The Court announced on Apr. 23 several opportunities for South Carolina attorneys to provide pro bono legal services to individuals and organizations in need.
These initiatives aim to increase access to justice by encouraging lawyers to offer their expertise at no or reduced fees, especially for people of limited means. The announcement references Rule 6.1 of the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, which states that “[a] lawyer should render public interest legal service.” Additionally, the South Carolina Lawyer’s Oath includes a commitment: “I will assist the defenseless or oppressed by ensuring that justice is available to all citizens and will not delay any person’s cause for profit or malice…”
Among the highlighted programs, South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) is seeking attorneys willing to take bankruptcy cases on a pro bono basis for clients who meet income guidelines. SCLS handles initial intake and provides information collected from debtors directly to participating lawyers. More details are available on the SCLS website.
SCLS also invites volunteers for its Private Attorney Involvement program, which offers flexibility in case referrals and provides malpractice insurance through SCLS. Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services is similarly looking for volunteer attorneys willing to handle bankruptcy cases referred by their organization; they supply necessary documents and conduct an initial interview with each client before referral.
The University of South Carolina School of Law has established a Pro Se Bankruptcy Clinic where law students help organize documents under supervision. Interested parties can contact Jefferson Coulter at USC School of Law for more information.
Additionally, in partnership with the American Bar Association, the South Carolina Bar offers an online platform called South Carolina Law Free Legal Answers. This service allows low-income individuals to submit legal questions—including those about bankruptcy—to be answered by volunteer attorneys who are provided malpractice insurance at no cost while volunteering.
