Photo Gallery
Justice Jam
The Young Lawyers Division held its third annual Justice Jam on May 9 at Sudworks in Columbia. The featured bands had at least one attorney member each. Thanks to the musicians for their participation and support of this event: James Ervin, Travis Olmert, The Joe Good Band (Joe Good, Gibbs Leaphart and Mac Leaphart), The Reprieves (John Blume, Ward Croft, Jim Stoddard and Keir Weyble) and The Next (John Renner, Rep. James Smith and Chuck Stiles). Proceeds from the event were donated to Sistercare, a program for battered women and their children. Click here to view photos from this event.
Courthouse Keys
For the fifth Courthouse Keys event in the 13th Circuit, members enjoyed cocktails at The Lazy Goat in Greenville with Supreme Court Justice John Kittredge on Tuesday, March 24, 2009. Justice Kittredge remarked to Reid Sherard, YLD 13th Judicial Circuit Representative, after the event that one of the things he missed the most about the trial bench was the frequent interaction with lawyers, and he was glad to have that opportunity through the Courthouse Keys event. Click here to view photos from this event.
Families Forever
Charleston, January 10--The Charleston Family Fair boasted more than 100 guests. Two Charleston reporters were present, one writing a story about the fair and the other working on a series about adoption from all perspectives, including the birthmother, adoptive parents and the adoptive child. Sixteen vendors participated, including “The Heart of Adoption” author Robin Rodenburg. June Bond of Adoption Advocacy reported that at least five Charleston families completed home studies to begin the process for placement of a child. One family from the Columbia Fair has been matched with a group of three siblings. They are awaiting the interstate paperwork (and likely completion of the school year) to have the children placed with the couple. Another couple recently adopted a newborn baby. Vendors reported that they registered up to 15 families on average who sought follow-up and adoption process initiation. Click here to view photos from this event.
Greenville, February 21--More than 25 guests attended this event. One family had an 18-month-old foster child, a nine-month-old adoptive child and sought to add another member to their family. Another couple had no children and sought an understanding of the different means of bringing a child into their home. Vendors identified up to five families they believed would move forward with the process. Click here to view photos from this event.
Minority Pre-Law Conference--February 6, 2009
YLD sponsored its 14th Annual Minority Pre-Law Conference at Benedict College in Columbia. The conference focused on the law school admissions process, preparation for the LSAT, financial aid and scholarships, and career choices in the legal profession. Nicole M. Simpson and Courtney Clyburn-Pope were co-chairs for this event. Tina N. Herbert, Michelle Clayton, Kiosha Hammond, Amy L.B. Hill, Aisha Lusk and Jocelyn Newman volunteered to help with event.
There were 19 participating law schools, 14 of which sent representatives to the conference, and five sent materials to distribute at conference. More than 65 students registered and attended the law school recruitment portion of the conference. Law school recruitment was followed by a panel discussion regarding the admissions process, financial aid and drafting tips for the law school application. Rob Nichols from the Kaplan Educational Center discussed preparation for the LSAT. Two winners of the 2009 Kaplan Scholarship Personal Statement Writing Competition will receive full scholarships for a Kaplan Course.
The Career Panel was a huge success. Eleven attorneys from different practice areas discussed their career and law school choices, offered tips for success and answered students’ questions. The panel members included Stephen K. Benjamin, Darryl Caldwell, Drelton Carson Jr., Anthony Cooper, Candace Jackson, George C. Johnson, Dahli Myers, Deon O’Neil, Jocelyn Newman, Alana Williams, and Derrick Williams. The conference concluded with a mock trial in which the students participated. Click here to view photos from this event.
New Admittee Reception--December 4, 2008
YLD and the Greenville Bar Young Lawyers Club co-sponsored a New Admittee Reception at the home of Judge and Mrs. Gary Hill in Greenville. Approximately 75 young lawyers and new admittees joined several judges to celebrate the newest class of attorneys in the 13th Judicial Circuit shortly after their swearing-in by the Supreme Court. Both young lawyers' groups sincerely appreciate the hospitality displayed by Judge Hill and his wife Amanda. Click here to view photos from this event.
Children’s Chance Tailgate Fundraiser--November 29, 2008
YLD sponsored a tailgate fundraiser prior to the Carolina v. Clemson football on November 29. Despite the early kickoff and cold, rainy weather, accommodations were wonderful inside the atrium of Littlejohn Coliseum as attendees ate, drank and talked football. The event was planned to benefit Children’s Chance, an organization established to raise money to fund a variety of programs to meet the financial, emotional and psychological needs of pediatric cancer patients and their families. For additional information on Children’s Chance or to make a donation, please visit www.childrenschance.org. Linda Schermerhorn, Children’s Chance board member, attended the tailgate and educated attendees on how their contributions help families affected by pediatric cancer. The event raised more than $1,600 for Children’s Chance. The Division would like to thank the following for their contribution and support:
SC Barbell
Shane Burroughs, Esquire
Jennie Cluverius, Esquire
Children’s Chance
Linda Schermerhorn
Dr. Edward D. Waller
A special thank you to Matthew Bradley and Trey Mills for coordinating this event. Click here to view a slideshow of pictures from this event.
New Admittees BBQ--November 19, 2008
The Young Lawyers Divisions of the Richland County Bar and South Carolina Bar welcomed their new admittees with a BBQ at the University House on November 19. More than 150 members attended and enjoyed music by the Joe Good Band and food by Doc's. The purposes of the event were to facilitate contacts and relationships among young lawyers throughout the state and inform the newest members about the opportunities and activities of the Divisions. "It was a great opportunity to meet other young lawyers in a casual atmosphere and celebrate being sworn-in as a member. I had no idea that the young lawyers were responsible for so many of the Bar's service projects and other activities. I'm looking forward to getting involved," one of the new admittees remarked following the event. A special thank you to Rebecca Roser and Ian McVey for coordinating the event. Click here to view a slideshow of pictures from this event.
Young lawyers support restoration efforts--October 16, 2008
A $2,500 check was presented to Mitchell "Mitch" A. Norrell, Lancaster County Bar President, on behalf of the Young Lawyers Division on October 16 in support of the restoration of the Lancaster County Courthouse, which sustained fire damage earlier this year. The check was presented by William P. Frick, Sixth Judicial Circuit Representative.
Wills Clinic -- September 2008
On September 12, the YLD Wills Clinic Committee implemented more than 50 simple wills and health care directives at the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office in Georgetown. Thank you to Dave Mason and all other volunteers for assisting with this event. Click here to view a slideshow of photos from this event.