News Summary
Walt Wilkins, the Solicitor for the 13th Circuit, announces his retirement effective June 6, 2025, after a distinguished career in public service.
Greenville, South Carolina – Walt Wilkins, who has served as the Solicitor for the 13th Circuit, which includes Greenville and Pickens Counties, has announced his retirement, effective June 6, 2025. Wilkins is the longest-serving Solicitor in the 13th Circuit, having first been elected in November 2010 and taking office in January 2011. His decision to retire comes after a significant career dedicated to public service in the legal field.
In his announcement, Wilkins expressed deep gratitude to the citizens of the 13th Circuit for the opportunity to serve as Solicitor, indicating that this role has been the highlight of his professional career. Following his retirement, he plans to return to private practice alongside his father, Billy Wilkins, a former chief justice of the 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Together, they will focus on civil litigation, especially cases involving victims of crime.
Wilkins has a robust educational background, having graduated from Wofford College in 1996 before earning his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1999. He began his legal career at Lockheed Martin Aircraft in Argentina. In 2000, he joined the Greenville law firm Leatherwood, Walker, Todd and Mann, which marked the beginning of a distinguished tenure in law.
Before serving as Solicitor, Wilkins held various significant positions, including Assistant U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina from 2008 to 2011. His focus during this time was on prosecuting violent crimes, gang-related activities, and white-collar crime, establishing him as a prominent figure in the fight against serious offenses.
During his time as Solicitor, Wilkins instituted several noteworthy programs aimed at improving the local justice system. Among these were the Worthless Check Program and a specialized Sex Crime Prosecution Unit aimed at protecting child victims. Under his guidance, the Greenville County Multi-jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit was launched in August 2019, enhancing collaborative law enforcement efforts in combatting drug-related crime.
Wilkins’s tenure as Solicitor has been marked by two successful re-elections, in November 2014 and again in November 2018, reflecting the confidence and trust the community has in his leadership. His upcoming retirement is partly motivated by his eligibility for the state retirement system, following 24 years of dedicated service in various legal roles.
While Wilkins does not currently plan to return to public office, he aims to maintain an active involvement in politics. His father, Billy Wilkins, has expressed pride in his son’s public service achievements and is looking forward to the collaboration in their new private practice.
Walt Wilkins’s retirement signals the end of an era for the 13th Circuit, where his contributions have undoubtedly shaped the legal landscape. His decision to transition into private practice with his father represents a blend of family and professional aspirations, all while continuing to serve the community in a new capacity.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Business Magazine
- Wikipedia: Walt Wilkins
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Walt Wilkins retirement
- Fox Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Walt Wilkins
- WYFF4
- Google News: Walt Wilkins
