Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. is a deliberately small federal practice. One attorney directs every matter, supported by a team whose backgrounds — federal prison policy, investigative journalism, and operations — map directly onto what federal appellate and post-conviction work actually requires. All legal advice and representation is provided by Elizabeth Franklin-Best.
Elizabeth Franklin-Best
Founder & Principal Attorney
Counsel of record in sixteen published decisions. Admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States and twelve of the thirteen federal circuits. Handles federal appeals, § 2255 motions, compassionate release, and clemency.
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Christopher Zoukis
Managing Director
JD, MBA. Author of the Federal Prison Handbook and Chairman of the Human Rights Defense Center. Advises on BOP designation, sentence computation, RDAP, and First Step Act credits.
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Kimberly Zoukis
Operations Manager
With the firm since 2019. Manages client care and intake, so that every new matter is set up correctly from the first call.
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LaDonna Falvey
Lead Paralegal & Firm Administrator
Fifteen-plus years as an award-winning investigative journalist before moving into law. Supports appellate briefs, post-conviction motions, and compassionate release petitions under attorney supervision.
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How We Work Together
A federal case rarely ends at sentencing. The judgment is followed by designation, sentence computation, programming decisions, and release planning — all controlled by the Bureau of Prisons rather than the court. Having both the appellate lawyer and a federal prison authority in the same firm means a client is advised on the whole arc of the case, not just the courtroom phase.
The document-intensive side of that work — indexing a trial record, tracking the strict deadlines that govern federal appeals and § 2255 motions, assembling briefs and exhibits — is handled by our lead paralegal under attorney supervision. It is the part of appellate practice where cases are quietly won or lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will handle my case?
Elizabeth Franklin-Best, the firm’s founder and principal attorney, provides all legal advice and representation and directs strategy on every matter. Christopher Zoukis, Kimberly Zoukis, and LaDonna Falvey support that work in non-legal roles.
Is Christopher Zoukis an attorney?
He holds a Juris Doctor and serves as Managing Director, bringing expertise on the Bureau of Prisons to client matters. He does not provide legal advice; Elizabeth Franklin-Best does.
Who do I speak with first?
Most people reach Kimberly Zoukis, the Operations Manager, who handles intake and arranges a consultation with the attorney.
How large is the firm?
Deliberately small. The firm maintains a limited caseload so that each federal appeal, § 2255 motion, or compassionate release petition gets the time it requires.
Does the team work on cases outside South Carolina?
Yes. This is a nationwide federal practice. Elizabeth Franklin-Best is admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States and twelve of the thirteen U.S. Courts of Appeals, and appears in other federal courts pro hac vice.
Speak With the Firm
Representation begins with a paid, one-hour initial consultation — a substantive working session reviewing where the case stands and what options remain, not a sales call.