A towering figure in South Carolina law and philanthropy, Joseph F. Rice, a USC alumnus and long-time benefactor, helped shape the university’s landscape, including the law school bearing his name, the Joseph F. Rice School of Law.

Rice, a nationally renowned plaintiffs attorney and co-founder of Motley Rice LLC, died unexpectedly at age 79, leaving a legacy as a fearless negotiator and innovator in mass tort litigation.

He played a pivotal role in the late-1990s Big Tobacco settlements, helping secure a historic $248 billion agreement, and later served as co-lead counsel in a nationwide opioid litigation.

This is breaking news and the story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Motley Rice said they will continue the work Rice valued as part of his lasting legacy, ensuring the firm carries forward his approach to justice.

Funeral or memorial arrangements have not yet been announced, with details to be shared when finalized.

Motley Rice likewise indicated that service arrangements are still pending and will be announced when available.

Colleagues described Rice as a “lion among lawyers” and a “pioneer” whose theories held wrongdoers to account and who will be remembered in legal history.

Anecdotes recount his roots in Winnsboro and Gastonia, NC, his early bar-tending days in Myrtle Beach, and a multi-decade legal career beginning in 1979 in Barnwell, SC.

Rice helped secure a multibillion-dollar settlement against Meta, contributing to guardrails that limit children's exposure to social media.

He was a lifelong USC football supporter, helped establish the Rice Athletic Center at USC, and co-founded Bulls Bay Golf Club; he even won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in 2009 with Dustin Johnson.

Rice spoke about empowering future lawyers to bridge divides and advocate for the powerless, highlighting healing societal rifts through law and service.