Giving Back: Philanthropic Spirit

Not many businesses in Greenville have come as close to changing the landscape, both literally and figuratively, as the Wyche, Burgess, Freeman & Parham, P.A., law firm. From the Hyatt hotel to the Peace Center, from the Warehouse Theatre to Heritage Green, the firm’s attorneys have volunteered their time, talents, and pocketbooks to help shape our community into what it is today.

Tommy Wyche observes it wasn’t always this way. “There was very little of a civic nature going on in 1948 when I started; this was just a textile town,” he says. “But when we decided to improve our downtown, it involved a lot of people in the firm,” he offers, recalling how the wheels of change were set in motion in the early 1970s with the opening of the Hyatt.

Wyche says modestly, “My legal experience allowed me to be effective with the complex details of the renovation of downtown.” But innate character—not professional background—is what has driven him and his law partners to create a corporate culture of giving back.

Henry Parr affirms that philanthropic spirit was already in full swing when he arrived in 1979 saying, “I responded to it and followed in their example.”
An avid outdoorsman who’s had a love of nature since childhood, Frank Holleman says the firm’s long tradition of conservation became a launching pad to his service work. “Having a set of legal skills to go with appreciation is a valuable tool. I can have a real impact in preserving our landscape.”

For some attorneys, the Wyche culture held influence over them before they were hired. Eric Graben, S.C. Pro Bono Attorney of the Year in 1999, says he found out about the firm prior to attending law school. “I was struck by the credentials and the compassion of its people.” Though his practice area is corporate and securities law, Graben notes that he spent “over 1,000 hours one year [volunteering as counsel] on guardian ad litem cases, and no one complained. I really appreciated that.”

“The firm sets up training and mentoring to encourage early involvement,” explains attorney Melinda Davis Lux. Associates are spurred to go with their passion at the beginning of their career and truly participate.

Wallace Lightsey says other Wyche lawyers helped him pursue his interest in music by recommending he serve on the Greenville Symphony Orchestra board, but he’s also worked on a number of different projects such as reading to children for Head Start. In the true spirit of giving, Lightsey says all his volunteer work has given him a real appreciation for the generous corporate community Greenville has overall. “That plays such a major role making it more vibrant.”