Background

Reginald W. Belcher has practiced labor and employment law since 1996, exclusively representing and defending private and public sector employers in state and federal courts and before state and local governmental agencies. He regularly manages complex litigation, including defending class actions, wage and hour collective actions, and derivative lawsuits, and successfully has defended multiple employment-related class actions where potential damages exceeded $50 million.

The South Carolina Supreme Court has designated Belcher as a Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law, a Certified Mediator, and a Certified Arbitrator. He is licensed to practice law in South Carolina and the District of Columbia and has held temporary admissions in California, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

Belcher chaired the South Carolina Bar Specialization Board for Employment and Labor Law, chaired the Labor Law Committee for the Defense Research Institute, and has held numerous leadership positions in his law firm and professional organizations, including various chapters of the Society for Human Resource Management where he has been a contributing member for over 30 years.

He frequently speaks on labor and employment issues in South Carolina, nationally, and in various legal and business publications. Belcher has been recognized as one of the 500 most powerful labor and employment attorneys in the country, as well as one of the 10 most influential L&E lawyers in South Carolina.

Belcher holds a B.S. Degree in Business Administration with high honors from West Virginia University, a Master of Human Resources Degree from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, and a Juris Doctor with high honors from the Joseph F. Rice School of Law at the University of South Carolina.

Expand allWhat courses do you teach?

I’m currently teaching Labor Relations and previously have taught a variety of courses (at other schools), including employment law, business law, business ethics, compensation, and HR management. I’ve also taught numerous Continuing Legal Education courses on labor and employment law issues.

Why should a student take your class? How does your class help students become employable?

HR Directors, managers, and corporate executives have to understand, if not master, how law and business impact each other. My students will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to meaningfully participate in legal compliance decisions on the first day of their first job after they earn their MHR degree.

How does your prior experience contribute to the classroom discussion and the way you teach?

I practice labor and employment law, frequently mediate employment-related lawsuits, and work closely every day with corporate executives and HR directors. I am fully aware of the often dramatic changes occurring in our courts, governmental agencies, and workplaces around the country. I share these current, real world experiences with my students.

What is one thing you try to teach ALL of your students?

In every course I teach, I always emphasize respect for the rule of law and professional ethics.

What is your teaching style?

I typically prefer a class discussion over a traditional lecture, while also utilizing videos, guest speakers, and group projects.

What are your expectations for students?

I hope our students embrace and enjoy learning and take full advantage of the opportunities they have in the Darla Moore School of Business.

What inspires you about your work?

As an MHR alum, I look forward to contributing to the program and helping our students achieve their academic and professional goals.

What inspires you about your work?

My wife and I enjoy traveling and supporting USC athletic