Backpack Drive Committee
This committee collects new backpacks, school supplies and other educational items for donation to needy children in South Carolina in August.

Paul H. Hoefer, Chair
Robinson McFadden & Moore, PC
P.O. Box 944
Columbia, SC 29202
(803) 779-8900/Fax: (803) 744-1558
phoefer@robinsonlaw.com

Cinderella Project
Celebrating its 11th season, the Cinderella Project involves gathering donations of gently worn formal gowns, shoes and accessories for socially and economically disadvantaged high school students. Students from area high schools are invited to attend a boutique held in the spring to “shop” for a dress and other items at no cost. Members of this committee assist with collecting the dresses, organizing the boutiques and assisting the belles of the ball (prom attendees) as they “shop” on the day of the boutique.

Community Law Week
Held each year during the first week of May, Community Law Week is designed to promote the legal profession through service. During Community Law Week, members of this committee will assist each circuit representative with selecting, planning and implementing at least one service project in each of the 16 circuits.

L. Foster Girard, Co-Chair
Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, PA
P.O. Box 11889
Columbia, SC 29211
(803) 540-7760/Fax: (803) 765-1243
fgirard@hsblawfirm.com

I. Ryan Neville, Co-Chair
Wills Massalon & Allen, LLC
P.O. Box 859
Charleston, SC 29402
(843) 727-1144/Fax: (843) 727-7696
rneville@wmalawfirm.net

Families Forever
This nationally recognized program focuses on adoption and foster care awareness with assistance from the Department of Social Services, Adoption Coalition for Education and Support (ACES) and various other organizations. Members of this committee will produce educational materials and organize adoption awareness fairs in Charleston and Greenville to educate families on foster care and adoption. 

iCivics Committee
iCivics is a web-based education project designed to teach students about civics and inspire them to be active participants and leaders in our democracy. Members of this committee will assist with implementing this program throughout South Carolina by planning and sponsoring three conferences to teach educators how to use iCivics in their classrooms. Additionally, members of this committee will participate in various programs to showcase iCivics and generate interest. This project is co-sponsored by the federal judges of the Fourth Circuit, S.C. Defense Trial Attorneys Association and other organizations.

Allison P. Sullivan, Chair
Bluestein Nichols Thompson & Delgado, LLC
1614 Taylor St.
Columbia, SC 29202
(803) 779-7599/Fax: (803) 779-8995
apsullivan@bntdlaw.com

Protecting Our Youth Through Legal Education
To educate at-risk high school students on criminal law and the consequences of their actions and choices, members of this committee will plan programs about various topics including prosecuting students as adults, repeat offenders, new DUI laws and drug offenses. This project will be conducted with assistance from the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice, Children’s Law Center and the Bar’s Children’s Law Committee.

Internet Predator Project
This project is designed to raise awareness of the dangers that exist on the Internet. Members of this committee will produce an educational video compiled from interviews with experts and advocacy groups on various topics including sexting, social networking, how to identify online predators and legal ramifications for Internet crimes.

Austin Watts, Chair
13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office
305 E. North St.
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 467-8647
awatts@greenvillecounty.org

Magistrate Court 101
This project is an effort to provide South Carolina citizens with a better understanding of
courtroom etiquette, rules and a general laymen’s explanation of what to expect when
entering the hallowed halls of the local family court, magistrate court, master-in-equity
or probate court that may not be in line with what they have seen on Law & Order or
daytime reality shows.

Floyd S. “Trey” Mills III, Chair
Trammell & Mills Law Firm, LLC
1650 E. Greenville St.
Anderson, SC 29621
(864) 231-7171/Fax: (864) 231-7488
trey@trammell-law.com


Special Olympics
South Carolina lawyers—and their friends and family members—are encouraged to participate in Special Olympics South Carolina through volunteer opportunities at each of the three statewide games and work with Special Olympics in their communities to serve the needs of South Carolinians with intellectual disabilities. Lawyers, law firms and other legal organizations will be encouraged to attend the annual galas in Columbia and Charleston as well as other fundraisers for SOSC. Members of this committee will assist with recruiting and organizing volunteers. 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
This committee provides free tax preparation for households with low-to-moderate incomes. Members will receive training to prepare basic tax returns in various communities throughout the state and assist with recruiting other lawyer volunteers to participate in the tax preparation “super Saturdays.” The training will be sponsored by organizations that run VITA sites (libraries, churches, schools and neighborhood centers) and will be conducted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Adam B. Landy, Chair
McNair Law Firm, PA
P.O. Box 11390
Columbia, SC 29211
(803) 799-9800/Fax: (803) 933-1419
alandy@mcnair.net

Voices Against Violence
This program is designed to educate young lawyers about the epidemic of domestic violence and engage young lawyers in efforts to respond to and prevent the same by taking part in legislative advocacy, handling pro bono cases involving domestic violence, providing support to shelters, and delivering presentations to the public about domestic violence. This committee also hosts a free CLE on domestic violence in the spring.

Wills Clinics
This committee provides free wills for first response personnel throughout the state, including police officers, firefighters and paramedics. During a clinic, attorneys will meet with first responders to provide this service. Guidelines, forms and a training session are provided in advance. Members of this committee will help recruit attorney volunteers to draft wills and assist with planning the clinics.

Sean Markham, Chair
McCarthy Law Firm, LLC
1517 Laurel St. (29201)
P.O. Box 11332
Columbia, SC 29211-1332
(803) 451-2266/Fax: (803) 753-6960
smarkham@mccarthy-lawfirm.com

Habitat for Humanity Wills Clinics
This committee provides free wills for Habitat for Humanity homeowners. During a clinic, attorneys will meet with homeowners to provide this service. Guidelines, forms and a training session will be provided prior to clinics. For more information and upcoming clinics, click here.