P. A. Willcox, Founder of Willcox Law Firm
When P.A. Willcox moved to Florence County from Marion, SC, the city of Florence was just being formed and he immediately became a figure in the community and was even mentioned as a possible choice for the town’s first mayor. Mr. Willcox won Florence County court’s first suit in 1889 and in 1892 he successfully defended in a famous murder case that established his reputation in the area. The firm, like the city of Florence, has its history rooted in the railroad industry and has been a part of Florence since its inception. Joined by his cousin, Fred L. Willcox in 1895 the Willcox Law Firm was formed. When the area became a great railroad center, the firm emerged as the leading representative for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and the Atlantic Timber Company. P.A Willcox eventually became General Solicitor for Atlantic Coast Line Railroad.
Fred Willcox, Co-Founder of Willcox Law Firm
The Willcox Law firm has played an extensive role in the evolution of state and national bar associations, in the emergence of the University of South Carolina, and promotion of Florence, SC. In addition, the firm has always been known for its involvement with community service and its attorney’s have held the titles of judge, congressman, trustee and many others.
Melvin Purvis
Included in those ranks was Melvin Purvis, who after graduating law school was a Junior Partner with the Willcox Law Firm before joining the FBI. Purvis later went on to earn the distinction of the “The man who got John Dillinger”. The story was chronicled in the 2009 motion picture Public Enemies in which Christian Bale portrayed Mr. Purvis and Johnny Depp played Dillinger. After leaving the FBI, Melvin Purvis returned to Florence and married Roseanne Willcox, the daughter of one of our founders, P.A. Willcox.
The Willcox Law firm continues in its dedication to its clients, our adherence to the principles of ethics and professionalism and in always giving back to the community that has supported it for more than a 100 years. While the technology associated with the practice of law may have changed, the beliefs and traditions set forth by P.A. and Fred Willcox have not.