February 13-14, 2026

Eric Bland is one of the most recognized legal voices in the country, with a career that spans high-stakes litigation, national media appearances, and the success of his #1 bestselling book, Anything But Bland: Moxie, Murdaugh, and Making Life Happen on Your Own Terms. His legal expertise and relentless pursuit of justice have made him a sought-after commentator on networks like Dateline, 20/20, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Netflix, Court TV, and Fox News. With hundreds of television appearances and more than 3,000 media features in major publications, Eric has cemented his status as a leading voice in law and justice.

Beyond his media presence, Eric is the co-host of Cup of Justice, an internationally acclaimed true crime podcast that has captivated audiences since 2022. He also hosts Good Skill – Don’t Wait for Luck, Bet on Yourself, a high-performance podcast featuring world-class leaders, and Anything But Bland – Weekly Review of the News, a hard-hitting legal and media recap series.

A tenacious litigator, Eric and his law partner, Ronnie Richter, have secured over $235 million in verdicts and settlements for their clients since 1998. His work in the Murdaugh case, one of the most infamous legal scandals in modern history, helped expose the extent of Alex Murdaugh’s financial crimes. Eric played a pivotal role in recovering over $9.4 million for victims, obtaining a $4.3 million judgment against Murdaugh personally, and securing the largest legal malpractice jury verdict in South Carolina history ($5.5 million).

Eric’s career is built on legal excellence. He is a Super Lawyers honoree (2015–2024) in Professional Liability, one of only two attorneys in South Carolina to receive this recognition. He is also a board-certified diplomat in Legal Malpractice, scoring in the top 2% nationally on the rigorous American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys examination. His expertise has earned him multiple Top Ten Business Litigator rankings and the title of Best Personal Injury Attorney in Lexington County (2025).

A Philadelphia native, Eric graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tampa, ranking #2 in his class. He earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law, consistently making the Dean’s List and graduating Order of the Coif and Wig and Robe, honors reserved for the top 10% of his class. Licensed in South Carolina, Florida, and Pennsylvania, he has successfully practiced at both regional and national levels.

With a career defined by high-profile wins, media dominance, and a commitment to justice, Eric Bland continues to be a force in the legal world. Whether through his books, podcasts, or courtroom victories, his impact is undeniable.

John W. Gardner has been licensed to practice law in Florida for more than 35 years. Throughout his career, John has represented several clients in the commercial laundry industry for the enforcement of their service contracts. John has also handled personal injury, workers’ compensation, family law, probate and guardianship cases. For fun, John races his sailboat in regattas around Tampa Bay. He has also raced his boat 13 times from St. Petersburg, Florida to Isla Mujeres, Mexico in the Regatta del Sol al Sol. John graduated from Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, Florida and is an alumni of Virginia Tech.

Hon. Richard M. Gergel is a Graduate of Duke University and Duke University School of Law. Practiced law in Columbia, South Carolina for 30 years, senior partner in Gergel, Nickles, and Solomon, P.A.  Nominated as a federal district judge by President Barak Obama, confirmed by United States Senate by unanimous consent August 2010.  Presides in Charleston, South Carolina.  Author of multiple books, articles and book chapters on American legal history.

Eric Lavender and his wife, Sabrina own Charleston Pirate Tours.  Eric is professional storyteller and certified Charleston Tour Guide.  Eric has entertained thousands of adults and children on tours in Charleston and at appearances throughout the country.  Captain Bob, the blue & gold macaw often accompanies Eric on tours and at events.

Media appearances include NBC’s Today Show, A&E, Lifetime, Travel Channel, USA Today, Hemispheres Magazine, Ghost Adventures, National Public Radio’s Performance Today, SCETV, along with local television and newspapers.  Eric is currently working on a book about Charles Vane that includes an overview of pirate history in the low country.

Eric has a passion for Lowcountry history and brings that history to life with exciting, historically accurate tours and speaking programs. 

John A. Massalon, an attorney since 1987, John is a partner with Wills, Massalon and Allen in Charleston. The firm was founded in 1999 and emphasizes civil litigation, mediation and arbitration. His practice includes a focus on commercial litigation pertaining to business disputes, contract matters, land use and preservation issues. John is a certified mediator and arbitrator. He regularly serves as a mediator and arbitrator in matters pending in the State and Federal Courts of South Carolina.

Prior to forming his current firm, he was a partner with Holmes and Thompson and before that John served as law clerk to US District Judge Falcon B. Hawkins and US Magistrate Judge Robert Carr. John earned a BA in History from the College of Charleston in 1984 and J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1987. John is a member of numerous legal associations and is also Past President of the Charleston County Bar Association, past Chair of the Dispute Resolution Section of the South Carolina Bar, a former Board member and Vice Chair of the Preservation Society of Charleston. Currently, he is the Vice President of the Mediation and Meeting Center of Charleston Board of Directors and co-teaches a mediation clinic at the Charleston School of Law.