Shea C. Brighthop - Columbia, SC

Cheslyne Shea Brighthop is a Personal Injury Attorney at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, an award-winning South Carolina personal injury and workers’ compensation firm with offices in Columbia and Charleston. Since being founded in 2017, the attorneys at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for victims of car accidents, truck accidents, work injuries, and other accident cases.

Shea joined the team in March of 2023, bringing with her nearly a decade of experience. Shea’s commitment to excellence and advocacy for her clients has led to numerous awards and accolades, including being a 2024 South Carolina Women in Business award recipient, named by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for three years running, and more.

Prior to joining Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, Shea worked at a civil defense firm where she handled personal injury and nursing home negligence cases. Before that, Shea gained experience in criminal defense while working as a public defender. Her previous legal experience gives Shea a unique ability to analyze cases from various perspectives and grants her the gift of relating to people from all different walks of life. Throughout her legal path, Shea has learned to remain passionate and committed to her clients, especially when challenges arise.

Shea is very proud to be from Trenton, South Carolina – a small town she believes produces big talent. Since the tender age of 8, Shea knew she wanted to be a lawyer. She made that dream a reality by attending the University of South Carolina where she obtained both her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor. She is an active member of the South Carolina Bar, Richland County Bar, South Carolina Association of Justice, American Association of Justice, and Junior League of Columbia.

Today, Shea lives in Columbia, South Carolina. She enjoys mentoring law students and spending time with her family and fur baby, Cardi.