John E. Cuttino Awarded Louis B. Potter Lifetime Professional Service Award 2026
[Columbia, S.C. – September 22, 2026] Gallivan White Boyd (GWB) is pleased to announce that John Cuttino has been awarded the 2026 Defense Research Institute (DRI) Annual Professional Achievement and Service Award.
DRI is the largest global bar association for defense lawyers with nearly 16,000 defense trial lawyers and corporate counsel. The Louis B. Potter Lifetime Professional Service Award is an honor that recognizes individuals who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and service in the legal profession.
Cuttino has been a member of DRI for 41 years and has been a cornerstone of the organization. His commitment is reflected in a lifetime of leadership roles from committee chair to the Board of Directors, and ultimately in his service as President in 2016. His numerous contributions and willingness to assist have been acknowledged as vital in the institute’s continued success. In addition, Cuttino was awarded the Sheryl J. Willert Pioneer Diversity Award by DRI in 2022.
With over 40 years of experience as a trial attorney in the state and federal courts of South Carolina, Cuttino has tried more than 100 cases to verdict. He has handled cases in 42 of 46 South Carolina counties and in all divisions of U.S. District Court in South Carolina. His litigation practice includes the defense of personal injury, design and construction defects, toxic and mass torts, intellectual property, products liability and professional negligence cases. He is also often asked to serve as a mediator in a wide range of civil litigation matters.
Cuttino has been honored as Legal Elite by Columbia Business Magazine, Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated/AV Preeminent and by South Carolina Lawyers Weekly as a Leadership in Law Honoree. In addition, he has been recognized by both South Carolina Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers® in America since 2008.
About DRI
DRI, Association of Lawyers Defending Business, is the largest international membership organization of attorneys defending the interests of business and individuals in civil litigation. DRI’s mission includes a commitment to enhancing the skills, effectiveness, and professionalism of defense lawyers, addressing issues relevant to defense lawyers and the civil justice system, and improving the civil justice system and preserving the civil jury.
About the Firm
With offices in Charleston, Columbia and Greenville, South Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina, Gallivan White Boyd handles a variety of complex litigation for local, regional and national clients. Since 1948, our attorneys have been widely recognized for their experience, accomplishments and leadership.