Judge George C. Kosko

Judge George C. Kosko is a highly respected legal professional who has made significant contributions to the field of law and served in various esteemed positions throughout his career. He was appointed as a United States District Court Magistrate Judge for South Carolina in 2000 and retired in 2008 at age sixty five. His judicial duties spanned both the Greenville and Charleston Divisions, where he presided over a wide range of cases, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to upholding justice.

Recognizing the need for a second law school in South Carolina, Judge Kosko, along with Judge Carr, played an instrumental role in incubating and founding the Charleston School of Law. He served as a Founding Director from the school’s inception and continued to contribute as a teacher for 14 years. Under his guidance, thousands of students have obtained law degrees and successfully passed the Bar, making a significant impact on the legal profession in the region.

Judge Kosko’s legal acumen and dedication have earned him admission to several prestigious courts, including the United States Supreme Court upon the motion of Senator Hollings, the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the District Court for the District of Columbia, the Court of International Trade, the United States Custom Court, and the trial courts of both South Carolina and the District of Columbia.

After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in economics, Judge Kosko continued his education at the university’s School of Law. Following his admission to the Bar, he was appointed as the first Family Court Solicitor in South Carolina. He successfully addressed the issue of overcrowded juvenile dockets and later merged his responsibilities with the Solicitors Office. His tenure in this office lasted four years, further showcasing his commitment to public service and the pursuit of justice.

Subsequently, Judge Kosko established his private law practice, specializing in aviation law for the next 25 years. He gained recognition for his expertise in representing airports, pilots, operators, and aviation insurance syndicates, including Certain Underwriters at Lloyds London. His outstanding contributions to the field of aviation law led him to write the first edition of South Carolina Jurisprudence on Aviation and present papers at various esteemed associations and organizations.

Beyond his legal career, Judge Kosko has served on numerous boards, including the Board of Visitors of the Medical University of South Carolina, the Coastal Carolina School of Business, and the Tidelands Hospital in Georgetown. He also held notable leadership positions, such as State Governor of Sertoma for two terms, President of the Richland Sertoma, and Vice President of the United States Federal Magistrate Association. In the latter role, he was honored to advise the Courts of Croatia and deliver lectures on alternative dispute resolution options.

In 2016, Judge Kosko was called upon by Attorney Ed Bell to lend his expertise in addressing the plight of United States Marines who had suffered health issues due to consuming highly contaminated water for over three decades. Together, they drafted a proposed public law aimed at providing financial compensation to these affected soldiers and their families. Through their advocacy efforts, the proposed law, known as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, was passed with strong bipartisan support in Congress and signed into law by the President, marking a historic milestone in addressing the Marines’ plight.

Judge George C. Kosko’s remarkable career, marked by his judicial service, dedication to legal education, specialized expertise, and commitment to public service, has left an indelible impact on the legal community and society at large. His unwavering pursuit of justice and compassion for those in need have made him a highly regarded figure in the field of law.