Professional Photo of Monier Abusaft

Meet Monier "Mo" Abusaft

Monier "Mo" Abusaft is a graduate of Wofford College and Vanderbilt University Law School. At Wofford, his interest in ministry led him to graduate Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion. He was also awarded an ELI Fellowship, given to emerging leaders in ministry.

Among Mo's many activities during college, he was a summer missionary at Camp Cedine Ministries—being recognized as Cedine's Missionary of the Year in 2007. He also served as President of his beloved fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc., and was a member of the Wofford College Football team.

A Journey of Service

Legal Career

After earning his Juris Doctorate from Vanderbilt, he returned to Spartanburg to be State Circuit Court Judge J. Mark Hayes's law clerk. Mo then joined the staff of then Chief Justice Costa Pleicones at the South Carolina Supreme Court.

After leaving the office of the Chief Justice, Mo became a public defender in the 16th Circuit Public Defender's Office before moving to the 7th Circuit Public Defender's office in Spartanburg. In May 2020, Mo started the Law Office of Mo Abusaft where he serves criminal defense and personal injury clients.

Fellowships & Appointments

Mo is the recipient of numerous fellowships and appointments. He is a graduate of the Spartanburg County Foundation's Grassroots Leadership Development Institute, and a 2019 graduate of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce's Minority Business Accelerator.

Mo is also a proud 2022 graduate of the South Carolina Democratic Party's James E. Clyburn Political Fellowship. He is currently progressing through the American Association for Justice's Leadership Academy and serves on the South Carolina Association for Justice's Board of Governors as the Co-Chair of the Civil Rights Section.

Community Involvement

Beyond his professional career, Mo is involved in multiple nonprofits and ministries. He is the former President of the Spartanburg Branch of the NAACP. Along with his work with the NAACP, Mo is the Board Chairman of Spartanburg Juneteenth Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization responsible for Spartanburg Juneteenth—a festival celebrating the history and achievements of African Americans.

He also serves his church community as the General Counsel for the historic Mt. Moriah Baptist Church on Spartanburg's Southside.

Serving District 1

Mo comes from a politically engaged family and on January 1, 2021, took office as Spartanburg County Council District 1 Representative. He represents 55,000 Spartanburg Citizens on Spartanburg's Southside, Northside, Una, Arkwright, portions of Moore, and portions of Roebuck.

District 1 Coverage

Southside, Northside, Una, Arkwright, portions of Moore, and portions of Roebuck

Life Beyond Politics

On a more personal note, Mo is a competitive barbeque enthusiast who competes in multiple barbeque competitions a year. When not participating in these activities, he enjoys spending time with his family and church community at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.

Mo is a Proud Leader at L.H. Turner Facility Services & Construction Co.

Key Milestones

Wofford College

Bachelor of Arts in Religion

Graduated Phi Beta Kappa, ELI Fellowship recipient

Vanderbilt University

Juris Doctorate

Law School graduate

Post-Law School

Legal Career Beginnings

Law clerk for Judge J. Mark Hayes, then South Carolina Supreme Court

2019

Minority Business Accelerator

Greenville Chamber of Commerce Graduate

2020

Law Office of Mo Abusaft

Started private practice serving criminal defense and personal injury clients

2021

County Council District 1

Took office as Spartanburg County Council Representative

2022

James E. Clyburn Fellowship

South Carolina Democratic Party Political Fellowship Graduate