About
Rhett is an experienced litigator who represents companies and individuals in white collar criminal matters, civil False Claims Act litigation, and internal investigations. Before joining Womble, Rhett was the Acting United States Attorney in South Carolina, capping a 20-year career as a Federal Prosecutor. As Acting U.S. Attorney and First Assistant U.S. Attorney, Rhett led a team of 165 professionals with offices in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Florence. During his tenure at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Rhett practiced before every federal district court judge in South Carolina, and he serves as local counsel to out-of-state clients and firms in a wide variety of commercial litigation at Womble.
In public and private practice, Rhett has tried more appropriately 30 cases to verdict in federal and state court, briefed more 40 appellate briefs, and argued nine (9) cases before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Throughout his career, he specialized in white-collar cases, including bank and wire fraud, tax fraud, False Claims Act, securities fraud, healthcare fraud, environmental crimes, public corruption, customs/import fraud, and OFAC sanctions. Rhett worked closely with every major federal and state law enforcement agency, including the FBI, HHS-OIG, IRS, EPA, HSI, the Customs Service, and the SEC.
In addition to government investigations, Rhett represents property owners and developers in environmental litigation under the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.
Experience
Womble Bond Dickinson – Business Litigation and Healthcare Sectors -- March 2022 -- present
Acting United States Attorney—District of South Carolina -- 2021
First Assistant United States Attorney—District of South Carolina -- 2020-2021
Assistant United States Attorney -- Charleston, S.C. 2001-2019
Education
University of South Carolina School of Law – 1994
Order of the Coif
Order of the Wig and Robe
The Honors College of the University of South Carolina – 1991
International Relations -- Magna Cum Laude