A Must Attend Event: November 4, 2009

If you are a law student considering a career in public service or a recent graduate working for the government or a non-profit legal service entity, then mark your calendar for November 4th.

CCRAA program flyer

Heather Jarvis, an attorney specializing in student debt, will present information on the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA).

From the Flyer:

Attendees will learn:

• how the new income-based repayment plan works,
• how to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and
• the answers to all your questions about student loans

Special thanks to Pamela D. Robinson, USC School of Law Pro Bono Director, for sharing this special event!

-RFW

Filed under: 1, Continuing Legal Education, Law, Legal, South Carolina, South Carolina Access to Justice Commission, USC School of Law, access to justice, access to justice blog, attorney, blog, employment, indigent, law students, pro bono, public interest attorney, starting salary for attorneys , CCRAA, College Cost Reduction Access Act, College Cost Reduction and Access Act, Government, Heather Jarvis, Loan Repayment, Pamela D. Robinson, public interest, public service loan forgiveness, student debt, student debt relief, USC School of Law, USC School of Law Pro Bono Program

SCATJ Trains Magistrates

Yesterday the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission was pleased to be part of the Orientation for South Carolina Magistrates held at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.

Here is the presentation: Courtroom JUSTICE FOR ALL including SRLs July 2009

Here are some photos from the training:

A question about SRLs

Stephanie Nye presents

Stephanie responding to a question

Magistrates in the classroom

Robin speaking

-RFW

Filed under: 1, Continuing Legal Education, Court, Law, Law Related Education, Legal, Plain English, South Carolina, South Carolina Access to Justice Commission, South Carolina Court Administration, South Carolina Courts, South Carolina Supreme Court, access to justice, access to justice blog, attorney, blog, court innovation, indigent, poverty, self-represented litigant , Courtroom JUSTICE FOR ALL including SRLs, Magistrate Orientation, Robin F. Wheeler, SCATJ, South Carolina Access to Justice, South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, South Carolina Magistrates, Stephanie A. Nye

USC School of Law Librarian Terrye Conroy to receive AALL Public Spirit Award

I’m pleased to post that Terrye Conroy, a Reference/Public Services Librarian at the Coleman Karesh Law Library at USC School of Law will be one of two recipients of the Mersky Spirit of Law Librarianship Award at the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

She worked with the South Carolina Library Association, to develop and coordinate the Circuit Riders Outreach Program which travels throughout the state teaching basic legal research skills to non-law librarians in public and academic libraries.

 Congratulations Terrye!

-RFW

Filed under: 1, Continuing Legal Education, Court, Law, Law Related Education, Legal, Legal Clinic, Legal Documents, Legal Drafting, Readability, South Carolina, USC School of Law, access to justice, access to justice blog, attorney, blog, law librarians , AALL, AALL Annual Conference, American Association of Law Libraries, Circuit Riders Outreach Program, Coleman Karesh Law Library, Mersky Spirit of Law Librarianship Award, Reference/Public Services Librarian, South Carolina Library Association, Terrye Conroy, USC School of Law, Washington D.C.

Domestic Violence—Access to Legal Assistance

            Robin gave me some of the information she received at the recent Equal Justice Conference in Orlando.  A handout from the ABA Commission on Domestic Violence immediately stood out to me.  They are creating a National Domestic Violence Pro Bono Legal Service Provider Directory.  This directory will increase the number of pro bono attorney’s working with victims of domestic violence.  The directory will be available this summer on their website ProBono.Net.  Through programs in the directory the Commission will use, train and mentor volunteer lawyers.  The directory will make access to the legal process easier for victims of domestic violence.

            Domestic violence is an enormous problem in South Carolina.  According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 35,894 people were victims of domestic violence.  Domestic violence resulted in 28% of the murders in South Carolina in 2006.   The South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault reports that South Carolina ranks 2^nd in the nation for the number of women killed by men. 

            If you are an attorney interested in helping victims of domestic violence visit www.abanet.org/domviol to see how you can help.  You can also receive CLE credit by watching a Webinar series on Domestic violence.  But hurry, the Webinar ends May 27th!

-Allie

Filed under: 1, Continuing Legal Education, Law, Legal, South Carolina, access to justice, access to justice blog, attorney, blog, domestic violence, pro bono, public interest attorney , 2009 Equal Justice Conference, ABA Commission on Domestic Violence, CLE, domestic violence, Equal Justice, Equal Justice Conference, legal services, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Orlando, pro bono, probono.net, sexual assault, South Carolina, South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, webinar series on domestic violence, www.abanet.org/domviol

Arrived in Orlando, Stay Tuned

This week I’ll be covering the Equal Justice Conference here in sunny, er, stormy Orlando. I can’t wait to hear and share innovative thoughts on ways to keep services even while funding is decreasing.

Stay tuned. And for twitterers - check out #09EJC.

-RFW

Filed under: 1, Continuing Legal Education, Court, IOLTA, Law, Legal, Right to Counsel, South Carolina, South Carolina Access to Justice Commission, South Carolina Legal Services, access to justice, access to justice blog, advocacy, attorney, blog, indigent, law librarians, legal aid, public interest attorney , Equal Justice, Equal Justice Conference, Orlando, Twitter

Photos from the SRL film shoot

Last week I noted that we were in the midst of filming some training videos. Below are some photos from the shoot. Stay tuned for more photos . . .

 

-RFW

Filed under: 1, Continuing Legal Education, Court, Law, Legal, Right to Counsel, SC Bar, South Carolina, South Carolina Access to Justice Commission, South Carolina Bar, South Carolina Bar Foundation, South Carolina Court Administration, South Carolina Supreme Court, access to justice, access to justice blog, attorney, blog, court innovation, self-represented litigant , Jason Stokes, Jeremey Frazier, Judge Baxley, Robin Wheeler, SC access to justice commission, SC Bar, self-represented litigant, South Carolina Supreme Court, SRL, Stephanie Nye, Training Video, Warren Holland

Three Amigos . . .

Late last Thursday I had the honor and pleasure to moderate a panel about Access to Justice at the Charleston School of Law as part of their Professionalism Series. Of course anytime that access to justice is recognized as important in the legal field, I’m always thrilled, but this offered me a chance to listen to others.

Many people at the Charleston School of Law worked hard to make our presentation a success, especially Abby Saunders, Graham Ervin, The Honorable Robert S. Carr and Sean, our media guru. And many thanks to the students who listened intently and came up afterwards to ask questions.

Fortunately I was familiar with those I was moderating, all of whom are SC Access to Justice Commissioners – Jennie L. Stephens, Executive Director of the Center for Heirs Property Preservation; The Honorable Deadra L. Jefferson, Resident Circuit Judge for the Ninth Judicial Circuit; and Stuart M. Andrews, a partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP.

Ms. Stephens presented information about her work including a video clip from the Center’s informational video. If you are not already familiar with the Center, please check out their website. They have lots of valuable information and define the term “Heirs’ property.”

Heirs’ property is the name given to land that is owned by a group of family members who are the descendants of the original purchaser. The deed to the land is registered in the name of a deceased family member. Usually, the property has passed to each new generation through the State’s intestate laws. With each new generation, it is likely that family members may die without leaving wills stating who should inherit their share of the land.

Judge Jefferson offered perspective from the bench. Her words were inspirational and thought-provoking. I really appreciated the reference to Charles Hamilton Houston’s quote that “a lawyer’s either a social engineer or he’s a parasite on society.” Additionally, Judge Jefferson reminded us that attorneys are often the first face of justice and that laws are not enacted for the benefit of a few.

Mr. Andrews completed the presentation by reminding the students and the speakers why it is necessary to have an access to justice initiative. He noted that according to an ABA study, over 80% of the civil legal needs of low-income individuals are not met. He also presented a snapshot of Pro Bono by South Carolina Attorneys in 2006 (below).

Every day I am grateful to work with so many dedicated and driven individuals; individuals such as the three commissioners outlined here. And I wanted to take a moment to thank them as well as the unspoken heroes at courts, and legal and social non-profits around the state.

Thank you for working to improve the system.

You are appreciated.

And your work is important.

-RFW

Filed under: 1, Ask-A-Lawyer, Charleston School of Law, Continuing Legal Education, Court, IOLTA, Law, Law Related Education, Legal, Legal Clinic, Legal Documents, Legal Drafting, Legalese, Right to Counsel, SC Bar, South Carolina, South Carolina Access to Justice Commission, South Carolina Bar, South Carolina Bar Foundation, South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program, South Carolina Legal Services, South Carolina Supreme Court, access to justice, access to justice blog, advocacy, attorney, blog, constitution, court innovation, indigent, law librarians, law students, legal aid, poverty, pro bono, public interest attorney, self-represented litigant , access to justice, South Carolina, SC access to justice commission, pro bono, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, South Carolina Attorneys, ABA, Center for Heirs' Property Preservation, Charleston School of Law, Charleston School of Law Professionalism Series, Abby Saunders, Graham Ervin, The Honorable Robert S. Carr, Sean, Jennie L. Stephens, The Honorable Deadra L. Jefferson, Resident Circuit Judge for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, Stuart M. Andrews, NMRS, Heirs' Property, Charles Hamilton Houston

SC Bar Offers Free Clinics

The South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program will sponsor free legal clinics during the month of February and the schedule by region is below.

UPSTATE

February 6

6 to 7:30 p.m.

Health Care POA, Living Wills, DNR Orders and POA

Oconee Senior Center

101 Perry Ave., Seneca

 

February 9

6 to 7:30 p.m.

Health Care POA, Living Wills, DNR Orders and POA

Market Place Senior Center

3420 Clemson Blvd., Anderson

 

February 19

10 to 11 a.m.

Wills, Estates and Probate

Senior Action, Inc.

50 Directors Dr., Greenville 

 

February 25

10 to 11 a.m.

Health Care POA, Living Wills, DNR Orders and POA

Shepherd’s Center of Spartanburg

393 E. Main St., Spartanburg 

 

LOW COUNTRY

February 7

11 a.m.

Health Care POA, Living Wills, DNR Orders and POA

West Ashley Branch Library

45 Windemere Blvd., Charleston  

 

February 12

6:30 to 8 p.m.

Family Law Issues

George H. Seago Jr. Library

76 Old Trolley Rd., Summerville

 

February 17

6:30 to 8 p.m.

Landlord/Tenant Issues

John L. Dart Library

1067 King St., Charleston

 

February 19

6 to 7:30 p.m.

Family Law Issues

Otranto Rd. Regional Branch Library

2261 Otranto Rd., N. Charleston

 

February 24

6 to 7:30 p.m.

Workers’ Compensation

Cooper River Memorial Branch Library

3503 Rivers Ave., N. Charleston

 

MIDLANDS

February 12

6 to 8 p.m.

Family Law Issues

Richland Cnty. Public Library/SE Branch

7421 Garners Ferry Rd., Columbia

 

February 19

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Bankruptcy Law Issues

York Cnty. Public Library

138 E. Black St., Rock Hill 

 

February 24

10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Health Care POA, Living Wills, DNR Orders and POA

Orangeburg Cnty. Council on Aging

42570 St. Matthews Rd., Orangeburg

 

PEEDEE

February 19

6:30 to 8 p.m.

Health Care POA, Living Wills, DNR Orders and POA

Lamar Branch Library

103 E. Main St., Lamar 

 

February 24

6 to 7 p.m.

Family Law Issues

Georgetown Cnty. Public Library

405 Cleland St., Georgetown

The seminars are free for anyone who would like to attend. For more information, contact the South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program at (803) 799-4015, ext. 158 or (800) 395-3425, ext. 158.

-RFW

Filed under: 1, Continuing Legal Education, Law, Legal, Legal Clinic, SC Bar, South Carolina, South Carolina Access to Justice Commission, South Carolina Bar, South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program, access to justice blog, attorney, pro bono , bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Law, DNR Orders, family law, February, Free Legal Clinics, Health Care POA, Landlord Tenant, Living Wills, POA, SC Bar Pro Bono, South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program, Wills Estates Probate, Workers' Compensation

Dear New SC Bar Admittees,

 November 17, 2008

Dear New SC Bar Admittees,

Welcome to the profession. You have entered the same profession of President-Elect Barack Obama, Clarence Darrow, William Jennings Bryan, Alexis de Tocqueville, Franz Kafka, Francis Scott Key, Tim Russert, Justice John G. Roberts, South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Hoefer Toal, U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Horton Wilkins, and former 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Judge William Wilkins to name a few.

Take a few moments to bask in your new role of attorney at law, legal counselor or lawyer (you choose your own term). You’ve worked hard and deserve a moment to reflect on the road you’ve taken and the road ahead. You will hit some potholes (cases you lose, unhappy clients). You’ll have some smooth road (case wins, happy clients). You may even take a few turns (change in practice areas or firms). Just make sure you stay on the road (communicate with your clients, pay your dues, meet your CLE requirements in a timely fashion,  follow the rules) and that you stay alert to avoid accidents (don’t lie, cheat or steal).

Now take a few minutes to think about your responsibilities to the profession. Ok, take a few more.

Now breathe.

You’re going to be fine. Think about mentors – both within and outside your firms. Think about organizing your time. Think about building your networks. Think about balancing your work and home life. Add in some ideas about access to justice – volunteering for the SC Bar’s Pro Bono Program, signing up to be a PAI attorney with SCLS, or donating to the SC Bar Foundation,

If you have questions, please let me know. I hope you enjoy this profession as much as I.

Best,

Robin

Filed under: 1, Continuing Legal Education, Court, Law, Legal, SC Bar, South Carolina, South Carolina Access to Justice Commission, South Carolina Bar, South Carolina Bar Foundation, South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program, South Carolina Legal Services, South Carolina Supreme Court, access to justice, advocacy, attorney, legal aid, pro bono , Alexis de Tocqueville, Chief Justice Jean Hoefer Toal, Clarence Darrow, former 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Judge William Wilkins, Francis Scott Key, Franz Kafka, Justice John G. Roberts, PAI attorney, President-Elect Barack Obama, SC Bar Foundation, SC Bar's Pro Bono Program, SCLS, Tim Russert, U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Horton Wilkins, William Jennings Bryan

West Cola – Pete Wright is comin’ to town October 30th

Those familiar with special education know exactly who Pete Wright is. He is a famous attorney and advocate who specializes in special education. In South Carolina, he is known for taking a special education case out of Florence County South Carolina all the way to the United States Supreme Court. Florence County District Four v. Shannon Carter, 510 U. S. 7, 114 S.Ct. 361.

His website provides useful information for parents and advocates who work in special education.

The West Columbia training will be held on October 30th, but registration closes tomorrow on October 15th.

Continuing Education Credits are available!

• .6 CEU’s (continuing education units) have been approved by the University of South Carolina for an additional $8.00, payable at the conference.
• The South Carolina Supreme Court, Commission on CLE and Specialization has approved 6 CLE (continuing legal education) credits for this conference.

Cost is $50 individuals/$60 professionals. For more information, call Heather Watson-Kelley at (803) 772-5688 Ext. 103 or (800) 759-4776 or visit http://www.wrightslaw.com/speak/08.10.sc.htm.

-RFW

Filed under: 1, Continuing Legal Education, Law, Legal, PRO-Parents, South Carolina, advocacy, attorney, children, foster parents, people with disabilities, special education , advocates, Florence County District Four v. Shannon Carter, IDEA, IEPs, Pete Wright, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, special education