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    • Announcements, resources and event changes that may affect South Carolina Bar members. 

    Visit our Practice Management Assistance Program's COVID-19 Resources for Lawyers including guides, policies, videos, and links to manage your firm and assist clients during a pandemic.

    Learn more about our in-person CLE safety guidelines. 

    If you are a member of the public looking for legal assistance, please visit scbar.org/covidhelp.

    South Carolina Court Announcements/Orders

    See the S.C. Judicial Department's COVID-19 Information page for a comprehensive list of orders. The most recent state-level orders and all recent circuit and county-level communications are also posted below. 

    Operation of the Trial Courts During the Coronavirus Emergency (Nov. 23, 2021)

    This order amends the August 27, 2021, order to extend its provisions until February 4, 2022.

    Revised Order Regarding Operation of the Trial Courts During the Coronavirus Emergency (Aug. 27, 2021) 

    The SC Supreme Court order replaces the June 15 version and lasts for 90 days days unless extended by order of the Court.

    Use of Remote Communication Technology by the Trial Courts (Sept. 21, 2021)

    Provides guidance on the use of remote communication technology by the trial courts, including appellate proceedings before the circuit court.

    Recission of Appellate Coronavirus Order (Aug. 25, 2021)

    Outlines steps taken via other orders and rules regarding operations of Appellate Courts.

    Waiver of Distance Learning Limitations for Magistrate and Municipal Judges (Aug. 19, 2021)

    Magistrate and municipal judges may earn all or any portion of the CLE credit they are required to obtain for the 2021-2022 annual reporting year through online or telephone programs.

    Methods of Electronic Filing and Service Under Rule 262 of the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules  (Aug. 25, 2021)

    Specifies the permissible methods of electronic filing and service under Rule 262, SCACR.

    Amended Order: Operations of the Trial Courts During the Coronavirus Emergency (July 30, 2021) 

    Extends the June 15 order through Aug. 31, 2021. 

    Amended Order: Operation of the Trial Courts During the Coronavirus Emergency  (June 15, 2021) 

    Extends the order through Aug. 2, 2021. 

    Waiver of Distance Learning Limitations for CLE Requirements (March 31 2021) 

    Lawyers and judges may earn all or any portion of the CLE credit they are required to obtain for the 2021-2022 annual reporting year through online or telephone programs. 

    Circuit and County Announcements

    1. Courthouse operations by county
    2. Local orders and memos by circuit ​

    Visit the S.C. Judicial Branch’s website for the latest updates. 

    Pickens County Family Court (Aug. 31, 2021) 

    Memo from Judge Karen S. Roper, Chief Administrative Judge for Pickens County Family Court regarding in-person proceedings in Family Court. Includes virtual courtroom guidelines and uncontested divorce packets checklist. 

    Visits to the S.C. Department of Corrections (March 24, 2020)

    In order to keep your clients and our staff safe, non-attorney visitation has been suspended and access to SCDC institutions is limited as much as possible to SCDC staff. Attorney visits to SCDC institutions have NOT been halted; however, attorneys are asked to postpone any visits that are not considered emergencies and to utilize phone calls as much as possible. Inmates’ attorney phone calls will take place in a confidential setting inside of the institution. If it is necessary for an attorney to visit their client during this time, the attorney will be subjected to the same screening as staff; their temperature may be taken and they will be asked a series of questions to ensure the safety of SCDC inmates and staff. If you have experienced, or have cared for someone who has experienced, any coronavirus or flu like symptoms, please send someone in your place to meet with the inmate. SCDC must take all precautions to ensure that this virus is not introduced into any of our institutions so as to avoid it spreading across the inmate population. 

    If you have questions about this process, please email Boylston.Melody@doc.sc.gov or corrections.info@doc.sc.gov, and someone will respond as soon as possible. Response times may be longer than usual so please give SCDC plenty of time to process.

    Federal Courts & Guidance

    United States District Court for the District of South Carolina

    Please continue to check www.scd.uscourts.gov for updates. 

    U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

    See the latest upates on the court's COVID-19 announcements page. 

    Out of State Courts

    North Carolina

    Updates from the N.C. Judicial Branch including county announcements and orders from Chief Justice Cheri Beasley and county-level information.

    Georgia

    The Judicial Council of Geogia's COVID-19 news and information page including links to statewide orders and orders by circuit.

    Other Out of State Courts Information

    List of court closings and restrictions across the country. (Law 360 has lifted its paywall for COVID-19 information). 

    SC Bar Announcements & Updates 

    The majority of section and committee meetings are being held by conference and video calls. Many SC Bar employees are working remotely. The main SC Bar Building  is closed to visitors and the SC Bar Conference Center is open for CLE programs with social distancing and mask guidelines in place. 

    CLE Opportunities  and Safety Guidelines

    The SC Bar began offering limited seating in person CLE programs in summer 2021 and continue to offer online, live webinar and teleseminar programs. Visit cle.scbar.org for more information and to see the upcoming calendar.

    • Attendance at CLE events is limited to no more than 50% room capacity.
    • Masks are not required for visitors inside the Conference Center public spaces but are encouraged.
    • Visitors or vendors are not required to show proof of vaccination. 
    •  Staff are required to keep surfaces like table tops and podiums wiped.
    • Caterers must follow current CDC guidelines when serving or offering food.  
    • Staff will arrange seating to ensure social distancing, and we will encourage social distancing in common areas when visitors are not seated.
    • If CDC or governmental guidelines or mandates change, we will adjust policies as needed.

    For questions, contact CLE Director Terry Burnett at tburnett@scbar.org or (803) 576-3780.

    South Carolina Bar Foundation

    The SC Bar Foundation is committed to providing you with continued help in answering IOLTA questions, assisting with donations, and providing information regarding the Foundation as needed.  If you have to reach the Foundation for any reason whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact executive director, Megan Seiner via email at mseiner@scbar.org or at (803) 576-3786. 

    Thank you for all that you do to support the SC Bar Foundation. The Foundations is so grateful for your continued generosity, especially now. 

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