The Clekis Law Firm’s founding partner, Nicholas Clekis, moved to Charleston, SC, in 1982 to attend the College of Charleston, where he received a Bachelor of Science, and then went on to attend the University of South Carolina School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctorate in 1985. Early in his career, Nick worked with firms like Morris, Duffy & Boone (now known as McNair Law Firm, PA) and Grimball & Cabaniss, LLC. After working in larger firms, Nick has dedicated the last 30 years to pursuing his passion: fighting for the rights of people injured by others' negligence.
An avid musician, Nick plays the bass guitar with the local band No Clue and has been known to jam out on occasion with Darius Rucker. He spends his free time playing music, cheering on the Gamecocks, and enjoying days on the water with his wife, Lori, and their two daughters.
Originally from Arkansas, Jacqueline J. Drescher attended Henderson State University, where she graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. Throughout college, Jackie was an active member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and Tau Beta Sigma Music Sorority, serving as president. She was also a member of the Henderson State Band and Color Guard, serving for two years as the Color Guard Captain and Coordinator.
After graduating from HSU, Jackie enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to pursue her law degree alongside her MBA. She graduated in 1995 with a Juris Doctor of Law degree and a Master of Business Administration.
Upon passing the Arkansas Bar Exam in 1995, Jackie relocated to Charleston, SC, where she passed the SC Bar exam and has been practicing law since 1996. She is licensed to practice in both South Carolina and Arkansas. Jackie focuses her practice areas on Workers' Compensation, Personal Injury, and Medical Malpractice.
When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends in beautiful Charleston, SC.
Alexandra "Allie" Menegakis is an experienced trial attorney, criminal justice reform advocate, and legal commentator. With her zealous advocacy, extensive trial experience, and client-centered approach, Allie is a formidable force for her clients within and outside the courtroom.
In 2008, Allie graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida with a major in Criminology and minors in both Classics and Modern Greek Studies. Upon graduation, she launched her career by joining Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions as a Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) instructor. In 2013, Allie earned a Juris Doctorate and Certificate in Criminal Justice from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law, and was awarded the Book Award in Criminal Litigation. Outside the classroom, she was president of the Criminal Law Association and the state-wide Florida Bar Law Student Division. In recognition of her leadership and achievements, Allie was inducted into the prestigious Florida Blue Key Honor Fraternity in 2013.
An experienced trial attorney, Allie has defended clients in over 70 trials on charges ranging from DUI to first-degree murder. She began her legal career as a public defender in Palm Beach County – the third-largest county in Florida – where she represented juvenile and adult defendants. In 2018, Allie relocated to Charleston, South Carolina, expanding her criminal defense practice to include civil rights litigation and personal injury. She earned recognition from clients and community leaders for her zealous advocacy, garnering prestigious awards such as the Charleston Business Journal's "Charleston's 40 under 40" Award in 2021 and the Spotlight Award in 2022.
In January 2020, Allie extended her advocacy from the courtroom to broader policy reform by creating the non-profit organization South Carolina for Criminal Justice Reform (SC4CJR), "a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating mass incarceration and achieving fair, equal, and humane treatment of the criminally accused." As SC4CJR's founder and executive director, Allie continues to educate the public and legislators on innovative criminal justice reform. She shares her knowledge in interviews with local, state, and national media outlets regarding criminal justice issues.
Allie attributes her passionate advocacy and empathy towards her clients to growing up in a large Greek family. She enjoys playing tennis, traveling to Greece with her family, playing chess, and learning new languages in her spare time. She is also an accomplished musician, enjoying playing the trumpet, piano, and guitar.