Shareholder Christian Stegmaier is President of Collins & Lacy and Chair of the Management Committee. He is also Chair of the firm’s Retail & Hospitality Practice Group.

With nearly 25 years in practice, Christian is a nationally recognized thought leader and attorney in retail and hospitality law. He maintains a state and national practice representing the leaders in retail, hospitality, live music and entertainment promotion and presentation, amusement and specialty attractions, and private clubs. He defends claims involving premises liability, loss prevention, food adulteration, and third-party torts. He is known as a go-to lawyer in South Carolina in Dram Shop/Alcohol Liability litigation.

As a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Christian has a demonstrated track record of taking matters to trial and prevailing.

Additionally, Christian is skilled in appellate advocacy. Building on his experience as law clerk to The Honorable Ralph King Anderson, Jr., Judge of the South Carolina Court, and appearing more than 45 times before various state and federal appellate tribunals as counsel, Christian is well recognized in the appellate law community for his careful research and effective briefing, as well as his engaging oral argument style.

Finally, Christian maintains an active practice in complex litigation, business litigation, and insurance law, which includes coverage matters and bad faith litigation. He represents some of the world’s largest insurers in their South Carolina matters.

Regarding professional affiliations, Christian is an active member of DRI Retail & Hospitality (past committee chair), Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys, International Amusement & Leisure Defense Association, CLM, South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association, and Primerus (chair, Premises Liability Practice Group). He is an active writer and presenter in a variety of matters, including ethics, leadership and management, trial tactics, appellate advocacy, mediation strategies, retail and hospitality law, and insurance/bad faith issues.

Christian has been recognized for his skill and reputation by SuperLawyers, Best Lawyers, and South Carolina Lawyers Weekly Leadership in Law.

In addition to his practice, Christian has been a member of the adjunct facility at the University of South Carolina’s nationally acclaimed College of Hospitality, Retail & Sport Management. He has taught Hotel & Restaurant Law (HRTM 357) to upperclassmen HRTM majors. Also, he is a Major in the South Carolina State Guard, where he is Staff Judge Advocate and commander of the JAG Detachment.

A lifelong Lutheran, Christian and his family attend New Hope Lutheran Church where he has served as president of the congregation.

Christian is a recipient of the Eagle Scout award and remains an engaged supporter of the Boy Scouts of America.