It’s that time of year again to sign up for a committee with the South Carolina Bar.
Serving on a committee introduces you to new colleagues and helps you grow in the legal profession. SC Bar committees—which are composed of Bar members from throughout the state—develop, implement and oversee many goals and programs for our organization.
All members are invited to volunteer their expertise, time and talents to benefit the SC Bar, the legal profession and the communities we serve. One of the best ways to enhance your professional growth and keep your practice on the cutting edge is by participating in committee activities. Time commitments vary with each activity or committee depending upon its function and meeting schedule. Meetings typically are held both in-person and via virtual platforms or conference calls.
Unlock the next step in your career and sign up to serve in 2021-22 by visitingwww.scbar.org/getinvolved.
Beware of email scams claiming to be LRS referrals
Read your inbox messages with a close eye as there currently are email scams circulating reporting to be potential clients referred from the SC Bar Lawyer Referral Service(LRS). Please note that each time the South Carolina Bar LRS makes a referral, an email is automatically generated and sent to the attorney so the member can be prepared for contact ahead of time. Also, we do not refer to any Bar members who have not applied to participate in the service.
LRE Lawyer of the Year comes full circle from his days as a student
Ryan Newkirk of the 16th Circuit Public Defender's office in York County works to inspire students on the same high school Mock Trial team where his interest in law started. Newkirk became an integral part of the program through his excellent performances as a student on the Fort Mill High Mock Trial team. As a lawyer in the community, he judged scrimmages and discussed ideas for themes with the team occasionally. Now, as a coach, he is working to expand the impact of the Mock Trial team by involving attorneys and judges in the program to serve in a presiding or scoring role for scrimmages.
His dedication and enthusiasm to the SC Bar Mock Trial program and the Fort Mill High School team are part of the reason he was recently named the 2021 Law Related Education (LRE) Lawyer of the Year. “It is an honor. There is really nothing else to say. So many great lawyers help with the LRE programs, and it is humbling to be named Lawyer of the Year when so many of my colleagues are deserving,” Newkirk said. Read more about Newkirk's career and service to the Fort Mill High School Mock Trial team in this Bar News.
Your Bar: Your Voice Survey reminder
There's only a few days left to complete the Your Bar: Your Voice – SC Bar Member Survey. Please take time to access the survey and answer the questions so we can better understand our membership and your experiences in the legal profession. A reminder invitation was sent to members who have not yet completed the survey on May 10. If you did not receive the personalized email and link, email surveyassist@springitl.com.
The survey also is available at https://mysurveytree.com/SCBar. Note if you access the survey from this link, you will have to enter your Bar number without leading zeros. The survey will be open through May 24 and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Feedback is confidential.
Lace up for YLD Virtual 5/10K
The Young Lawyers Division will host a virtual 5K/10K race Memorial Day Weekend, May 28-31. All Bar members are invited to take part. Participants will commit to running or walking a 5K or 10K while practicing social distancing! There is an entry donation request of $15 to go toward one of the following organizations: the South Carolina Bar Foundation, the Special Olympics or the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Sign uphereby May 25 to join in the fun. Prior to the race, participants will receive a link to record times and are asked to share their times and photos on social media tagging the @SCBarYLD and #YLDStayAway5K10K. ContactShauna Gibsonwith questions.
The race also offers a great opportunity to download theStrava appand join the SC Bar Wellness Committee's "SC Bar Wellness Club" to keep up with what your peers are doing, encourage each other and challenge yourself. Strava is available in the Apple and Google Play app stores.
On-campus interviews at UofSC
TheOffice of Career & Professional Developmentat the University of South Carolina School of Law is pleased to announce that on-campus interview registration for Fall 2021 is open. In-person and virtual interviews for 2Ls and 3Ls will begin August 16, 2021.On-campus interview registration and job postingsare accepted throughout the year. If you would like to participate in interviews or post an opening, please fill out theregistration form online or call (803) 777-8479.
That's a wrap!
Remember to wrap up your May calendar and register for these live webcast programs while there’s still time.
Join Dr. Alexandra Perry this Thursday, May 20 for theAdvance Directives – An Ethical Overviewlive webcast program. This presentation will explore challenges such as honoring the wishes of clients who lack competence or decision-making capacity, conflicts between a patient’s living will and the decisions of their healthcare power of attorney, and the ethical implications of applying a standard of evaluation of a patient’s ability to engage in healthcare planning that is risk-based.Register hereby 5 p.m. May 19. Cost: $70 / Credit: 1.0 MCLE, 1.0 LEPR
Dave Stasaitis of Stasmayer Inc is back for the 2021 live webcast30 Tech Tips in 30 Minuteson May 26. Designed for the busy lawyer, this fast-paced practical half-hour program provides advice on some of the latest and greatest technology gadgets and insights that can make your life and practice more efficient, productive and profitable.Register hereby 5 p.m. May 25. Cost: $40 / Credit: 0.50 MCLE
Wanted: Intra-family legal teams
The SC Bar CLE Division wants to give you the chance to finally win that intra-family legal debate or collaborate on a topic you and your loved one/friend/classmate both hold dear! Are you a family legal team duo or trio, practicing with or opposite your spouse, child(ren), or sibling(s)? Maybe you were college or law school roommates, former or current partners. Are you a sitting or former judge and judicial law clerk? Do you often find yourselves discussing an issue with differing opinions? Or do you want to share some practical insight that you’ve learned over the years as a team? Then let the CLE Division hear from you as it is planning distance learning programs. The topic(s) and presentation timing are up to you. As a speaker, you'll also earn CLE course credit. Contact CLE DirectorTerry Burnett.
Offit Kurman announces the opening of its Spartanburg office. J. Benjamin Stevens joins the firm as principal, and Carlisle Brice joins as associate.
The Fifteenth Circuit Public Defender announces that Caitlin Caldwell, Kaitlin Cornwell-Goulooze, and Nicholas O’Neill have joined as assistant public defenders in the Horry County Office at 203 Laurel St. Conway, 29526.
Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC announces that Members Michael Montgomery and Nick Haigler have been named to the executive committee of the firm. They join Managing Member Cal Watson and Member Bill Metzger on the committee.
Upcoming Events
May 20
Tax Law Section Council May 21
Ethics Advisory Committee Meeting May 21
Professional Responsibility Committee Meeting
Got an Announcement? Email Jamie Metz at jamie.metz@scbar.org
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