Rule 6.1 of the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct encourages attorneys to, among other things, provide professional services at no fee or at a reduced fee to persons of limited means or to public service or charitable groups or organizations and to engage in activities for improving the law, the legal system or the legal profession.  These services are desperately needed in South Carolina, where nearly a quarter of the citizens live at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines and qualify for free civil legal aid.  A vast majority of those households experience civil legal problems, including problems with health care, housing conditions, disability access, veteran's benefits, and domestic violence, for which they cannot afford the services of a lawyer.  The state's hardworking legal services organizations are simply unable to meet the legal needs of these citizens without assistance from private attorneys.  South Carolina attorneys often step in and volunteer their services by providing direct representation, holding clinics, and answering questions for those of low or modest means.  They also volunteer their time to educate the citizens of the state in an effort to prevent many justice issues.  

The South Carolina Supreme Court would like to recognize the efforts of dedicated attorneys who volunteer their legal skills to guide, advise, and represent indigent citizens who have civil legal needs and to educate the citizens of South Carolina about the law and the legal system.  The Court and the Bar would also like to recognize those attorneys who volunteer their legal services to public service or charitable groups or organizations.  The efforts of these attorneys not only help improve the lives of citizens of low means, but help ensure a fair and efficient court system for all citizens.

Beginning in February 2020, the South Carolina Supreme Court will publish an annual Pro Bono Honor Roll recognizing South Carolina attorneys who volunteer 50 hours or more of legal service in a manner set forth in Rule 6.1.  Those who wish to be included on the Honor Roll will have the opportunity to report their pro bono hours for 2019 on their 2020 License Fee Statement.  Reporting of pro bono hours is otherwise not required.

Please see the South Carolina Bar's Guide to Pro Bono Service or go to www.scbar.org/probono for opportunities to volunteer.