His many achievements include volunteering as an arbitrator for the Lexington County, South Carolina Juvenile Arbitration Program. In this capacity, he plays a role in steering first time non violent juvenile offenders in a way that allows them to make a change in their lives before they find themselves in front of a judge. He also volunteers with the American Heart Association and served on the 2008 Midlands Heart Ball Committee. Vance's memberships include the Rotary International Columbia Capital Club and the Washington Street United Methodist Church where he serves as head usher, Sunday School teacher and also as a member of the church's parish committee.
It's his latest accomplishment, though, that he's enjoying these days and continues to gain momentum. After overhearing fellow attorneys talk about their 4 on 4 half court games, he said he liked the idea but wanted to bring it to another level. That level was a 5 on 5 full court league. The result? The league is now 73 players from 31 firms strong. The best part, though, is the money he and his fellow players raise for the Epworth Children's Home on Monday evenings. The goal is to raise monies for a rubberized floor for the facility. This community project has been beneficial in a number of ways. Nearby law students officiate the games for the attorneys. They receive a small salary, but more importantly, they are getting unprecedented experience in arguing cases and face to face time with attorneys who might have something to offer the future lawyers. It's a true win-win for the lawyers, the law students and the community.
Always with a competitive nature, Vance laughs at all the injuries he and his fellow players endure. It's all about fun and competition, he says; ''It gives you somebody to put yourself up against and make a challenge out of it''. The league is currently readying itself for a championship game in which all proceeds, including admission charges, will go to the Epworth Children's Home.
For more information on Travis Vance or his law firm, which has two locations - one in Columbia, SC and the other in Myrtle Beach, SC, visit the site at RichardsonPlowden.com. It remains one of the fifteen largest law firms in South Carolina, with thirty-plus attorneys, seventy five support staff and twenty five practice areas, including Vance's specialty, construction law.
