Rita Cullum is a shareholder at Ellis, Lawhorne & Simms. A Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate and a Fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Rita works with her clients and their financial advisors in developing and implementing estate plans that address the individual needs of the clients and their family and business interests.

Active in her profession and the community, Rita is a member of the Supreme Court of South Carolina Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization and State Chair of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. She serves on the boards of the University of South Carolina Educational Foundation, The Palmetto Club and the Junior League of Columbia. She is a founding member of Women in Philanthropy.

Rita received her Bachelor of Science and Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina. She has received the Compleat Lawyer Award from the University of South Carolina’s Law School Alumni Association and the YWCA’s Tribute to Women in Industry Diamond Honoree Award.

Rita has two sons, William, who graduated from the College of Charleston, and Det, who attends Presbyterian College.