Patrick Turner
General Counsel
Patrick Turner joined the SC Department of Commerce as the general counsel in September 2026. Working closely with the Secretary, Deputy Secretary and executive leadership, he oversees legal matters affecting the agency and provides counsel on a broad range of issues supporting its mission and operations.
Prior to joining SC Commerce, Patrick spent three decades as in-house counsel with AT&T and its predecessor companies, serving in a variety of legal roles across multiple states. His experience spans regulatory and administrative law, litigation, compliance, legislative and government affairs, complex negotiations with state and local governments, real estate, and general business matters.
Most recently, Patrick founded PWT Law, LLC, where he provided legal, consulting and mediation services.
A South Carolina native, Patrick is a graduate of Dorman High School, Clemson University and the Joseph F. Rice School of Law at the University of South Carolina.