About J. Eric Cavanaugh

Eric is a founding member and partner at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC. Prior to opening Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, Eric worked at a recognized defense firm where he focused his practice on personal injury and defending large trucking companies in cases involving serious injuries and death. Eric has handled over a hundred tractor-trailer accident cases. He is now putting his experience and knowledge to use to help those injured in accidents. During his time as a defense attorney, Eric also represented major retailers, medical providers, and insurance companies. Eric’s experience defending these cases provides his clients with invaluable resources and knowledge in bringing their cases to resolution.

Eric has been selected as a Super Lawyer/Rising Star every year, from 2016 to 2021. Over the past five years, he has tried a number of cases in both federal and state courts. Eric is a lifelong resident of Columbia. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina in 1995 and his law degree from USC in 2011. Prior to obtaining his law degree, Eric worked in both the public and private sectors, including at one point working for a former South Carolina governor.

Eric is married to the former Andrea Freeman of Greenville, South Carolina. They have three daughters: Mary Elizabeth, Addie, and Joy. Eric and his family are members of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia. Eric is an avid sports fan and especially enjoys football, baseball, and golf. Eric enjoys running and likes to participate in running events throughout the Midlands and the Southeast.

Accreditations

Bar Admissions

• South Carolina – 2011
• United States District Court, District of South Carolina – 2011
• United States Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit

Education

• University of South Carolina, B.A.
• English & Political Science – 1995
• University of South Carolina, J.D. – 2011

Professional Associations & Memberships

• South Carolina Bar
• Richland County Bar
• South Carolina Association for Justice
• American Association for Justice

Awards

• The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, Civil Plaintiff Attorney – 2025
• The National Trial Lawyers: Top 10, Trucking Trial Lawyers – 2025
• The National Trial Lawyers: Top 25, Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers – 2025
• The Best Lawyers in America^® – 2024, 2025
• Super Lawyer/Rising Star – 2016-2021
• Order of the Palmetto