Moore Bradley Myers celebrated S. Jahue “Jake” Moore’s 50 years of legal service on May 21 with a ceremony at Stone River in West Columbia. 

More than 200 friends, family members, colleagues and dignitaries were in attendance, honoring the law firm's senior and founding partner.

During the celebration, Lexington County Rep. Paula Calhoun presented Moore with the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.

According to the press release, the award is “presented in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions on a national or statewide scale. The Order of the Palmetto recognizes individuals who have selflessly given of their time, resources, and goodwill through a variety of different causes and pursuits to the benefit of their neighbors, fellow citizens and the fabric and prosperity of South Carolina.”

Moore, a graduate of Presbyterian College and the University of South Carolina School of Law (now the Joseph F. Rice School of Law), has been an active figure in both the legal profession and the Midlands community. 

He is a member of the S.C. Trial Lawyers Association and the American Board of Trial Advocates. 

In addition to practicing law, Moore has taught at the USC School of Law and has spoken at numerous legal education seminars. He also served on the Legislative Audit Council for the South Carolina General Assembly.

“Mr. Jake Moore’s commitment to public service, civic leadership, and community enhancement has left a beautiful mark on our town,” said Courtney Dennis, town administrator for Irmo. “From securing the Irmo Veterans Park to advising the Town Council for decades, Mr. Moore has exemplified what it means to be a servant leader. Dedicating our Community Park in 2024 to ‘Moore Park’ in his honor is a fitting tribute to a man whose vision and heart have helped shape Irmo into the community we love today.”

Moore’s community service includes decades of involvement across education, civic and religious organizations. Moore has served as alumni advisor to Pi Kappa Alpha at Presbyterian College for 25 years, chairman of the USC Board of Visitors, a Sunday school teacher at Ashland Methodist Church and a founding member of both the West Columbia Beautification Committee and Irmo’s Arbor Day Committee.

Moore also received a resolution and the Key to the City from West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles, who noted that only a few individuals have received this honor—including State Sen. Nikki Setzler and USC Women's Basketball Coach Dawn Staley. 

“While the work Jake has done for our communities is well-noted, it is the things that he has done for others behind the scenes that define his true character,” Miles said. "He has left his mark on the legal world as an excellent litigator and a dogged negotiator. But Jake Moore is known for having a big heart and a giving spirit. What an incredible night to honor his lifelong impact!”

Moore has previously been recognized with the Key to the City of Irmo and was named Citizen of the Year in 2015 by the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce. 

Ward Bradley, a partner at Moore Bradley Myers, praised Moore’s lasting impact on the firm and community. 

“Jake Moore has worked tirelessly for his country, his state, his community, his family, his friends, and his law firm for over fifty years. We are lucky to have him as a law partner and a friend, and we are so pleased that he is continuing to lead our firm forward. Congratulations to a great friend, a great lawyer, and a great person.”