Two Sitting Defense Bar Presidents. One Firm.
[Greenville S.C. – August 5, 2026] It is an honor to share that for the second time, the incumbent presidents of two distinguished legal organizations are both from the same firm: Gallivan White Boyd (GWB). Johnston Cox has been named President of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA) and Jennifer E. Johnsen has been named President of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) for the 2026-2027 term.
The ADTA and the FDCC are organizations established on principles of integrity and fair civil justice while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. The recognition of these two accomplished attorneys is a testament to their undisputed leadership within these organizations and the legal profession.
Cox is a partner in GWB’s Columbia, South Carolina office, and has spent more than 30 years focusing his practice on insurance litigation, business litigation, and complex personal injury matters. With more than 50 cases tried to verdict, he has represented clients across South Carolina in both state and federal courts. Cox was also former president of the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association and is a member of the FDCC, where he previously served on the Admissions Committee and faculty of the FDCC’s Litigation Management College. Cox also serves as board liaison, product liability, as well as on the board of directors of DRI Association of Lawyers Defending Business.
Johnsen is a partner in the firm’s Greenville, South Carolina office, and has more than 30 years of trial and litigation experience. Johnsen has been an active member of the FDCC since 2008. She has held numerous leadership positions in the FDCC and is a member of its Executive Committee. In 2014, Johnsen was the recipient of the prestigious FDCC John Alan Appleman Award which recognizes the section chair who has made the most outstanding contribution to the advancement of the FDCC’s educational goals while serving as chair. In addition, Johnsen serves on the board of directors of Lawyers for Civil Justice and DRI Association of Lawyers Defending Business.
About the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys
The ADTA, a national organization, selects one defense trial attorney per one million people in each city across the United States and Canada, ensuring clients have access to highly skilled defense attorneys. ADTA members are recognized for their success in civil defense trial law and are known for their professionalism and ethical standards. The organization fosters collegiality, provides educational opportunities, and facilitates business referrals among its members, who are carefully chosen for their proven record and respected reputations in the legal community.
About the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel
The FDCC is a professional trade association comprised of vetted, premier, defense and corporate counsel and industry executives. Established in 1936, the organization is dedicated to leading the legal profession by advancing the principles of integrity, professionalism, fair civil justice and actionable knowledge. The vision statement of the FDCC is to advance and sustain an equitable civil justice system now, and for future generations.
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.