Lanneau Lide graduated from Furman University and undertook the private study of law under Judge Charles A. Woods. He later served as secretary for Judge Woods. He began his practice in Marion in 1902. He served as a member of the House of Representatives in 1919 and 1920 and as a member of the Senate from 1933 until 1938. He was appointed as Circuit Judge of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit in 1938 and held that position until his retirement in 1948.
No member of the profession in South Carolina has been held in higher esteem, either as judge or lawyer.
He married Miss Fleetwood Montgomery of Marion.
His valuable written heritage is: His orders, decrees and decisions appearing in Supreme Court cases, his “The Trial Judge in South Carolina,” his articles in the South Carolina Law Quarterly and his “Black Note Book.”