A law firm that has garnered increasing attention thanks to its role in the ongoing legal troubles of Alex Murdaugh is moving to Lexington.

Eric Bland, founding partner of self-described boutique litigation firm Bland Richter, announced via Twitter that the firm is relocating from Columbia, where its local office has been located for more than 30 years, to the soon-to-be-completed Icehouse on Main building.

April 15 is the firm’s anticipated opening date in Lexington.

“So excited about the completion and opening of our new law offices in Lexington,” Bland tweeted. “Downtown Columbia has been good to us for 30 years but looking to move closer to our home out on Lake Murray as I enter the fourth quarter of my legal career. A high-end Mexican restaurant out of Ohio named Barrios will be on the first floor in the front.”

The Chronicle reported last month that Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey would open its first S.C. location in Lexington, becoming the promised restaurant tenant in the building that adjoins the Icehouse Amphitheater.

Bland Richter represents the family of Murdaugh’s long-time housekeeper and nanny  Gloria Satterfield, who died following after tripping and falling at the Murdaugh family residence in 2018.

Bland has become a prominent voice surrounding the high-profile murder trial of Lowcountry attorney Alex Murdaugh, who was convicted March 2 of shooting and killing his wife, Maggie, and son Paul. Bland podcasts about the case and has frequently appeared in national media discussing it.

Council candidate gets another endorsement

Gavin Smith has added another endorsement in his bid to join Lexington Town Council.

State Sen. Katrina Shealy, who represents a considerable portion of the town, has thrown her support behind Smith, the owner of his own public and government relations firm and a partner in the scuttled Navy Yard on Main beer garden, in the May 2 race to replace Steve Baker following his resignation ahead of a move to Florida.

“Make no mistake: Gavin James Smith is the right choice for Lexington Town Council,” Shealy said in a statement. “Gavin’s experience is unmatched – with experience from the local level to being a small business owner and formerly serving as a Presidential Appointee – and I believe now more than ever we need a young voice like Gavin’s stepping up and into public service with fresh ideas and perspectives.”

Smith worked for the presidential campaign and served on the 58th Presidential Inaugural Committee for former President Donald Trump.

In addition to the Shealy endorsement, Smith got another show of support from  Lexington Mayor Steve MacDougall, who had already endorsed him.

The candidate announced Feb. 28 that MacDougall will chair his campaign steering committee.

Smith and Edwin Gerace, a realtor and former Lexington Planning Commission member, have announced campaigns for the upcoming special election.

Lexington Medical first in state to receive new certification

Lexington Medical Center announced late last month that it is the first hospital in the state to receive a new certification.

The hospital is now accredited by American College of Cardiology for its ability to “evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who come to its electrophysiology lab,” according to a release.

“EP labs provide care for patients with arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats,” the release states. “Patients with arrhythmias may have hearts that beat too quickly, too slowly or with an irregular rhythm. Electrophysiologists are experts in treating problems with the heart’s electrical system. They employ treatments such as cardiac ablation and implantable devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators.”

Lexington, Cayce concert announcements

One Lexington County outdoor venue has fully announced the lineup for its free spring concert series, while another is set for a big electronic concert.

The town-owned Icehouse Amphitheater in downtown Lexington recently completed weekly Facebook announcements for its Lexington Live series, with each of those free Thursday concerts starting at 6:30 p.m. More info is available at icehouseamphitheater.com.

Here’s the full upcoming slate at Icehouse:

• April 6 — Under the Sun (Lexington Live)
• April 13 — Hijacked (Lexington Live)
• April 14 — Cody Webb
• April 20 — Vinyl Junkies (Lexington Live)
• April 27 — Prettier Than Matt (Lexington Live)
• April 28  — On the Border (Eagles tribute)
• May 4 — The Root Doctors (Lexington Live)
• May 11 — Tokyo Joe (Lexington Live)
• May 13 — Lexington Wine Walk
• May 18 — Mighty Kicks (Lexington Live)
• May 19 — The Best of Everything (Tom Petty tribute)
• May 25 — Whiskey Run (Lexington Live)
• May 26 — Landslide (Fleetwood Mac tribute)

Meanwhile, the team behind last year’s Hidden City electronic music festival at the Historic Columbia Speedway in Cayce has announced plans to bring immensely popular DJ Steve Aoki for a concert on April 22, with additional artists to be announced. More info is available at facebook.com/hiddencitymusicfest.

West Columbia restaurant closes, promises new locations

Olde Country Buffet, which opened in August in West Columbia, has closed— but promises to be back bigger and better in the future.

The windows were papered over as of March 4, and a sign teased that an opening date would be announced along with additional locations.

The restaurant, which had been located at 2250 H-I Sunset Blvd. in the Westland Square shopping center, served a variety of country-style meats and vegetables, available via buffet or as plated meals.

The Olde Country Buffet website lists intentions to add two locations in Columbia, as well as Hilton Head, Maryland and West Virginia.