified public accountant and certified fraud examiner retained to review available records submitted sworn findings describing significant accounting irregularities, incomplete disclosures, and limitations placed on access to historical financial documentation. The examiner noted “(1) widespread misappropriations and self-dealing of the Firm’s funds by Mr. Hoffman; (2) repeated alteration of the Firm’s financial records with what appears to be an intent to conceal these misappropriations and self-dealing by Mr. Hoffman; (3) years of mis-categorizations of transactions which appear to be a result of a lack of understanding of basic record keeping principles by Mr. Hoffman; and (4) efforts to hide information and hinder our examination.” Her review showed Hoffman would print checks to himself, but then change the payee in the accounting records to make it appear those checks were written to some other business related entity. “This is indicative of an intent to conceal the money Mr. Hoffman was paying to himself and disguise the transaction from anyone who would review the books,” according to the examiner.
It is also alleged that Hoffman spent firm money on Botox injections, firearms, boat expenses, home mortgages, tuition payments for his children, lawyers for his divorce, and that he wrote regular checks to individuals with no known connection to legitimate law firm activities. The examiner noted that in one case, Hoffman made an electronic cash transfer to an account for one of his downtown Charleston apartments which he labeled in the firm’s accounting software as a “charitable contribution.”
Smith also alleges a law firm credit card was issued to a family member of Hoffman, who Smith says appears to be using the card for “unrestricted personal spending” that included 194 separate charges by that family member in July 2025 that comprised purchases made overseas during a trip, Uber Eats charges, and gaming purchases.
Smith alleges that based on limited available resources, the examiner estimated that Hoffman misappropriated over $10 million in law firm money to himself and on personal expenses betwene 2017 and 2025 “with still millions of dollars of records to go through.”
The examiner recommended, Smith said, that an independent third party assume responsibility for maintaining accounting records and overseeing financial decisions while the dispute continue to prevent “further risk to firm assets and operations.”
Smith’s release continued:
David Hoffman recently filed his Answer to the lawsuit and included counter claims against Smith. Smith contends Hoffman’s response is nothing more than retaliation and an attempt to divert attention from his financial wrongdoings. Because Hoffman contends he contributed more to the firm’s success than anyone else, Smith released an accounting of both his and Hoffman’s fees which show Smith brought in over $14,000,000 from 2016-2024. Hoffman produced less than $1,500,000 during that period or about 10% of Smith’s production.
Smith has continued working on client matters, cooperating fully with forensic review, and complying with all court directives. He has also posted the required bond and refrained from any actions that would destabilize the firm or prejudice the interests of clients, staff, or the court.
All allegations remain subject to judicial review and determination. He stated that no further public comment will be made while litigation is ongoing in order to respect the legal process and the court’s role in resolving the matter.
