06/09/2026
CHAMPION OF JUSTICE, SERVICE, AND COMMUNITY:
Deputy Solicitor Jacob Lynn Godwin Awarded the Order of the Palmetto
The Fourth Circuit Solicitor’s Office is proud to recognize Deputy Solicitor Jacob Lynn Godwin on receiving the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.
On Sunday afternoon, family, friends, colleagues, elected officials, and community leaders gathered at Prestwood Country Club in Hartsville to celebrate a man whose life has been defined by service to others. The award, bestowed by Governor Henry McMaster and presented by Representative Cody Mitchell, recognizes a lifetime of extraordinary contributions to the State of South Carolina and the people who call it home.
For those who know Jacob, the honor comes as no surprise.
A lifelong resident of Hartsville, Jacob has spent his career serving others with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Whether in a courtroom, a boardroom, or a community event, he has consistently placed service above recognition and the needs of others above his own.
Born and raised in Hartsville, Jacob is a proud product of the P*e Dee. He comes from the well-known Rambo family, longtime pillars of the Hartsville community. His mother, a strong and determined entrepreneur, successfully operated Rambo’s Shoes while raising Jacob as a single parent. Those who know him best often joke that growing up around the family business may explain why he still possesses one of the largest shoe collections in town.
Jacob attended Thomas Hart Academy, where he formed lifelong friendships, including with his childhood friend Baron Windham III. He later attended Mayo High School for Math, Science, and Technology, where his leadership abilities and commitment to service became increasingly evident.
Among his earliest accomplishments were earning the rank of Eagle Scout, one of the highest honors in scouting, and being selected as Lieutenant Governor at Palmetto Boys State, distinctions that reflected both his character and the respect he earned from his peers.
After high school, Jacob attended Wofford College, graduating cm laude with a double major in Government and Environmental Studies. While at Wofford, he was recognized as an American Legion Award recipient for Courage, Leadership, Honor, Scholarship, and Service and was named a William Light Kinney III Endowed Scholar.
His path eventually led him to the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 2016. While there, he served as Chief Justice of the Mock Trial Bar, helped lead a tournament championship team, and volunteered with the law school’s Mock Trial Program, mentoring future advocates and legal professionals.
Following graduation, Jacob built an impressive legal career that included service as a law clerk to South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Eugene C. Griffith, Jr., Assistant Solicitor in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Judicial Law Clerk to Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten, and attorney with Saleeby & Cox, P.A.
His commitment to public service ultimately led him to the Fourth Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office, where he earned a reputation as a compassionate, highly skilled advocate and dedicated defender of constitutional rights. For years, he represented individuals from all walks of life, ensuring every person who entered the courtroom received fair treatment, competent representation, and the dignity afforded by our justice system.
In January 2025, Jacob joined the Fourth Circuit Solicitor’s Office as Deputy Solicitor in Dillon County, bringing with him years of courtroom experience and a deep understanding of the justice system from multiple perspectives.
Representative Cody Mitchell highlighted those qualities in his nomination letter to Governor McMaster, writing:
“Throughout his career, Mr. Godwin has served with integrity, compassion, and exceptional legal skill. He has consistently advocated for individuals who might otherwise go unheard, ensuring that every client receives not only competent representation but also dignity and respect.”
Representative Mitchell further noted:
“What distinguishes Mr. Godwin most is his steadfast dedication to service over recognition. He approaches his work with humility and a profound sense of responsibility, consistently placing the needs of others above his own.”
While Jacob’s professional accomplishments are remarkable, his impact extends far beyond the courtroom.
He has devoted countless hours to community service throughout the P*e Dee region. He served on the Board of Directors for Cypress Adventures, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing leadership, confidence, and life skills among middle and high school students through hands-on experiences. During his time with the organization, he served three years on the board, including one year as secretary.
Since 2021, Jacob has served as a board member of the Hartsville YMCA, helping guide an organization committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
In 2022, he participated in Dancing With The Stars P*e Dee, helping raise funds for the P*e Dee Coalition, an organization that provides critical services and support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Throughout his career, he has also volunteered his time mentoring young attorneys and law students, demonstrating the same commitment to service and leadership that has characterized every aspect of his life.
Those who know Jacob best often point not to his résumé, but to his character. They speak of his kindness, his sense of humor, his willingness to help others, and his ability to make people feel valued and respected. They describe someone who is just as comfortable celebrating the success of others as he is achieving his own.
Outside of work, Jacob finds joy in spending time with family and friends, enjoying life on the water, firing up the grill for gatherings, and making memories with the people he loves most. In December 2022, he married his wife, Meghan, and together they have built a life rooted in faith, friendship, and community. Alongside their beloved dog, Abby, they continue to call Hartsville home.
In recent years, Jacob has faced significant health challenges with the same courage and determination that have defined his professional and personal life. Through it all, he has remained positive, resilient, and deeply committed to serving others, inspiring everyone around him through both his actions and his attitude.
Fourth Circuit Solicitor Paul “Mike” Burch Jr. offered heartfelt congratulations to his longtime friend and colleague, reflecting on a friendship that began more than a decade ago while the two attended the University of South Carolina School of Law together.
“Jacob and I met in law school, and from the very beginning it was obvious that he possessed the qualities that make great lawyers and even better people,” said Solicitor Burch. “Over the years, I have had the privilege of watching him build an exceptional legal career, but what has impressed me most has never been his courtroom skill or professional accomplishments. It has been his character. Jacob is a man of integrity, humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication to serving others.”
Burch noted that while Godwin has earned respect throughout the legal community for his professionalism and advocacy, his greatest contributions are often found outside the courtroom.
“Whether he is helping a client through one of the most difficult moments of their life, mentoring a young attorney, volunteering in the community, or simply being there for a friend in need, Jacob approaches every opportunity to serve with genuine kindness and selflessness,” Burch said. “He has dedicated his life to making South Carolina a better place and improving the lives of the people who call this state home. His commitment to justice, fairness, and public service has left an impact that reaches far beyond any single case or courtroom.”
Burch added that the Order of the Palmetto is particularly fitting because it recognizes the type of quiet leadership that often goes unnoticed.
“Jacob has never sought recognition or accolades. He has always been far more concerned with doing the right thing than receiving credit for it. The Order of the Palmetto honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to South Carolina, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving. On behalf of the entire Fourth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, I want to thank Jacob for his years of service to our communities, to the justice system, and to the State of South Carolina. More importantly, I want to thank him for being the kind of person who makes all of us better simply by knowing him. I am proud to call him both a colleague and one of my closest friends.”
The celebration at Prestwood Country Club reflected the tremendous respect Jacob has earned throughout the region. Among those in attendance were South Carolina Senator J.D. Chaplin, Representative Cody Mitchell, Solicitor Mike Burch, Hartsville City Councilman Colin Hungerpiller, members of the legal community, local leaders, friends, family, and countless others whose lives have been touched by Jacob’s service and friendship.
It was an afternoon filled with gratitude, laughter, and appreciation for a man who has spent his life lifting others up.
The Order of the Palmetto is the highest civilian honor awarded by the State of South Carolina. Bestowed by the Governor, it is reserved for individuals whose lives exemplify extraordinary achievement, selfless service, and lasting contributions to the people of this state.
Jacob Godwin’s life and career embody those values.
His story is one of service, leadership, perseverance, faith, friendship, and a genuine love for his community. Through his work in the legal profession, his volunteer efforts, his mentorship of others, and his unwavering commitment to helping those around him, he has left a lasting mark on the P*e Dee and on South Carolina as a whole.
The Fourth Circuit Solicitor’s Office congratulates Deputy Solicitor Jacob Lynn Godwin on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his dedication to justice, public service, and the people of South Carolina.
Congratulations, Jacob. We are proud to call you a colleague, a friend, and a servant leader whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
