American Bar Association, SC Bar recognize top volunteers for SC Free Legal Answers

May 1, 2022

Five South Carolina attorneys and two law firms were recently recognized by the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service for their outstanding contributions to Free Legal Answers. The South Carolina Bar is highlighting these members as part of National Volunteer Month.

The following lawyers, firms and organizations received the recognition as ABA Free Legal Answers 2021 Pro Bono Leaders:

  • Tommy Geddings of Manning
  • Tara Nauful of Columbia
  • Sarah Cox of Columbia
  • Rebecca Wray of Greenville
  • Ashley Dixon of Columbia
  • Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte of Columbia
  • Burnette Shutt & McDaniel of Columbia
  • The University of South Carolina School of Law Pro Bono Program

Free Legal Answers is a virtual clinic offering free legal advice to income-eligible users throughout the country. Each state has its own website where users may present basic legal questions, and volunteer lawyers provide their advice without the expectation of long-term representation. The process is quick, easy and promotes access to legal information on non-criminal matters for those who may not have resources to hire a lawyer. In the Palmetto State, volunteer attorneys answered more than 2,200 questions via SC Free Legal Answers in 2021.

“Free Legal Answers is also a beneficial option for attorneys who want to do pro bono work but may not be at a place where they can take on a pro bono case. It offers the flexibility to provide pro bono legal assistance at a time and place that is convenient,” Goodale said. “We are grateful for our volunteers who give their time and knowledge to help South Carolinians in need and are especially thankful to those top volunteers for answering so many questions in 2021. We continue to encourage the public to visit SC Free Legal Answers and for Bar members to volunteer to answer questions.”

Learn more about posting a question or volunteering at https://sc.freelegalanswers.org

Learn more at www.scbar.org/mentoring/.

The South Carolina Bar is a statewide organization dedicated to improving the legal profession, the law, and the administration of justice for all South Carolinians. It serves more than 17,000 lawyer members and provides resources to educators and citizens of the Palmetto State. Learn more at www.scbar.org