Franklin M. Shuler
Managing Partner
Franklin M. Shuler (“Frank”) is the managing attorney of Shuler Law Firm. Frank began practicing law in November of 1992. He joined the law firm of Jones & Seth, LLP in Sumter, South Carolina in May of 1993. Initially, he was a litigation attorney, but his heart was always on the business side of the law. After six and one-half years of trial work, he decided to change his area of emphasis to be more accessible and attentive to his real estate and business clients. After twenty-four years with his former firm, he decided it was the right time to establish his own practice in Sumter. He formed The Real Estate & Business Law Firm of Franklin M. Shuler, LLC in August of 2017. In 2025, Frank refined the direction of his practice, transitioning the firm to focus exclusively on real estate and business law to better serve his clients’ transactional needs.
Frank grew up as an “Air Force Brat.” His father, Lieutenant General E. G. Shuler, Jr. had a career which spanned thirty-two years which resulted in frequent moves around the world. Frank attended four different high schools in four different states. Thus far, he has lived in twenty-five different places during his lifetime. Frank credits this with making him particularly adept at working with people and understanding their needs. Frank attended The Citadel following in a long line of family Citadel graduates. Frank is a member of the Class of 1985. After graduation, Frank was sworn in as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, he was stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base in Grand Forks, North Dakota where he served as a Combat Crew Flight Commander in the 321st Strategic Missile Wing. Frank was a launch officer for Minuteman II Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. During his service, he earned a Master of Science Administration in 1990 from Central Michigan University. In 1989, Frank separated from the Air Force as a Captain. Following his service, he earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University in 1992. Mr. Shuler is a member of the South Carolina Bar having been admitted to practice in November of 1992.
Frank is actively involved in the Sumter community. He has served as the Chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee and is currently serving on the Small Business Council for the Sumter Chamber of Commerce and the Chairman of the Library Board of Trustees. Frank has been the President of the Sertoma Civic Club, Chairman of the United Way for Sumter, Clarendon and Lee Counties, Chairman of the Sumter Housing Authority as well as serving on several committees within his church. He has been married to Allison C. Shuler for thirty-seven years, and they have three daughters, Carin, Anna Kate and Madeleine Maury along with two sons in laws and four grandsons.
Ginger L. Bloomer
Office Manager
With over thirty-two years of banking and legal experience behind her, Ginger Bloomer brings a wealth of knowledge to the firm. She and Frank have worked together since 1995 and have built a supportive relationship that benefits the clients who have entrusted the firm with their legal work. Ginger works diligently to ensure that the clients’ needs are met in a timely manner, and is always accessible by telephone or email. She is personally invested in making sure that the firm lives up to the outstanding reputation it has in the community.
Ginger and her husband, Randy, who is retired from the US Air Force, are both natives of upstate South Carolina and are proud to now call Sumter home. They have lived in the Sumter area since their marriage, except for a four-year tour overseas at RAF Bentwaters, England. She has two grown children, Jennifer and Nick, a daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and four beautiful grandchildren, Phoenix, Olivia, Nora, and Benjamin.
Erin J.O. McArthur
Attorney
Education:
- University of Wyoming College of Law
- Juris Doctorate
- Colorado State University
- BS Animal Science
- BS Agricultural Business
Legal Licensure:
- South Carolina
- Colorado
- US District Court, District of Colorado
Personal:
Enjoys spending time with family and being outdoors. Parishioner of St. Anne and St. Jude Roman Catholic Church.
Jake Dippold
Attorney
Jacob H. Dippold (“Jake”) is committed to serving his community by providing strategic legal guidance and advocating for his clients’ success. A native of Syracuse, NY, Jake’s journey into law began at Wofford College, where he earned a BA in English (Film) and Government (American Politics) in 2021. At Wofford, Jake’s leadership and dedication to excellence were clear both on and off the field. As a Division One Baseball player, Jake earned athletic honors, including a 2021 SoCon Championship, while balancing academics and team leadership as a cabinet member (team captain) for two years. His commitment to his education and his team earned him recognition as a 4-time Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll recipient and a 2021 Academic All-Conference.
During his time at Wofford, Jake also demonstrated leadership beyond sports, serving as President of the Pre-Law Society, Vice-Chairman of the Republicans Society, and as a prosecutor for the Honor Council/Judicial Commission. These experiences shaped his passion for advocacy, prompting his decision to pursue law as a career.
Jake continued his legal education at Elon School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor as a Dean Scholar and Leadership Fellow. At Elon, he demonstrated his commitment to service and leadership by serving as President of the Military Law Society and Secretary of the First-Generation Lawyer Society. During this time, Jake’s passion for law emerged as he honed his legal skills on the Moot Court Board, where he excelled in advocating for complex legal issues. Outside the classroom, Jake remained dedicated to his community, coaching baseball at a local middle school and mentoring aspiring athletes at a private academy.
Jake’s practice focuses on Business Law, encompassing business formation, business succession planning, contract drafting, and other related matters. He also provides legal services for Non-Profit organizations, including churches and other 501(c)(3) entities. Additionally, Jake handles Commercial Real Estate Closings and represents clients in Business Litigation.
In addition to his legal practice, Jake serves as an Adjunct Professor of Political Science at the University of South Carolina Sumter, where he teaches American National Government and helps guide the next generation of students in civic understanding and leadership.
He is licensed South Carolina, The United States District Court for the District of South Carolina and the United States Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit.
Jake is an active member of the South Carolina Bar Association, proudly serving as the 3rd Circuit Representative for its Young Lawyers Division. Locally, he contributes to his community through various leadership roles, including serving as a board member of Sumter Young Professionals, a member of the Advisory Council for the Sumter Museum, a Committee Member for the Sumter Chamber Leadership Development Committee, the 20th Security Forces Squadron Honorary Commander, and a Chamber Ambassador. Additionally, Jake is involved with the Sumter Touchdown Club.
Jake’s dedication to his community is evident through his leadership and service. In 2024, he was recognized as one of Sumter’s Top 10 Under 40 Professionals for his outstanding contributions to the legal profession and his commitment to serving others. As a member of the Leadership Sumter 2025 class, Jake continued to cultivate his community impact. He also serves as general counsel on the board of Battle Buddies of the Carolinas, a non-profit organization that provides life-changing support to veterans by training service dogs for those coping with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. He also referees basketball games for the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA), contributing to his community through athletics.
Along with his wife, Jana Marie, Jake is an active member of Alice Drive Baptist Church in Sumter, where he serves as a Deacon, teaches a Wednesday Night Life Group, and co-leads a Men’s Ministry.
In his free time, Jake enjoys golfing, tennis, reading history, and watching sports, particularly the Yankees, Duke Basketball, and Gamecocks Football. He also published his first book in April of 2024, “Mentally Tough Christians” and his second book in April of 2025, “Sincerely, Hank”.
Amy B. Vohs
Paralegal
Amy B. Vohs is a life-long resident of Sumter and has twenty years of legal experience. She joined the firm in 2018 after working for Richard (“DicK”) L. Booth for thirteen years. She has a wealth of knowledge in the real estate law field. Amy graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and Central Carolina Technical College with an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies. Amy is the lead paralegal for the residential real estate department and is responsible for ensuring that closings are done correctly, efficiently and on time.
In her free time, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, Brad, and their daughter, Sydnie, traveling all over the Southeast for her athletic events.
Michelle B. Ferzley
Legal Assistant
Michelle B. Ferzley was the Administrative Assistant to the Sumter County Master in Equity Court for over 11 years. She also has 7 years of mortgage lending experience. She recently joined the firm after working for Judge Richard “Dick” L. Booth, then Judge Howard P. King. Michelle graduated from Hillcrest High School and has an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Kaplan University. Michelle is currently the assistant to Paralegal, Amy B. Vohs in our Real Estate Department.
Michelle comes from a military family and has been a resident of Sumter most of her life. She has a daughter, Autumn Lea Ferzley whom she enjoys spending time with.
Alyssa M. Miles
Paralegal
Alyssa joined Shuler Killen Law Firm as an intern in December 2020, beginning her career at the firm as the receptionist, and she has continued to grow with our firm. Alyssa earned her Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies from Central Carolina Technical College, and after completing her internship, she was hired permanently to become an integral part of the Residential Real Estate team. The residential team, under the supervision of Amy Vohs, has benefited greatly from Alyssa’s work ethic and enthusiasm for her job. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her daughter, Rylee, and her four furbabies.
Leanna A. Whitaker
Executive Assistant
Leanna A. Whitaker is the executive assistant for the Commercial Real Estate and Business Law department. Her professional background includes: hospitality, training and development, marketing and sales, property management, office management and legal assistant services. Leanna graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice.
When not spending time with her husband and their three children, she enjoys visiting family and friends, reading, listening to music, and painting.
Elise C. B. Simmons
Executive Assistant
Elise is the executive assistant for Frank M. Shuler and Erin J. O. McArthur. Originally hailing from Northeast Texas, Elise attended Mississippi State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English. After graduating in 2013, Elise moved to South Korea where she taught English as a language for two years. There, she met her husband and eventually moved to California with him where she worked as a restaurant server until ultimately pursuing a career as a realtor. A few years, four pets, and one baby later, Elise and her family moved back to South Korea for her husband’s job in the United States Air Force. After two years in Asia the Simmons family returned to the U.S. and arrived in Sumter at the beginning of 2024. Through a series of happy coincidences, Elise met managing partner Frank Shuler and ended up joining the Shuler Killen Law Firm team in May of 2024. As a legal assistant, Elise focuses on client intake, file management, and other administrative duties to ensure a seamless client experience. In her time away from the office she pursues photography, writing, gardening, animal care for her pets, and creating a life of joy with her family.
Lilian Yoder
Legal Assistant
Lilian Yoder is the legal assistant to attorneys Franklin M. Shuler, Jake Dippold, and Erin J.O. McArthur, bringing a strong background in discipline, organization and detailed oriented approach shaped by her service in the United States Air Force. Throughout her military career she supported commanders across various squadrons, gaining valuable experience in high pressure environments, and high level administrative and operational support.
Since moving to Sumter in 2021, Lilian has made it home and continues to pursue her long standing interest in the legal profession. She takes pride in being reliable, approachable presence for both clients and colleagues, and is passionate about helping people navigate the legal process with confidence.
Outside of work, Lilian enjoys beach days, reading a good book, and making memories with her daughter, Axyl.
Mia Perea
Executive Assistant
Remia “Mia” Perea is the Executive Assistant to Franklin M. Shuler. A proud U.S. Navy veteran and military spouse, Mia brings a strong service ethic and attention to detail to her legal work, backed by years of experience in administrative, medical, and legal support roles.
She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Business Management at the University of Colorado Denver and is set to graduate in December 2025. Her academic focus, combined with a hands-on leadership background, reinforces her ability to manage complex casework and support the firm’s daily operations with excellence.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Mia moved to the U.S. at 17 and went on to serve as a Hospital Corpsman in the Navy. She now proudly supports her husband, who is active duty in the U.S. Air Force, and is a devoted girl mom to two daughters—both born on the same day, five years apart.
Outside the office, Mia is a self-taught chef who loves cooking and baking for friends and family. She’s grounded in her faith and attends Christian church services at CCC every Sunday with her family, embracing her values of community, kindness, and growth in every aspect of life.
Our Team
Franklin M. Shuler
Managing Attorney
Ginger L. Bloomer
Office Manager
Erin J.O. McArthur
Attorney
Jake Dippold
Attorney
Amy B. Vohs
Paralegal
Michelle B. Ferzley
Legal Assistant
Alyssa M. Miles
Paralegal
Leanna A. Whitaker
Executive Assistant
Mia Perea
Executive Assistant







