South Carolina Bar

Overview:

Profession(s): Legal
Member Type(s): Lawyers
Scope: Regional - South Carolina
Formed: 1884
Members: 12,000
Address: 950 Taylor Street (29201), PO Box 608 , Columbia, SC, 29202, USA
Phone: (803) 799-6653
Fax: (803) 799-4118
Email: scbar-info@scbar.org
Website: www.scbar.org

Description:

The South Carolina Bar began in 1884 as the South Carolina Bar Association, a voluntary organization of approximately 200 lawyers. The South Carolina State Bar was created in 1968. The two organizations were merged in 1975. Currently the Bar has a membership of more than 12,000.

The House of Delegates establishes policy for the Bar. It meets twice per year and includes delegates from each judicial circuit. Between House meetings, the Board of Governors may act on matters not inconsistent with House policy.

The Bar staff is divided into seven divisions: Communications, Continuing Legal Education, Finance, Law Related Education, Membership Services, Public Services and Media and Technology. The Executive Director directs the staff and is responsible to the Board for the Bar's day-to-day operation.

Mission/Aims:

The South Carolina Bar is dedicated to advancing justice, professionalism and understanding of the law.

Principal Activities:

The South Carolina Bar is committed to serving its members through a variety of member services and benefits (see below) designed to assist members in their daily practices as well as advance the principles of justice and professionalism in South Carolina.

The Bar is also committed to serving the general public through a variety of resources and programs designed to further their understanding of the law and individual legal rights. For information regarding free legal clinics, publications, law related education opportunities and pro bono resources, please visit our website.

Member Benefits:

CLE programming.
Practice management assistance.
Free publications, including a bi-monthly magazine and newsletter, annual member directory and weekly e-mail newsletter.
Legislative resources.
Free access to Casemaker® online research.
Reduced interest rates on student loans through SunTrust.
Networking opportunities through a variety of committees and sections.
Online resources, such as a searchable directory of ethics advisory opinions.
Free assistance to lawyers with depression or alcohol or substance abuse.

Training/Licensing/Certification:

For a calendar of available continuing legal education programming, including live and distance learning options via phone, satellite or Web cast, please visit our website.

Verification Criteria:

In order to practice law in South Carolina, an attorney must be licensed by the Supreme Court of South Carolina.