Jay Bender to be honored by S.C. Broadcasters

November 29, 2017

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Broadcasters Association will present its Honorary Life Membership Award to attorney Jay Bender on Jan. 25, during its annual Awards of Distinction ceremony at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

Bender, a former partner who serves as of counsel with Baker Ravenel & Bender law firm in Columbia, has represented the SCBA since 1995, and has built a national reputation as a lawyer for broadcasters – as well as being the state’s leading attorney for print media.

Since beginning his media law practice in 1975, he has appeared in a multitude of trial and appellate courts, both federal and state, to advocate media-related cases. He is regarded as South Carolina’s foremost authority on the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.

The Honorary Life Membership Award salutes those who have made significant contributions to the broadcasting industry. Recipients have included broadcast educators, legislators, owners and managers, on-air talent, broadcast technical specialists and regulatory experts.

“Jay has served as a tireless advocate for SC broadcasters since becoming our SCBA legal counsel in 1998,” said Margaret Wallace, executive director of the association. “He is brilliant, patient, always accessible to SCBA staff and members with questions and cares deeply about our industry. Jay is very deserving of this award.”

Cravens Ravenel retires from firm

April 13, 2017

Baker, Ravenel & Bender, L.L.P., of Columbia announces that its senior partner Cravens Ravenel has retired from the practice of law following a distinguished career of nearly 50 years.

Ravenel’s practice was focused on complex civil litigation in the areas of products liability, professional malpractice, and construction defects. In recognition of his law practice accomplishments, Ravenel was named a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and recognized in the publication Best Lawyers in America.

Ravenel’s contributions to the profession and community included service on the South Carolina Supreme Court Committee on Character and Fitness; the Midlands Commission on Homelessness; chair of the Board of Trustees, South Carolina Episcopal Home at Still Hopes; Board of Directors of the Greater Columbia Human Relations Council; and vice chair of the Richland County Election Commission.

Ravenel’s commitment to the community has not been limited to service in leadership positions, as he weekly serves meals to the homeless at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and regularly participates in work details at St. Lawrence Place transitional housing for families.

Gamecock athletics are expected to benefit from Ravenel’s retirement as he will have more time to cheer them on at all USC sporting events, from spring football to the games of the national-champion women’s basketball team and twice national-champion baseball team.

D. Cravens Ravenel

September 25, 2012

In Memoriam

DuVal Cravens Ravenel of Columbia died peacefully on December 16, 2018, at home. Born on October 4, 1938, in Sewanee, Tennessee, Cravens was the son of the late Theodore DuBose “Binks” Ravenel, III, and Mary Virginia “Sis” Cravens Ravenel Paine. He graduated from Dreher High School and enrolled in the University of South Carolina, but interrupted his studies when he joined the United States Marine Corps. He returned to Columbia after completing his military service to resume college and soon was engaged to the love of his life, Sandra Jane Harmon, whom he married on June 1, 1961.

Cravens earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of South Carolina in 1963, and returned to his alma mater for law school, graduating in 1970. A skilled litigator for nearly fifty years, he was known for his civility, courage, respect, and integrity, as well as for his keen wit and self-deprecating sense of humor. Among other accolades, he was awarded the Richland County Bar Association Matthew J. Perry, Jr. Civility Award in 2011.

He retired from the firm of Baker, Ravenel & Bender in 2017. He was dedicated to this community and his church. He was a life-long member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, where he served in many capacities. He touched countless lives in big and small ways, and he left a legacy of love and compassion, teaching these precepts by example. To his family, he was the most loving, dedicated, supportive husband, father, and grandfather a person could be. A kid at heart with a twinkle in his eye, he enjoyed showering his family with attention. For twelve years, he could be seen the first day of school on his grandchildren’s route to Brennen Elementary dressed as a superhero, a goofy animal, or some other fictional character. He was a loyal Gamecock fan, always there on game days to cheer on the football, basketball, and baseball teams.

Cravens was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Branwell Bennett Ravenel; and a brother-in-law, Peter Randolph Kapeluck. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sandra; two daughters, Janie Ravenel Godbold (Jack) and Virginia Cravens Ravenel, both of Columbia; a granddaughter, Ravenel Godbold Khashram (Dimitri) of Jerusalem, Israel; two grandsons, James Judson Godbold, Jr., of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Williams Cravens Godbold of Columbia; a brother, Theodore “Ted” DuBose Ravenel, IV (Chere) of Edisto Beach; a sister, Florence Fain Ravenel Kapeluck of Wake Forest, North Carolina; a brother-in-law Samuel Eugene Harmon, III (Barbara) of Columbia; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and his loyal companions, Pumpkin and Pippa.

A memorial service was held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on Friday, December 21, 2018. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Homeless No More, 2711 Middleburg Drive, Columbia, SC 29204, or the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Homeless and Hungry Breakfast Ministry, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201.