William Koontz

William Koontz , Esq. is a litigation attorney in the Columbia, South Carolina office of Melone Hatley, P.C., where he brings extensive experience in family law and complex custody litigation. Known for his client-centered approach, William has helped families navigate challenging times with compassion and dedication. He employs a multi-disciplinary approach to support his clients through every phase of their legal journey with excellence.

Originally from Kamloops, British Columbia, William moved to Columbia, South Carolina, after graduating from Davidson College. He has since made the Carolinas his home, settling down with his husband, Shannon Koontz, a Southern native. 

William earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law. During law school, he clerked for a local boutique firm, focusing on plaintiff’s litigation as well as appellate advocacy. He is a member of the South Carolina Association for Justice and the Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society. William also serves as co-chair of the Wellness Committee for the South Carolina Bar Young Lawyer’s Division and is a member of the Publications Committee for the South Carolina Bar. In 2024, he was recognized as a Legal Elite in family law and received the Roberts Senior Class Writing Award for his work on legal education. 

Outside of his legal practice, William enjoys spending time with his family, orienteering in the wilderness, and contributing to professional and civic organizations that promote wellness and diversity in the legal field.