Celebrate Pro Bono week in South Carolina
October 24, 2016
Many South Carolina lawyers offer their services for free (pro bono) to clients who cannot afford to pay for help with civil legal matters. These matters can include family, housing, bankruptcy or probate issues. In recognition of the substantial hours in free legal services given by members of the South Carolina Bar and their staff, Governor Haley has issued a proclamation declaring Oct. 23-29, 2016 “Celebrate Pro Bono Week” in South Carolina.
The governor’s proclamation states, “Celebrate Pro Bono Week provides an opportunity to recognize our state’s pro bono volunteers, identify the differences South Carolina attorneys have made within their communities for the indigent and needy, and to raise public awareness by building support for pro bono activities.”
In addition to its case referral program, the South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program educates the public about common legal topics via free legal clinics throughout the state and “Law School for Non-Lawyers,” a seven-week class available at technical colleges in the fall and spring. The Young Lawyers Division hosts My Will Clinics, where seniors who qualify can get free assistance creating a simple will.
Attorney volunteers also provide free services by fielding legal questions from the public during Ask-A-Lawyer phone banks and web chats throughout the year or teaming up with law school students to answer legal questions on www.SCLawAnswers.org.
One of the hallmarks of the legal profession is its demonstrated commitment to service to those who are unable to afford representation. During “Celebrate Pro Bono Week,” the SC Bar thanks those members who continue to serve their communities through pro bono activities and celebrates the programs that help provide legal services to those who need them the most.
The “Celebrate Pro Bono Week” proclamation can be found online.
To qualify for pro bono assistance with your case, you must meet federally established poverty guidelines. To find out if you qualify, contact the Legal Aid Telephone Intake Service (LATIS) at (888) 346-5592. If you qualify, the South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program can refer you to a lawyer.
About the South Carolina Bar
The SC Bar, which has a membership of more than 15,000 lawyers, is dedicated to advancing justice, professionalism and understanding of the law.
