Justice Donald Beatty is an Associate Justice on the South Carolina Supreme Court. After five years of distinguished service in the South Carolina General Assembly, he was elected to the Circuit Court in 1995 where he served as a trial judge until he was elevated to the Court of Appeals in 2003. In 2007, he was elected as Associate Justice.
Justice Beatty began his legal career by working for the Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program, thus fulfilling a personal commitment to use his legal training to benefit those who could not afford paid legal representation. Following his tenure with the legal assistance program, he established a private practice in his hometown, Spartanburg, South Carolina. During this time, Justice Beatty maintained a commitment to public service with his election to Spartanburg City Council, later moving to the state level with his election to the House of Representatives. During his tenure in the South Carolina General Assembly, he served as a member of the Medical Military, Public and Municipal affairs Committee, and the Judiciary Committee. In addition, he served as Vice-Chairman and Chairman-elect of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus.
His dedication to his community led to his service on the Piedmont Legal Services Board of Directors, Spartanburg Residential Development Corporation, Southside Neighborhoods Association Partnership, BB&T Advisory Board, BMW minority Advisory Board/BMW Construction Project, and many community organizations. Justice Beatty also finds time to appear at various schools and often speaks to youth groups.