Helping individuals in need of legal services.
One of the hallmarks of the legal profession is its demonstrated commitment to service to those who are unable to afford representation. The SC Bar Pro Bono Program is a volunteer-based program that provides free legal services to low-income South Carolinians, aids legal aid providers with the placement of conflict and income-restricted cases, and supports the private bar in its endeavors to take advantage of opportunities to close the Access to Justice gap in our state.
The program relies on Rule 6.1 of the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct for its foundation, which states that a lawyer should render public interest legal service and may discharge this responsibility by: ( (1) providing professional services at no fee or reduced fee to persons of limited means or to public service or charitable groups or organizations; (2) participating in activities for improving the law, the legal system or the legal profession; and (3) providing financial support for organizations that provide legal services to persons of limited means.
Join your colleagues in helping make a difference in the lives of others. Fill out the form below to sign up to participate in pro bono services and to receive updates from the Pro Bono Program.
Get Involved
SC Bar Pro Bono Goals
- Create and promote a culture of pro bono in South Carolina
- Meet the needs of low-income people in South Carolina
- Recognize and honor pro bono contributions in South Carolina
- Support the private bar in locating opportunities to close the Access to Justice Gap identified by the Access to Justice Commission
Volunteer Opportunities
This is a free Q&A-style program that allows income-eligible users to ask civil law related questions to attorneys. The South Carolina site is sc.freelegalanswers.org and you can find information about being a volunteer here. You can hold a "blitz" at your firm or anywhere, or participate in one from your couch at home.
Law School for Non-Lawyers is a seven-week course discussing a variety of legal topics. You can volunteer to teach a course on a topic or bring the course to a technical school near you.
The South Carolina Bar Law Related Education (LRE) Division is a service arm of the Bar that sponsors Middle and High School Mock Trial and We the People competitions. Volunteer to help students learn more about the law, the court system and the legal profession.
Clinics are held on various legal topics are held around the state at libraries, churches, senior centers and other locations upon request. Topics vary from family law to tax issues. Volunteer opportunities are available now for fall clinics. Each clinic is about 30 to 45 minutes long.
Crime Victims
Fatherhood
General Legal Services
Homelessness
Human Trafficking
Mediation
Wills
There is no greater responsibility than a lawyer's ability to positively influence and change a person's life, and there is no greater reward than knowing that you have done so.
Jennifer Woodruff
Report Your Pro Bono Service
The SC Bar maintains records of pro bono hours given by our members.
You may submit pro bono hours from work done both through and outside of SC Bar-sponsored programming.
Please fill out this form when you open a direct representation pro bono case.
Please fill out this form when you close a direct representation pro bono case.
Pro Bono Recognitions
SC Supreme Court Pro Bono Honor Roll
In February 2021, the South Carolina Supreme Court began publishing an annual Pro Bono Honor Roll recognizing South Carolina attorneys who volunteer for 50 hours or more of legal service in a manner set forth in Rule 6.1.
To express appreciation for members who go above and beyond, in providing pro bono service to the public, the Pro Bono Program offers the following incentives for hours served in a calendar year:
$50 Pro Bono Certificate
For attorneys who have served between 25 and 34.99 hours
$100 Pro Bono Certificate
For attorneys who have served 35 or more hours
Pro Bono Certificates can be used toward the cost of both South Carolina Bar CLE seminars and South Carolina Bar CLE publications. Certificates are sent automatically, valid for one year, and must be surrendered at the time of redemption. Pro Bono service eligible for certificates includes volunteering for clinics, Law Related Education events and SC Bar Pro Bono projects. Questions about the Pro Bono Certificate Program should be directed to Zack Ohanesian, Pro Bono Program Manager.
The purpose of the South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program Pro Bono Awards are to identify and honor individual lawyers, law firms, government agencies, corporate law departments, and other organizations and institutions that have enhanced the human dignity of others by improving or delivering volunteer legal services to our state's low-income community.
Nomination Criteria & Guidelines
To be subject to consideration, a qualifying nominee must provide legal services without fee or at a substantially reduced fee to persons of limited means or to public service or charitable organizations or groups in the state of South Carolina, pursuant to Rule 6.1 of the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct.
Pro Bono Assessment Report
During his tenure, Immediate Past President Rusty Infinger led the charge to revamp the SC Bar Pro Bono Program, and we now can share with you the results of the in-depth, months-long study and recommendations from our friends at Thredpartners. Thank you to all of the volunteers, task force members and community partners who gave their time and energy to ensure our new pro bono program launches from a strong foundation.
Download the Report
Raising the Bar - #SCLawyersGiveBack
Our #RaisingtheBar campaign highlights the ways South Carolina attorneys impact lives, give back to their communities and enhance the legal profession. South Carolina Bar members are volunteers, mentors, leaders, coaches, teachers, parents, donors and committed community advocates. We are excited to use our Facebook and Instagram pages to spotlight how #SCLawyersGiveBack and truly make an impact on our communities across the Palmetto State and beyond.
Nominate an Attorney
Upcoming Pro Bono Events
There are no upcoming public events at this time.