Alissa L. Wilson is a criminal defense attorney based in Columbia, South Carolina, and the founder of ALW Law, LLC, established in 2026. With more than a decade of experience practicing criminal defense in South Carolina, she represents clients in serious state and federal matters where precision, preparation, and courtroom judgment are critical.
Licensed to practice law in South Carolina and New York, Alissa has handled hundreds of criminal cases across South Carolina trial courts and in federal court. Her practice includes high-exposure felony prosecutions, homicide cases, self-defense and firearms matters, and complex federal cases. She has taken approximately twenty cases to trial as second chair, earning a reputation for disciplined advocacy, command of evidentiary issues, and steady courtroom presence.
Alissa has been part of defense teams in cases that have received statewide media attention. Her work includes securing immunity from prosecution under South Carolina’s “Stand Your Ground” law following extensive evidentiary hearings, as well as obtaining not guilty verdicts in serious criminal trials, including an involuntary manslaughter prosecution in Lexington County. In federal court, she has been recognized for achieving substantial sentencing variances in cases involving significant sentencing exposure.
Alissa is a recognized member of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association Critical Response Team (CRT) Attorney Network, an invitation-only group of defense attorneys qualified to represent individuals involved in lawful self-defense and use-of-force incidents.
She has been selected for inclusion in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, a distinction reserved for attorneys demonstrating superior qualifications, trial experience, and professional leadership in criminal defense.
In 2025, Alissa was named Runner-Up for Best Criminal Defense Attorney in the Free Times Best of Columbia awards, recognizing her impact and reputation within the Columbia legal community.
Alissa is an active member of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the South Carolina Bar.
Originally from Rochester, New York, Alissa relocated to South Carolina in 2013. She earned her undergraduate degree from Tulane University and later obtained both her Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration. Her combined legal and analytical training informs a defense approach grounded in credibility, preparation, and long-term consequence awareness.
Outside the courtroom, Alissa enjoys gardening, spending time with her dogs—Mozzarella and Piper—and boating on Lake Murray with her husband, family, and friends.
