Of all the valuable assets that defense industry contractors have, their reputation and credibility with government customers and regulators rank among the highest. That's especially true as it relates to Law of War compliance. In an atmosphere of increasingly pervasive regulation, heightened scrutiny, and aggressive enforcement directed at government contractors, members of the defense industry need to prioritize legal and regulatory compliance and risk mitigation. To do so, it is proactive and strategic to work with a defense contractor attorney Near Lexington, SC for tailored guidance.
U.S.-RECOGNIZED COUNTRIES in 2024
ONGOING ARMED CONFLICTS as of 2024
DEATHS FROM ARMED CONFLICT in 2024
If you're a defense contractor using Google to search for a defense contractor compliance attorney, you're probably well-versed in the Laws of War. But if you're unaware of these laws or you're starting a business geared towards DoD contracting, it's crucial that you understand IHL and the compliance standards you must meet. Otherwise, you could face serious consequences and lose your ability to provide goods and services across the domains of land, sea, air, space, and cyber.
The Law of War, often referred to as International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), comprises a set of international treaties and customary laws that establish guidelines for conduct during armed conflicts. Its primary aim is to minimize unnecessary suffering for the wounded and sick, prisoners of war (POWs), and civilians caught up in hostilities. In a nutshell, the primary goal of the Laws of War is to help save lives and promote some degree of humanity during armed conflicts.
To achieve this, IHL governs the conduct of wars, striking a balance between weakening the opponent and minimizing suffering. The principles of warfare are global. The Geneva Conventions, which form the foundation of IHL, have been ratified by all 196 states. Very few international agreements enjoy such widespread support.
All parties involved in a conflict must adhere to IHL, including both state forces and nonState armed groups. If the Law of War is violated, there are repercussions. War crimes are recorded and examined by nations and international tribunals, and individuals may face prosecution for war crimes.
The Law of War also applies to defense contractors, who must uphold strict compliance standards in order to sell their services. Sometimes, DoD contractors are unaware of or unprepared to meet these compliance standards. That is why they should consult with a government contractor attorney Near Lexington, SC, like Richard Waring, who focuses on Law of War compliance matters.
Some examples of Law of War compliance as it relates to defense contractors include:
Defense contractors, especially private military and security companies (PMSCs), are obligated to follow international humanitarian law (IHL) concerning the safeguarding of civilians and civilian objects. They must promote that they do not engage directly in hostilities if those involved are considered to be civilians.
Both people employed by defense contractors and the companies they work for may face legal accountability for breaches of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This encompasses possible criminal charges for serious violations of the Geneva Conventions and assigning blame to superiors for the actions of their subordinates.
Although defense contractors are typically not permitted to engage in offensive use of force, they may be granted permission to utilize force in situations of self-defense or to safeguard other civilians or their property.
Four of the most basic rules of IHL include the following:
Parties involved in a conflict must always make a clear distinction between civilians and combatants to protect the civilian population and their property. No attacks should be directed at the civilian population as a whole or at individual civilians. Instead, military actions should be aimed solely at military targets.
Individuals who are unable or unwilling to engage in combat have the right to life and to be treated with care for their physical and mental health. They should always be safeguarded and treated humanely, without any discrimination. It is prohibited to kill or injure an adversary who has surrendered or who is no longer able to participate in the fighting.
Neither the conflicting parties nor their military personnel possess an unrestricted right to select their methods and means of warfare. The use of weapons or warfare methods that may result in unnecessary casualties or excessive suffering is prohibited.
Those who are injured or ill should be gathered and provided care by the party in control of them. Medical staff, health facilities, and transport vehicles are to be protected from attack. Individuals displaying the recognized symbol of the Red Cross, Red Crescent, or Red Crystal on a white background, as well as facilities and vehicles marked with these symbols, must be treated with respect.
Understanding DoD and international Law of War is about more than memorizing complex legal terms. Let's look at a real-life scenario where it applies.
Consider a drone strike aimed at a suspected terrorist hideout nestled within a crowded village. While the strike may be seen as a necessary military action, the risk of civilian casualties raises serious questions about proportionality. In this context, here's how the principles of the Law of War come into play:
Is the expected military benefit greater than the possible harm to civilians? Are there safer alternatives that could accomplish the same goal?
Is it possible for intelligence to verify if the hideout contains solely combatants, or might there be civilians unknowingly present as well?
Is this the only way to tackle the threat, or are there less harmful alternatives that can be considered?
Situations like those outlined above are complicated issues. There are no easy solutions to them. Commanders often face heart-wrenching decisions, weighed down by the potential consequences of their actions. Meanwhile, defense contractors must take significant strides to promote that their products and services comply with DoD and international Law of War mandates.
That's why open and clear communication among military leaders, military companies, legal advisors, and the public is essential. By sharing their thought processes, the factors they consider, and the efforts made to reduce civilian harm, they can promote understanding and foster accountability. If you own a company that supplies the military or DoD, working with a lawyer who specializes in defense contractor compliance could save your business and your reputation.
In 2010, the global market for private military companies (PMC) was estimated to be worth $200 billion and to employ around one million individuals. Today, the PMC sector provides a diverse array of services, with some firms having more than ten thousand employees. In Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Army has depended on private military firms and defense contractors for many reasons, including:
In March 2011, the U.S. Department of Defense cited more defense contractor personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq at 155,000 than active military members, 145,000. In those two regions alone, defense contractors accounted for 52% of the U.S. workforce. With those figures in mind and with increasingly volatile and dangerous attacks in areas like Israel and Iran, military companies are in high demand.
If you're a defense contractor - whether large or small - now is the time to promote compliance with both international and DoD Law of War rules and provide appropriate training to key personnel. Here are just a few ways that defense contractor compliance law firms like Conflict Orbit can help your defense company uphold IHL laws.
Conflict Orbit provides in-depth compliance readiness and policy development support to help your business meet Law of War requirements with confidence. Richard Waring helps create a framework that supports operational integrity and contract security. With the rising scrutiny in federal procurement, now is the time to get your business audit-ready and fully aligned with government expectations.
This service can also include pre-design or post-design legal reviews for organizations designing weapons platforms with the goal of marketing them to the government. The government will require these systems to comply with the Law of War, and performing a front-end compliance review may help ensure alignment with government expectations and mitigate potential legal risks.
For defense contractors, comprehensive risk assessments and mitigation services can mean the difference between being in business and bankruptcy. When tailored to the unique challenges of private military organizations, this service evaluates potential legal, operational, and compliance risks related to Law of War obligations, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending targeted strategies to address them.
Whether assessing technology, weapons systems, or operational practices, experienced attorneys like Richard Waring are needed for many reasons, including:
In-depth Law of War audits are very important for assessing and strengthening an organization's compliance with international and Department of Defense (DoD) Law of War obligations. These audits can carefully evaluate an organization's policies, procedures, training programs, and operational practices to help them better align with Law of War standards. When you hire a defense contractor attorney Near Lexington, SC to perform an audit, you're taking proactive steps to promote your operations adhere to Law of War principles. Just as important, you're demonstrating a commitment to lawful conduct in conflict scenarios.
Comprehensive partner due diligence and screening services, help organizations evaluate potential collaborators, contractors, or third parties for Law of War compliance and applicable regulatory standards. Due diligence and screening services may include the following:
By performing thorough due diligence, organizations can reduce the risk of partnering with non-compliant or unreliable entities, ensuring smoother and more lawful operations in conflict-affected environments.
Custom training and education programs from defense contract lawyers help your organization better understand Law of War obligations. Since training is often a necessity for defense contractors, it should always be taken seriously. IHL sessions go over a variety of topics, from following the Geneva and Hague Conventions to navigating ethical conduct in conflict zones, all tailored to fit your specific needs. Whether it's for senior leaders or frontline staff, this type of education and training gives you the knowledge needed to tackle legal challenges and keep practices lawful in highrisk situations.
These Law of War compliance services include in-depth research, detailed report writing, and professional presentations on IHL topics tailored to your defense organization's needs. Whether analyzing complex legal issues, drafting compliance reports, or delivering briefings to leadership, these options provide you with wellsupported insights to inform decision-making. Be sure to ask your government contractor attorney about how they can turn legal and regulatory frameworks into actionable guidance so that your team can stay informed and prepared when it matters most.
Around the globe, conflict is evolving. If you're a defense contractor and you're not making adjustments to secure your operations, you could violate the Law of War. However, with compliance counsel from Conflict Orbit, you can focus on doing what you're best at while lead attorney Richard Waring protects your legal interests.
Throughout Richard's professional career, he has seen a lack of private legal services for companies who need guidance on maintaining federally and internationally mandated compliance with the Law of War. He also observed that many contractors are unaware of these requirements.
As a former Intelligence Officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and a current U.S. Army JAG Officer (National Guard), Richard has had real-life exposure to the Law of War. He is a creative and relentless attorney who also has a background in criminal justice (prosecution, defense, and investigations) and education in drone and space law.
DISCLAIMER: Conflict Orbit, LLC is a private law firm and Richard Waring is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DoD.
Richard investigated and prosecuted 1000s of criminal cases with relentlessness, including the most serious violent crimes. As a prolific trial attorney, he held countless criminals accountable for their actions while refining the skills of communication, attention to detail, and persistence in the face of challenging legal scenarios.
Having defended numerous clients accused of wrongdoing, Richard has the ability to view legal scenarios from all sides. He utilized creativity, persuasion, and a strong work ethic to obtain positive results.
Former Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) intelligence officer in the Intelligence Community's Prisoner of War (POW)/Missing in Action (MIA) Analytic Cell. The Cell provides intelligence support to military personnel recovery efforts for POW/MIAs, hostages, and kidnapped individuals worldwide. The Cell also currently supports unresolved U.S. and allied kidnapping cases by politically motivated anti-U.S. groups around the world.
As a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army (National Guard) Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps), Richard received formal Law of War military legal training. He currently faithfully serves both his country and state of South Carolina as a Judge Advocate, and Richard feels privileged to be able to serve in this capacity.
DISCLAIMER: Conflict Orbit, LLC is a private law firm and Richard Waring is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DoD.
On a personal level, Richard is committed to reducing the amount of harm to the wounded and sick, POWs, and civilians in armed conflict. He has reorganized his law firm to be an innovative option for organizations needing guidance on Law of War compliance. Above all, Richard finds duty to country and service to others the highest callings, and it inspires him to know that his work potentially saves lives.
Is your defense organization ready to withstand what the future holds? If you're unsure, now is the time to act. Contact Conflict Orbit today and protect yourself from an uncertain tomorrow.
DISCLAIMER: This information, which includes non-client endorsements and testimonials from paying clients, should not be construed as a guarantee of any result in your matter. Past results do not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.
Lexington Sporting Club will soon host rival Louisville FC in the Commonwealth Cup at the brand-new, state-of-the-art stadium located off Exit 104 on I-75. Today, Lexington SC revealed a special kit for the July 26 match, introduced as: “Inspired by the Lexington greats who came before us.”The look? Blue and white icicles, a nod to Kentucky Basketball‘s 1994-95 threads....
Lexington Sporting Club will soon host rival Louisville FC in the Commonwealth Cup at the brand-new, state-of-the-art stadium located off Exit 104 on I-75. Today, Lexington SC revealed a special kit for the July 26 match, introduced as: “Inspired by the Lexington greats who came before us.”
The look? Blue and white icicles, a nod to Kentucky Basketball‘s 1994-95 threads. O.G. icicle-wearer Tony Delk modeled the new throwback kit for the announcement:
A special kit for a special occasion ????⬜️????Introducing ???????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????️ Available NOW at https://t.co/j7IaKjjIsu???? crafted by @hummelNAmerica #LexGo | #USLChampionship | #ImWithLex pic.twitter.com/BWFgOaxwyj
— Lexington Sporting Club Men (@LexSCmen) July 15, 2025
Buy your replica jersey here before July 26.
The upcoming Commonwealth Cup will be Lexington SC’s first time hosting the in-state rivalry at Lexington Sporting Club Stadium. The first 2,000 fans through the gate will receive a free LSC flag, in addition to all of the fun around the LSC experience.
Kickoff is 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. Vamos Lexington.
There’s a new restaurant on the way not far from Lake Murray.La Fogata, which has several Mexican eateries in the Midlands, is planning a new location at 1605 N. Lake Drive. There is a banner at the site announcing the restaurant is “coming soon” and La Fogata has filed paperwork with the state Department of Revenue to serve beer, wine and liquor at the address.An opening date for the restaurant h...
There’s a new restaurant on the way not far from Lake Murray.
La Fogata, which has several Mexican eateries in the Midlands, is planning a new location at 1605 N. Lake Drive. There is a banner at the site announcing the restaurant is “coming soon” and La Fogata has filed paperwork with the state Department of Revenue to serve beer, wine and liquor at the address.
An opening date for the restaurant has not been publicly announced. It will be located in a building that was formerly home to Tee’d Up indoor driving range. It’s located less than a mile east of Lake Murray’s Dreher Shoals Dam and less than a mile west of the popular Wingard’s Market.
La Fogata already has a handful of restaurants in the Midlands, including on Sunset Boulevard in West Columbia, on Broad River Road in Irmo and on Amicks Ferry Road in Chapin. Its menu includes a host of Mexican favorites, including tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, tamales and more.
The coming arrival of La Fogata continues a seeming mini-trend of Mexican restaurants opening at or very near Lake Murray in recent years. For example, Na’Cho Margarita opened at 745 Marina Way at Martin’s Landing in August 2023, and regional Mexican chain San Jose opened a Lake Murray spot at 3340 U.S. 378 in Leesville in December 2023.
The N. Lake Drive area where La Fogata is planning a spot is a bustling thoroughfare connecting Lexington and the lake. More than 30,000 cars per day travel down that stretch near the lake, per state Department of Transportation data.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - One family-owned business is taking a leap and expanding to a growing area of Lexington County. It’s the latest example of businesses moving with the expected growth.Nicky’s Pizzeria has been a longstanding Midlands favorite, with its first location in Five Points of Columbia over a decade ago. Its owners then shut down that location and opened ‘Nicky’s Pizzeria’ in the Town of Lexington.Three years ago, a new family, the Kershner’s bought the company and have taken ove...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - One family-owned business is taking a leap and expanding to a growing area of Lexington County. It’s the latest example of businesses moving with the expected growth.
Nicky’s Pizzeria has been a longstanding Midlands favorite, with its first location in Five Points of Columbia over a decade ago. Its owners then shut down that location and opened ‘Nicky’s Pizzeria’ in the Town of Lexington.
Three years ago, a new family, the Kershner’s bought the company and have taken over its operations, partly to give their children a safe place to work and learn life skills. Mom, Anne Kershner, said business is booming and they are outgrowing their current space.
“The original Nicky’s was in downtown Columbia in Five Points, and then the Lexington location opened up a few years later. The original owner closed down the Five Points location but continued the Lexington location. The owner wanted to pursue a new career option, so that’s when they decided to look for new ownership of this restaurant”, said Kershner.
The Kershners kept everything the same, including the recipes, which were written decades ago on scratch paper and now used every day by kitchen staff.
“When you walk into Nicky’s I am hoping you get that New York vibe, it’s really loud, we are calling out to go order names, you see pizzas flying in the air, I really want to give that New York nostalgia when you walk into the door,” said Kershner “We have owned this for almost three years now, it’s to the point now where I recognize more faces than I don’t”.
Kershner has made it a priority to keep the restaurant inclusive for all dietary restrictions without compromising on its traditional recipes and authenticity. With not a single dish served from a can or bag, the pizzeria has and will continue to make everything from scratch. It’s something that sets Nicky’s and other local businesses apart from major food chains.
“Mom and pop restaurants 60 years ago were the foundation of the economy, and we are what kept everything growing. It’s so important that we hang in there and do everything that we can to hang in there”, said Kershner.
The family is already beginning plans for its next location in the Pelion, Red Bank area.
“This building is old, this is a historic building built in the 1930s, it’s old and it needs some work. With the volume that we have, we need to push that volume out”.
The new pizzeria will be called “Vinny’s”, named after one of the Kershner’s sons. It will have the same great taste and New York style and will be conveniently located next to another restaurant they own, the Farmhouse Grill. Construction and remodeling of the new pizzeria is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
One thing that the Kershner family will make certain its new pizzeria will have is an open garden. Currently, Nicky’s Pizzeria has a patio, and the perimeter of it is a garden where fresh herbs and vegetables are grown. Basil and other ingredients are pulled from the garden daily, and the family-owned business encourages customers to pull from the garden too.
“You can quite literally look out the window and see the basil or other ingredient that they are using, they have this crust that is different than say your Papa John’s, Pizza Hut, it’s fresh and it’s good,” said Sydney Hanna, a Lexington county resident.
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A new Mexican restaurant has set its sights on a well known shopping center in the heart of Lexington.Na’cho Margarita, which already has a popular Mexican restaurant along the shores of Lake Murray, is planning a new location at 712 W. Main St. near downtown Lexington. Public records indicate that Na’cho Margarita has applied to the SC Department of Revenue for its...
A new Mexican restaurant has set its sights on a well known shopping center in the heart of Lexington.
Na’cho Margarita, which already has a popular Mexican restaurant along the shores of Lake Murray, is planning a new location at 712 W. Main St. near downtown Lexington. Public records indicate that Na’cho Margarita has applied to the SC Department of Revenue for its licenses to sell alcohol at the address. There also was a Department of Revenue application notice for Na’cho Margarita in the window at the Main Street spot when a reporter went by Monday morning.
The restaurant space at 712 W. Main St. in Lexington formerly was home to RF’s Corner Grill, which closed in March. RF’s had been at that location for more than six years.
Na’cho Margarita opened a Mexican restaurant with a full bar at 745 Marina Way in Prosperity, at Lake Murray, in summer 2023. That lakeside location’s menu features a host of Mexican favorites, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, poblanos, sizzling fajitas and more.
The location along W. Main Street will be in the Town Square shopping center that is anchored by a Food Lion supermarket. Other businesses in the plaza include Musician Supply, Terry’s Barber Shop, Black Tiger Tae Kwan Do, and a Wingstop chicken place, among others. Lexington County’s auxiliary administration building is across the street.
It’s in a high-traffic area near downtown Lexington. About 40,000 cars per day travel down that stretch of W. Main Street, per state Department of Transportation data.
A hotly anticipated new restaurant has officially joined downtown Lexington’s culinary scene.Ember, a high-end steakhouse from a group of well-known local restaurateurs, has opened its doors at 101 W. Main St., at the southwest corner of the intersection of Main and Church streets, adjacent to the popular Icehouse Amphitheater.The new restaurant had a soft opening last week, co-owner Steve Cook said, and is now open on a reservation-only basis. Diners can make reservations through the online service Resy, which is also li...
A hotly anticipated new restaurant has officially joined downtown Lexington’s culinary scene.
Ember, a high-end steakhouse from a group of well-known local restaurateurs, has opened its doors at 101 W. Main St., at the southwest corner of the intersection of Main and Church streets, adjacent to the popular Icehouse Amphitheater.
The new restaurant had a soft opening last week, co-owner Steve Cook said, and is now open on a reservation-only basis. Diners can make reservations through the online service Resy, which is also linked via emberlexington.com.
Ember is the newest offering from a handful of restaurateurs who are familiar to many in the Midlands. They include Cook, who owns Saluda’s fine dining restaurant and Arroyo Mexican restaurant in Five Points; Joe Walker III, the former Richland County Councilman who has franchised Marco’s Pizza and Scooter’s Coffee locations; and Ryan Jones, the former general manager of Hall’s Chophouse in Columbia.
As Ember launches, Cook said the early reaction from Lexington residents has been encouraging.
“We are very happy that we’ve had a great demand from the community so far,” Cook said. “It’s been great. Like any restaurant, we are working out the kinks at the very beginning. I’ve done a lot of stuff over the years, and I’ve never seen this kind of outpouring of enthusiasm for a project. It has been pretty cool to see, honestly.
“The Lexington market is exciting and we’re happy to be a part of it.”
Ember’s arrival stokes the flames of downtown Lexington, which has become a bustling hub with a host of restaurants, bars, shops and other services. Popular downtown eateries include O’Hara’s Public House, Keg Cowboy, Bodhi Thai Dining, Groucho’s Deli, Barrio, Craft Axe Throwing, Cribb’s, Bubba’s Biscuit, Libby’s, and Nicky’s Pizzeria. There are also a host of stores, such as Craig Reagin Clothiers and The Kindred Boutique, and a Voodoo Brewing location is under construction.
The menu at Ember features a host of options, including, of course, a roster of steaks, including filet mignon, a Japanese wagyu New York strip, a USDA prime ribeye and others. The eatery also features pork chops, seafood, pasta, salads, soups, an extensive wine list, a host of cocktails and more.
Cook said customers have been enjoying various parts of the menu in Ember’s early days.
“The steaks have been popular, obviously,” Cook said. “The pasta is so good. We make the pasta in house. The fresh seafood and the seafood tower have been really popular. There’s also a pickled shrimp appetizer that is so good. It’s sort of a refreshing take on the shrimp cocktail.
“And the short rib is awesome. If you go and are not in the mood for a steak, the short rib is one of those dishes that will be on the menu for 20 years.”
Carl Sagan
Let's be the exception.