State Supreme Court’s Chief Justice to Speak at Lander Feb. 5
January 17, 2026
About the Speaker:
Chief Justice John W. Kittredge was elected an associate justice of the S.C. Supreme Court in 2008, and became chief justice in 2024. Kittredge previously served with distinction as a judge on the South Carolina Court of Appeals (2003-2008), S.C. Circuit Court (1996-2003) and S.C. Family Court (1991-1996). A native of Greenville, Kittredge is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and its Joseph F. RiceSchool of Law. He enjoyed a successful career as an attorney before serving as a judge, and has been actively involved in community and government service across his distinguished career.
A New Society at Lander:
The Curtis G. Shaw Pre-Law Society is named after the late Judge Shaw (1933-2015), a native of Greenwood, a veteran of the U.S. Army, and an attorney who served as a city court judge, probate judge and master in equity for South Carolina’s Eighth Judicial Circuit. Shaw was elected as chief judge of the S.C. Family Court for the Eighth Judicial Circuit, and subsequently elected to the first S.C. Court of Appeals as senior judge. He served with distinction on the S.C. Judicial Merit Commission and received the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor. Judge Shaw’s son-in-law, Rep. John R. McCravy III, of Greenwood, serves as a founder of the society.
The Shaw Pre-Law Society will enhance Lander’s ability to provide professional development opportunities for pre-law students, and activities will be coordinated by Lander’s pre-law advisor, David DiMatteo, assistant professor of legal studies and political science.
Graduates of Lander University have a strong record of acceptance in schools of law throughout the country. Lander alumni work in private practice, as solicitors, as public defenders and in government service across South Carolina, and in other states.
A reception to honor Chief Justice Kittredge will follow the program. For more information on the event, contact Prof. David DiMatteo at [email protected], or call 864-388-8109.
