SC Bar Foundation

Your Bar Foundation – Helping Student Seize the Day

Through a grant to the SC YMCA Youth in Government Program (YIG), students at Title One schools are given the opportunity to participate in one of several Model Legislature and Court conferences. In the 2010 grant cycle, three new Title One Schools were recruited and 222 students received scholarship assistance. One participant had this to say, “I’ve always been pretty eccentric and I used to get ridiculed a lot for that. But in YIG, my eccentric nature was viewed as creativity. I learned that clichés are cliché for a reason. Phrases like ‘carpe diem’ and ‘trust yourself’ were things I said, but never felt. YIG gave all of those words meaning.”

Your Bar Foundation – Supporting Students in the Quest to Join the Profession

A Spanish-speaking woman contacted Project Ayuda at the USC School of Law requesting assistance with a sexual harassment situation at her job. A volunteer law student conducted an interview and, in consultation with the Director of the USC Pro Bono Program, decided that the caller not only needed to consult with an attorney, but also needed to file a report with the SC Human Affairs Commission. The student invited the caller to write out her complaint and agreed to translate it into English. A local Spanish-speaking attorney with experience in employment law agreed to talk with the caller. This became a “win-win” situation for someone in need as well as for a law student.

Your Bar Foundation – Supporting Fathers and Families

Bruce was unemployed, behind in child support and had a poor relationship with the mother of his children. He was court ordered into the Alternatives to Incarceration program of the SC Center for Fathers & Families. With the help of a job recruiter and Center staff support, Bruce learned how to budget, how to complete a résumé and how to improve relationships with his children's mother. Bruce soon obtained a steady job. Upon regularly paying child support, Bruce's relationship with the mother of his children improved and the time he spent with his daughters dramatically increased. Bruce represents the typical story of many of the fathers assisted by the program.

Administration of Justice Highlight: Upstate Mediation Center

Nancy and Ted were in the process of divorce. Since mediation is mandatory in Greenville Family Court, Ted, Nancy and their attorneys turned to the Upstate Mediation Center. Prior to the session, the volunteer mediator was notified by both attorneys that a resolution through mediation was not expected. The mediator met with both parties individually and then asked them to meet together. Though the conversations were challenging, Nancy and Ted were able to speak candidly and, with the guidance of the mediator, difficult decisions were made. Nancy and Ted were able to agree on division of property and other issues. Through mediation, they were able to make the best of their situation, in a cost-effective way. The volunteer mediator was able to bring resolution that ultimately saved the couple and Family Court resources.

Jessica's Story – supporting victims of abuse

Jessica, a mother of three, suffered physical abuse from the hand of her husband. The abuse occurred on a regular basis – she was hit with objects, raped and emotionally abused. She could not afford an attorney, so she turned to S.C. Legal Services seeking a divorce and an Order of Protection. Jessica's advocate represented her in the Order of Protection case and fought to help her obtain custody of her children, temporary child support and alimony. Jessica and her children are now able to live in a safe environment.

Evan's Story – bringing families together

Evan lives with his mom, stepfather and sister. His biological father has never been a part of his life. Evan’s stepfather, however, has made Evan a true priority. When asked to write a school essay on family, Evan penned a story about his stepfather. The story’s only hint of sadness was Evan’s dissatisfaction at not sharing the “family name.” Upon reading the essay, Evan’s mom knew it was time to make a change. The family’s income level prevented them from hiring an attorney. They contacted LowCountry Legal Aid (LCLA). A volunteer attorney at LCLA helped Evan get his wish – he was adopted by his stepfather and now bears the last name of his family.

LRE Highlight: SC Bar Law Related Education Division – Project Citizen
A staff member of the SC Bar LRE Division trained a teacher at an alternative school in the Project Citizen curriculum. The “at risk” students chose to address underage drinking for their project. The sixth graders spent weeks researching problems associated with underage drinking. They interviewed police officers and community leaders, created charts and graphs and compiled an action plan. They sent their findings, along with a proposal to require all kegs be registered, to state representatives and senate leaders. The Senate quickly responded with an amendment to the law preventing underage drinking and access to alcohol. These students believed in Project Citizen and that they could make a difference. When it came time for the students’ project to be presented in the overall Project Citizen showcase, the score sheets revealed that school won by three points. LRE staff called the teacher personally, only to hear a response on the other end with tears in her voice. The teacher later shared that, when she announced the news to her students, they were in disbelief. They were so used to disappointments and failure, that winning was not in their vocabulary. Yet, in this project, they were victorious – as a team, as a school, as individuals and for the betterment of their local community and the state.

Administration of Justice Highlight: SC Centers for Fathers and Families – Man2Man Alternatives to Incarceration Project
In January 2007, Mark was court ordered into the Alternatives to Incarceration project as he had not been paying his child support. Man2Man staff met with Mark and learned that he had fallen behind in the payments while attempting to operate his own business selling videos. Further assessment indicated that Mark had a good business plan, but needed some assistance with start-up costs and with locating a facility for his business. The Man2Man staff referred Mark to some investors who were willing to help him get started. In addition, the staff assisted Mark with finding a location through staff contacts in the community. The initial rent was waived so that Mark could move into the building and begin operations immediately. Mark is now operating his own video business. He is able to pay his child support consistently and has an excellent relationship with the mother of his children. Mark’s business has recently expanded and he is now giving back by allowing other Man2Man participants to work in his company.