February 19, 2019
Robert E. August
Bob’s focus lies in the areas of Mergers and Acquisitions, Estate Planning and Administration, Taxation, LLCs, Partnerships, Family Limited Partnerships and Corporations. He also assists clients in business transactions, business entity formation and business planning and tax strategy.
Bob and his wife Doane, are active members of First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, where Bob serves as a Deacon. He and Doane have four children. Bob plays the electric guitar and is an avid hunter (deer, ducks, dove and turkey) and fisherman.
Education
- New York University, (LL.M) Taxation (1993)
- University of South Carolina School of Law, (J.D.) (1992)
- Symposium Editor of the South Carolina Law Review
- Editor’s Award
- Member of the Order of Wig & Robe
- University of Dayton, (Economics) (B.A.) Magna Cum Laude (1989)
Professional Qualifications
- South Carolina Supreme Court, Certified Specialist in Taxation Law
- South Carolina Supreme Court, Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law
- AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) (Fellow)
- American Bar Association (Member)
- South Carolina Bar:
- Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Section (Member)
- Tax Law Section (Member-Past Chairperson)
- Greenville County Bar Association (Member)
- Greenville Estate Planning Council (Member)
- Greenville County Estate Planning Study Group (Member)
Awards and Honors
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© for 2022 in the fields of:
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (Lawyer of the Year 2014 & 2021 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (Lawyer of the Year 2015 and 2023 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Corporate Law (Lawyer of the Year 2016 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Litigation and Controversy -Tax (Lawyer of the Year 2022 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Tax Law (Lawyer of the Year 2019 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Trusts and Estates
- Named to South Carolina Super Lawyers (2009-2021)
- Greenville Business Magazine Legal Elite Award Recipient (2017-Present)
February 18, 2019
Jonathan R. Colao
Jonathan’s practice is focused on the areas of Tax Controversy and Estate Planning. He also assists clients in business transactions and business entity formation.
Jonathan and his wife, Emily have a young daughter named Sophia with whom they enjoy spending time outdoors. Outside the office, he enjoys attending sporting events, most specifically Furman football, baseball, and basketball.
Education
- University of Alabama School of Law, (L.L.M) Taxation (est. 2020)
- University of South Carolina School of Law (J.D.) (2015)
- College of Charleston Graduate School (M.Acc) (2011)
- Furman University (B.S.) Accounting (2010)
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Bar Association (Member)
- South Carolina Bar:
- Young Lawyers Division (Member)
- American Certified Fraud Examiners (C.F.E. Designated Member)
Awards and Honors
- Greenville Business Magazine Legal Elite Award Recipient (2021-Present)
February 17, 2019
Phillip J. Martin
Phillip Martin specializes in Business Organizations and Trusts and Estates.
He enjoys participating in endurance sports, such as triathlons and obstacle course races, spending time outdoors with his family and participating in service projects through Grace Church. He and his wife, Laura, have two children. Prior to embarking on his legal career, Phillip lived on Sado Island in Japan and served as an ESL (English as a second language) instructor there.
Education
- University of Florida Levin College of Law, (LL.M) Taxation (2017)
- University of South Carolina School of Law, (J.D.) Cum Laude (2016)
- Vice President, Pro Bono Society
- Vice President, Christian Legal Society
- Member of the Order of the Wig and Robe
- CALI® Awards in Estate and Gift Taxation, Family Law, and Law of the Newly Possible
- Furman University, (B.A.) Asian Studies, Cum Laude (2009)
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Bar Association (Member)
- South Carolina Bar:
- Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Section (Member)
- Tax Law Section (Member)
- Greenville County Bar Association (Member)
- Greenville Estate Planning Council (Member)
- Greenville Estate Planning Study Group (Member)
- Japan-American Association of South Carolina (Member)
Awards & Honors
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© in the fields of:
- Nonprofit/Charities Law (Ones to Watch 2023, in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Tax Law (Ones to Watch 2023, in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Trusts and Estates (Ones to Watch 2023, in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Greenville Business Magazine Legal Elite Award Recipient (2020-Present)
- Recipient of the CALI® Awards in Estate and Gift Taxation, Family Law, and Law of the Newly Possible at the University of South Carolina School of Law
- Recipient of the Arthur B. Custy Tax Award at the University of South Carolina School of Law
- Recipient of the Albert C. Todd, III Estate Planning Award at the University of South Carolina School of Law
- Recipient of the John McDougall Family Law Award at the University of South Carolina School of Law
February 16, 2019
Keith G. Meacham
Keith serves clients in the areas of estate planning, probate law, estate and trust administration and taxation. He has served the greater Greenville community as a member of the St. Francis Foundation Board of Directors. Keith and his wife, Diane, have triplets who were born in 1993. In his spare time, Keith enjoys playing guitar and listening to music.
Education
- Emory University, (LL.M) Taxation (1988)
- University of South Carolina School of Law, (J.D.) (1987)
- University of South Carolina, (B.S.) Cum Laude (1984)
Professional Qualifications
- South Carolina Supreme Court, Certified Specialist in Taxation Law
- South Carolina Supreme Court, Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law
- AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) (Fellow)
- American Bar Association (Member)
- South Carolina Bar:
- Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Section (Member)
- Tax Law Section (Member-Past Chairperson)
- Taxation Law Specialization Advisory Board (Past Chairperson)
- Greenville County Bar Association (Member)
- Greenville Estate Planning Council (Member-Past President)
- Greenville County Estate Planning Study Group (Member)
Awards and Honors
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© for 2022 in the fields of:
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
- Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (Lawyer of the Year 2017 and 2020 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Litigation – Trusts and Estates (Lawyer of the Year 2013 and 2023 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Litigation and Controversy -Tax (Lawyer of the Year 2014, 2016 and 2021 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Non-Profit/Charities Law (Lawyer of the Year 2012 and 2015 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Tax Law
- Trusts and Estates (Lawyer of the Year 2019 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Greenville Business Magazine Legal Elite Award Recipient (2012, 2015, 2017, 2020-Present)
- Named to South Carolina Super Lawyers (2009-Present)
- Past Delegate to the Southeast Region Special Liaison Tax Committee
- Past Member of the Executive Council of the Young Lawyers Division of the South Carolina Bar
- Past Member of the Greenville Hospital System Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors
- Past Member of the St. Francis Foundation Board of Directors
February 15, 2019
W. Verne McGough, Jr.
Verne helps people take care of their families through personalized estate planning, represents individuals and businesses in tax controversy and tax collection matters, and assists professionals and small businesses in tax efficient corporate planning and transactions.
Verne leads the firms Columbia, South Carolina office. He and his wife, Marie, have two children and are active members of First Baptist Church.
Education
- LL.M. in Taxation – Boston University (2007)
- J.D. – University of South Carolina (2006)
- Int’l M.B.A. – University of South Carolina (2006)
- B.A. – Appalachian State University (2002)
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Bar Association (Member)
- South Carolina Bar:
- Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Section (Member)
- Tax Law Section (Member-Past Chairperson)
- Richland County Bar Association (Member)
- Columbia Estate Planning Council (Member)
Awards and Honors
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© for 2023 in the fields of:
- Litigation – Trusts and Estates
- Tax Law
- Trusts and Estates
- Legal Elite of the Midlands Award Recipient (2013-Present)
- 2022 Top Vote Recipient in the Midlands for Corporate Law – Mergers & Acquisitions
Publications and Presentations
- “Business Planning for Tax & Liability Issues”, S.C. Green Industry Association (2020)
- “Business Succession Planning”, S.C. Association of CPA’s (2019)
- “Asset Protection for South Carolina Estate Planners”, South Carolina Bar Convention (2018)
- “Business Tax Items from Tax Reform”, S.C. Association of CPA’s (2018)
- “Internal Revenue Code § 6672: The Trust Fund Recovery Penalty”, Upstate S.C. Chapter of the American Payroll Association (2016, 2010)
- “Estate Planning Basics”, ETV Endowment of South Carolina and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (2015)
- “Tax Repercussions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010”, South Carolina Bar Convention (2014)
- “Grantor Trusts”, National Business Institute (2013)
- “Who Me? Tax Collections from Non-Taxpayers”, South Carolina Bar Convention (2013)
- “Practical Pointers and Pitfalls in Negotiated Acquisitions”, Greenville County Bar Association (2012)
- “Important Provisions of the Health Care Reform Bill for Small Business Owners”, Piedmont Chapter of the S.C. Association of CPA’s (2010)
- “Hot Topics in Estate Planning”, South Carolina Bar Convention (2008)
February 14, 2019
Andrew D. Merline
Andy’s practice is focused on the areas of: Mergers and Acquisitions, Business and Transactional Law, Succession Planning, Estate Planning and Estate Administration, Taxation, LLCs, Partnerships, Family Limited Partnerships and Corporations and Asset Protection Planning.
Andy and his wife, Erin, are members of Buncombe Street United Methodist Church in Greenville. He is also an active member at the Caine Halter Branch of the YMCA in Greenville.
Outside of the office, Andy enjoys playing tennis, fishing, classic cars and craft beer.
Education
- Boston University School of Law, (LL.M) Taxation (2016)
- University of South Carolina School of Law, (J.D.) (2015)
- CALI Awards in Partnership Taxation, Legal Writing, Tort Theory, and Law, Society and Justice
- Capers Bouton Scholarship Award at the University of South Carolina School of Law
- Clemson University, (B.S.) Business Administration: Management, Cum Laude (2011)
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Bar Association (Member)
- South Carolina Bar:
- Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Section (Executive Council Member)
- Secretary (2022)
- Tax Law Section (Executive Council Member)
- Secretary (2020)
- Vice Chair (2021)
- Chair-Elect (2022)
- Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Section (Executive Council Member)
- Greenville County Bar Association (Member)
- Greenville Estate Planning Council (Member)
- Greenville Estate Planning Study Group (Member)
Awards and Honors
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© in the field of:
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships (Ones to Watch 2023, in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law (Ones to Watch 2023, in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Corporate Law (Ones to Watch 2023, in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Trusts and Estates (Ones to Watch 2023, in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Greenville Business Magazine Legal Elite Award Recipient (2018, 2020-Present)
- 2022 Top Vote Recipient in the Upstate for Corporate Law – Business Organizations
- Named a Rising Star in South Carolina Super Lawyers (2020-2022)
Publications and Presentations
- The Evolution of Legal Malpractice in Estate Planning in South Carolina, South Carolina Lawyer, Co-Author – (2016)
February 13, 2019
David A. Merline, Jr.
Dave Merline has been serving clients since 1984 in the areas of Mergers and Acquisitions, Business and Transactional Law, Succession Planning, Estate Planning and Estate Administration, Taxation, LLCs, Partnerships, Family Limited Partnerships and Corporations, Asset Protection Planning and ERISA.
He is a member of the Rotary Club of Greenville and Buncombe Street United Methodist Church.
Dave and his wife, Barby, have four children – Andy (1989), Will (1992), Marshall (1995) and Darcy (1997). He enjoys tennis, fishing and water and snow skiing.
Education
- University of Miami, (LL.M) Taxation (1985)
- University of South Carolina School of Law, (J.D.) (1983)
- Furman University, (B.A.) Magna Cum Laude (1980)
Professional Qualifications
- South Carolina Supreme Court, Certified Specialist in Taxation Law
- South Carolina Supreme Court, Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law
- AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) (Fellow)
- American Bar Association – Business Law Section (Member)
- South Carolina Bar:
- Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Section (Member)
- Tax Law Section (Member)
- Greenville County Bar Association (Member)
- Greenville Estate Planning Council (Member)
- Greenville County Estate Planning Study Group (Member)
- Rotary Club of Greenville – Paul Harris Fellow
Awards and Honors
- Ranked as one of the Top 25 Lawyers in the 2016 – 2018 South Carolina Super Lawyers magazine
- Ranked as a Leading Attorney in Private Wealth Law in South Carolina by Chambers Professional Advisers (2019 – 2020)
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© for 2023 in the fields of:
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (Lawyer of the Year 2013, 2016 and 2020 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (Lawyer of the Year 2014 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Corporate Law (Lawyer of the Year 2021 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (Lawyer of the Year 2017 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Litigation – ERISA (Lawyer of the Year 2019 and 2022 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Litigation – Trusts and Estates
- Litigation and Controversy -Tax (Lawyer of the Year 2023 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Mergers & Acquisitions Law
- Non-Profit/Charities Law
- Tax Law (Lawyer of the Year 2010 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Trusts and Estates (Lawyer of the Year 2018 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Greenville Business Magazine Legal Elite Award Recipient (2012-Present)
- 2022 Top Vote Recipient in the Upstate for Corporate Law – Mergers & Acquisitions
- 2021 and 2022 Top Vote Recipient in the Upstate for Tax & Estate Planning Law
- 2020 Top Vote Recipient in the Upstate for Tax & Estate Law
- Named to South Carolina Super Lawyers (2008-Present)
Publications and Presentations
- The Evolution of Legal Malpractice in Estate Planning in South Carolina, South Carolina Lawyer, Co-Author – (2016)
- Co-author of the book South Carolina Limited Liability Companies, South Carolina Bar CLE Division (5th Ed. 2020)
- Co-author of the book South Carolina Corporate Practice Manual, South Carolina Bar CLE Division (2d Edition, 2005)
- Author of The Expanded Scope of the IRS Summons Power After United States v. Arthur Young & Company South Carolina Law Review 265 (1986)
February 12, 2019
Marie Monroe
Marie provides the firm with expertise in Estate Planning, Estate Administration, ERISA, Welfare Plan and Non Profit Law.
In addition to her service to Merline & Meacham, Marie is active in the Greenville community, serving on the Board of Directors of both the Greenville Humane Society and the Meals on Wheels Endowment.
Marie and her husband, Jeff Dunlaevy, have two children. When not busy with the firm or her civic activities, Marie enjoys gardening and reading.
Education
- New York University, (LL.M) Taxation (2001)
- University of South Carolina School of Law, (J.D.) Cum Laude (2000)
- Member of the Order of Wig and Robe
- Research Editor of the ABA Real Property, Probate and Trust Journal
- Bowdoin College, (B.A.) English, Cum Laude (1996)
Professional Qualifications
- AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Bar Association (Member)
- South Carolina Bar:
- Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Section (Member)
- Tax Law Section (Member-Past Chairperson)
- Greenville County Bar Association (Member)
- Greenville Estate Planning Council (Member)
- Greenville Estate Planning Study Group (Member)
- Board of Directors, Greenville Humane Society, (2020-Present)
- Board of Directors, Meals on Wheels Endowment, (2014-Present)
- Board of Directors, Community Foundation of Greenville, (2014-2019)
Awards and Honors
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© for 2022 in the fields of:
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (Lawyer of the Year 2019 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (Lawyer of the Year 2018 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (Lawyer of the Year 2015 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Non-Profit/Charities Law (Lawyer of the Year 2023 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Trusts and Estates
- Greenville Business Magazine Legal Elite Award Recipient (2020-Present)
- Named a Rising Star in South Carolina Super Lawyers (2012 – 2013)
February 11, 2019
J. Aaron Nelson, Jr.
Aaron joined the firm on October 2, 2012. As an “Of Counsel” addition to the firm, he brings expertise in Estate Planning, IRS Representation and Probate. In addition to representing clients in dealings with the IRS, he also handles Decanting cases and Trust Modification for Merline & Meacham clients.
Aaron lives in Bluffton with his wife, Elizabeth (Lizz), Nelson who is a tax attorney. They have two children. In addition to his professional work, Aaron is a member of the Bluffton Rotary Club, and the Hilton Head Island Rugby Football Club.
Education
- University of Florida Levin College of Law, (LL.M) Taxation (2012)
- The Charleston School of Law, Magna Cum Laude (J.D.) (2011)
- Assistant Articles Editor for the Charleston Law Review
- Member – Mock Trial Team
- The Citadel, (B.S.) Business Administration: Accounting, Cum Laude (2008)
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Bar Association (Member)
- South Carolina Bar:
- Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Section (Member)
- Tax Law Section (Member)
- Greenville County Bar Association (Member)
- Greenville Estate Planning Council (Member)
- Greenville Estate Planning Study Group (Member)
Awards and Honors
- Named a Rising Star in South Carolina Super Lawyers (2018 – 2022)
- Recipient of the CALI® Awards in Corporate Taxation, Partnership Taxation, Estate and Gift Taxation, and Securities Regulation at the Charleston School of Law
- Recipient of the American Jurisprudence Book Award in Partnership Taxation at the University of Florida, Levin College of Law
- Quarterfinalist – National Tax Moot Court Competition (2011)
February 10, 2019
Douglas B. O’Neal
Doug O’Neal has been with the firm since June of 2008. His expertise lies in the areas of estate planning (wills, trusts, asset protection, and trust modification/decanting), business entity work (formation of partnerships, LLCs and corporations, partnership and corporate tax, mergers and acquisitions, corporate lending and financing transactions, preparation and negotiation of corporate contracts and business succession planning).
Doug is a member of the Greenville Rotary Club. He and his family are active members of the Greenville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and work with Furman University students through Reformed University Fellowship.
He is married to Mary Teal O’Neal and they have three children. Doug is an avid cyclist who enjoys cooking, wine, travel and spending time with his family.
Education
- University of Florida Levin College of Law, (LL.M) Taxation (2008)
- Graduate Editor for the Florida Tax Review
- Recipient of the Richard B. Stephens Scholarship in Graduate Tax
- University of South Carolina School of Law, (J.D.) (2007)
- Senior Articles Editor of the ABA Real Property, Probate & Trust Journal
- Member of the Moot Court Bar
- Recipient of the CALI® Awards in Corporate Taxation and Limited Liability Company Planning
- Furman University, (B.A.) History (2002)
Professional Qualifications
- South Carolina Supreme Court, Certified Specialist in Taxation Law
- South Carolina Supreme Court, Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Bar Association (Member)
- South Carolina Bar:
- Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Section (Executive Council Member/Secretary)
- Tax Law Section (Executive Council Member)
- Greenville County Bar Association (Member)
- Greenville Estate Planning Council (Member)
- Greenville Estate Planning Study Group (Member)
- Rotary Club of Greenville (Member)
Awards and Honors
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© for 2022 in the fields of:
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (Lawyer of the Year 2023 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (Lawyer of the Year 2022 in Greenville, South Carolina)
- Corporate Law
- Mergers & Acquisitions Law
- Tax Law
- Trusts and Estates
- Greenville Business Magazine Legal Elite Award Recipient (2020-Present)
- Named a Rising Star in South Carolina Super Lawyers (2013, 2018 – 2020)