Dority & Manning Mourns the Passing of Founder Julian W. Dority
GREENVILLE, SC (March 15, 2023) – Julian W. Dority, one of the founding partners of Dority & Manning, Attorneys at Law, P.A., passed away on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 87 years of age.
Julian graduated from University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Julian then began his career in intellectual property, working at the U.S. Patent Office as an examiner while continuing his studies at George Washington University. Given his knack for engaging audiences, however, Julian was destined to be an intellectual property litigator. With that aim, Julian completed his law degree at University of South Carolina School of Law, becoming one of the initial patent attorneys in South Carolina.
Some years after law school, Julian reconnected with a former classmate from undergraduate school. At the time, both were practicing intellectual property at different firms but had a similar vision for a firm that they thought just might work. So, in the dark corner of a local bar, Julian Dority and Mackie Manning jotted down their dreams on the back of a paper napkin. In 1984, their back of napkin dreams became a reality and they opened Dority & Manning, Attorneys at Law, P.A.
According to his closest colleagues and friends from Dority & Manning, Julian was known for his impeccable judgement, sharp intellect, and folksy communication style, attributes that not only made him an extremely successful patent attorney, but also made him particularly successful in front of juries. In fact, Julian appeared as an expert witness in many intellectual property litigation cases. A highlight of Julian’s career was being appointed as a Special Master and presiding over an intellectual property hearing in a multi-million dollar patent dispute. The characteristics that made Julian legendary, however, had little to do with his success in the courtroom or his ability to solve seemingly impossible problems. Instead, the indelible mark that Julian left on everyone that he met had everything to do with how he treated people.
Julian is described as authentic, compassionate, jolly, generous, and welcoming. Julian embodied the very values that the current day Dority & Manning seeks to maintain. Julian trusted the team to get the job done and wanted to have fun doing it. Being people-oriented by nature, Julian threaded a people-first mentality into the makeup of Dority & Manning.
A master rose gardener, boxing champion, avid fisher, and boater, Julian had a full life outside of his very successful law firm. Julian looked forward to donating dozens of his home-grown roses to the annual Rose Ball, a local charitable event supporting various non-profits. Julian was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and often drew an audience at the office to hear stories of his family told in his endearing Charleston accent.
“Julian was unlike any other. He was the heart and soul of our firm. Our values and how we do business are largely attributable to Julian,” said Stephen Bondura, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dority & Manning, when asked to describe Julian. “Julian’s positive impact on people inside and outside the firm was monumental. He will be sorely missed by all.”
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Christ Church Episcopal, 10 North Church St., Greenville, SC 29601 or to the charity of one’s choice.
About Dority & Manning
Since 1984, Dority & Manning has provided clients with a full range of legal services that span all aspects of intellectual property law. Dority & Manning is known to be a client-centered firm delivering outcome-focused, efficient, and innovative solutions for organizations around the world. For more information about Dority & Manning’s growing practice, visit dority-manning.com.
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