Elizabeth Hyatt
Attorney
I come from a long line of Lancaster County educators, and nearly ended up in education myself. After graduating from Buford High School, I studied special education in college. I was fortunate to have a mentor who understood my passion, and encouraged me to explore the impact I could make for children's rights in the legal system. I graduated with a degree in education but the bug was planted. I went straight to law school from there.
In my early years as an attorney I was blessed to combine my passions for teaching and law, I spent several years teaching at the Criminal Justice Academy, and later in the local law enforcement system writing policies & prosecuting cases.
Starting my own practice always called to me, and after many prayers, Hyatt Law was founded in 2006. Special education and children’s rights first drew me to the legal world, and after 26 years of practice, I am very grateful for the chance to do work I cherish every day.
I have been there myself, through divorce and single-parenting; in a life-threatening accident; and even on the parent-side of an IEP meeting. I understand that people only come to us when there is a huge life-changing event, very rarely do we meet people on their best day. Thankfully, we can partner together to make improvements in your situation and move forward.
In my early years as an attorney I was blessed to combine my passions for teaching and law, I spent several years teaching at the Criminal Justice Academy, and later in the local law enforcement system writing policies & prosecuting cases.
Starting my own practice always called to me, and after many prayers, Hyatt Law was founded in 2006. Special education and enabling the law to support children and families first drew me to the legal world, and the culmination of those years of learning and a very savvy mentor allow me to do work I cherish every day.
As a parent, I have gone through the education spectrum. I have three sons who were diagnosed with ADHD, as well as being gifted intellectually. That "twice exceptional" category is a hard line to navigate in the education system. Now that my boys are nearly grown I am thrilled I can use my experience as a parent, and my legal background, to support other parents & families as they navigate the special education system.
We bring a lot of heart to our work, and ourclients are why we come to work each day. I am a collaborative attorney and work hard to create a nurturing environment for my team, and our clients. There is no "winning" in Family Court, it's about finding a new normal and a healthy way for your family to move forward. There are infinite ways to work a relationship, and we're here to help you find the best solution for you and your family.
I am remarried now and our blended family includes five sons, one dog, two cats, and two grand-dogs. I look forward to helping you through this rough patch and into the next phase of your life.
EDUCATION
- Buford High School, 1985
- Converse College, BA in Special Education, 1989
- University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 1992
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Tabernacle United Methodist Church
- Lancaster Rotary Club
- President, Lancaster County Bar Association
- President, Kiwanis Club of Lancaster County
- Board Chair, Carolinas Literacy Network
- Executive Board Member, Learning Institute for Tomorrow
- Board Member, Habitat for Humanity
- Council Member, Family Connections
- Board Member, Safe Passage, A Domestic Violence Shelter
- Committee Member, Safe Kids Bright Futures Planning Committee
- Legal Advisor to the South Carolina Juvenile Officer's Association
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