Allyson Rikard joined Rikard & Protopapas in 2009, bringing with her an extensive knowledge of both state and federal criminal law. Mrs. Rikard is a former Assistant Solicitor from the Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s office, where she worked with state and local law enforcement to prosecute both felony and misdemeanor crimes. She took her experience as a state prosecutor and transitioned herself to a private criminal defense practice. Her background as a state prosecutor gives Mrs. Rikard a unique perspective in defending clients who have been charged with a crime. She is a member of the South Carolina Bar, U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit.

In addition to practicing law, Mrs. Rikard is also very active in the fitness community in Columbia. She is a certified Pilates instructor, a certified Lagree Megaformer instructor, and teaches both group and private classes. She is a frequent speaker at the University of South Carolina University 101 classes and at various campus organizations. She is active in the arts, education, and animal rights.