Dick Harpootlian is an accomplished American attorney and politician. He has been serving as a member of the South Carolina Senate from the 20th district, and he is also a former chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party.
Early life
Dick Harpootlian was born on January 23, 1949 to father Harold Carning Harpootlian and mother Jody Harpootlian in the United States. He is of Armenian descent. Dick has two brothers, Bill and Joan. Harpootlian’s grandparents fled their hometown of Harpoot in the Ottoman Empire during the Armenian genocide and came to the United States. Harpootlian earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Clemson University and went on to obtain a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.
Dick Harpootlian Career
After graduating from law school, Harpootlian began working as a trial lawyer in Columbia, South Carolina. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled litigator and was soon handling high-profile cases. In 1986, he gained national attention when he successfully defended James Brown, the famous musician, against charges of assault and battery.
Harpootlian’s success as a trial lawyer eventually led him to pursue a career in politics. In 1989, he was elected to the South Carolina Senate, representing the 20th district. During his time in the Senate, Harpootlian focused on issues such as crime, education, and economic development. He was also a strong advocate for civil rights and played a key role in passing legislation that recognized Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a state holiday.
Legal Work
As a prosecutor, Harpootlian tried Pee Wee Gaskins, a serial killer, and University of South Carolina President Jim Holderman. Moreover, his law firm has represented neighborhoods near Five Points in Columbia, where several bars in the area have made agreements with the state to change their procedures as a result of liquor license protests.
Murdaugh Trial
Currently, Harpootlian represents former attorney Alex Murdaugh, who has been charged with several crimes, including the murder of his young son Paul and wife Maggie. During Murdaugh’s bond hearing in 2021, Harpootlian questioned whether Mandy Matney, a former journalist for FITSNews, was the founder of FITSNews’s “alter sexual ego.” This comment was seen as rude and sexist by many.
Political Party Work
In 1994, Harpootlian ran for attorney general of South Carolina but lost to Charlie Condon in the general election. He has served twice as the chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party and is credited with the party’s decision to move the South Carolina primary earlier in the primary schedule.
South Carolina Senate
In November 2018, Harpootlian won a special election for John E. Courson’s old Senate seat. It was the first time in 14 years a Democrat flipped a Republican-held Senate seat. Since joining the Senate, Harpootlian has been critical of the University of South Carolina’s hiring practices and legislation giving the Carolina Panthers tax incentives to move their headquarters to Rock Hill, South Carolina.
In March 2021, Harpootlian proposed that South Carolina permit the use of firing squads as an alternative method of capital punishment in South Carolina, and worked with Republican State Senator Greg Hembree to propose a bill allowing the condemned to choose between electrocution and firing squads.
Dick Harpootlian Biography | |
|---|---|
| Real name | Richard A. Harpootlian |
| birth date | January 23, 1949 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 74 years |
| Place of birth | New York, United States |
| Profession | Lawyer & Politician |
| University | Clemson University, University of South Carolina Law School |
| qualification | graduate |
Physical Statistics | |
| Height | Not known |
| Weight | Not known |
| Hair color | Gray |
| eye color | Brown |
Dick Harpootlian Family | |
| Father | Harold Carnig Harpootlian |
| Mother | Joan (Jody) Williams Harpootlian |
| Sister | – |
| Brother | Two (Bill & Joan Harpootlian) |
relationship status | |
| Marital status | Married |
| Who is Dick Harpootlian’s wife? | Jamie Lindler Harpootlian |
| Children | One (Katherine Harpootlian) |
Personal life
Dick Harpootlian is married to Jamie Lindler Harpootlian who is currently the ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Slovenia. The couple has one children.
Harpootlian is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting and fishing in his spare time. He is also a big sports fan and supports the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Despite his busy career in law and politics, Harpootlian has also been involved in various charitable and community organizations throughout his life. He has served on the board of directors for the South Carolina State Museum and the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra, and has been active in supporting local schools and education initiatives.
Dick Harpootlian Net Worth
Dick Harpootlian is a well-known and highly successful defense attorney with a net worth of approximately $10 million. With extensive experience in the legal field and a reputation for working on high-profile cases, he has established himself as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the industry.
Dick Harpootlian’s success as a defense attorney is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and expertise in the legal field. Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the industry, and his wealth and respect within the legal profession are a testament to his skill and tenacity.
Facts About Dick Harpootlian
- Senator Richard “Dick” Harpootlian is the lead defense attorney for accused murderer Alex Murdaugh, who is accused of a heinous crime. Senator Harpootlian has worked tirelessly to build a strong defense case on behalf of his client, and he has already made significant progress on this case.
- In November 2019, Dick Harpootlian, a prominent South Carolina attorney and politician, was severely criticized for his profanely threatening behavior towards an employee of the Richland County Legislature Delegation.
- He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced attorneys in the state, and many believe his expertise could go into helping Murdaugh avoid conviction. With the help of Senator Harpootlian, there may still be hope of justice for both sides involved in this tragic legal battle.