South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has announced significant changes to his legal team, including the appointment of Thomas Hydrick as the new Solicitor General. Hydrick takes over from Robert D. “Bob” Cook, who will continue in a senior advisory role as Chief Counsel to the Attorney General, Head of Legal Opinions, and Solicitor General Emeritus.
“These changes position our office to better address the growing number of active and high-stakes litigation matters facing our state,” said Attorney General Wilson. He expressed gratitude for Cook’s long-standing service and confidence in Hydrick’s abilities: “I’m also proud to elevate Thomas Hydrick, a rising legal mind who brings exceptional experience and a strong record of service to this new role.”
Hydrick is a South Carolina native with an educational background that includes Furman University, the University of Cambridge, and Vanderbilt Law School. His previous roles include Assistant Deputy Solicitor General at the Office of the Attorney General and working for a private law firm in Columbia. He also clerked for United States Circuit Judge A. Marvin Quattlebaum, Jr.
“It is an honor to serve in this capacity, and I thank Attorney General Wilson for the opportunity to do so,” said Hydrick regarding his new position.
Robert D. Cook has been integral to the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office since 1977 and was appointed as its first Solicitor General in 2013. In recognition of his public service contributions, he received the Order of the Palmetto in 2017.
In addition to these appointments, J. Emory Smith has been promoted from Deputy Solicitor General to General Counsel within the Office of the Attorney General. Smith joined the office in 1979 and has dealt with complex legal issues throughout his career.
Joseph Spate will assume the role of Deputy Solicitor General after serving as Assistant Deputy Solicitor General since 2023.
