In order to practice law in South Carolina, an attorney must be licensed or otherwise authorized by the Supreme Court of South Carolina. Practicing law without a license is a felony, and may be punished by either a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for not more than five years, or both, according to the SC Code of Laws.

The South Carolina Bar is not empowered to enforce this statute. However, our Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) Committee may share information about such incidents with other people and agencies in an effort to improve the protection of residents.

The Committee also promotes education of Bar members and the public about unauthorized practice of law in South Carolina. If you or your group would like to arrange for one of our members to give a presentation on this topic, please contact Eileen Carrouth

Submit a complaint

File a complaint about unauthorized practice of law in South Carolina by filling out the form below. The information will be reviewed and may be forwarded to the appropriate authorities or other agencies. You may also download a printable version of the form here and either mail to SC Bar, Attn. Unauthorized Practice of Law, P.O. Box 608, Columbia, SC 29202 or save and email to ecarrouth@scbar.org.

UPL Committee

Contact
Eileen Carrouth, staff liaison
(803) 799-6653, Ext. 141