Mission
The South Carolina Bar Senior Lawyers Division is an active, thriving group of Bar membership tailored to the needs of our most experienced attorneys.
If you are a Bar member at least 60 years of age, you are a member of the Senior Lawyers Division. Get involved by joining a committee, volunteering at a pro bono event, or speaking at a seminar geared towards your colleagues.
SENIOR LAWYERS DIVISION BYLAWS
Join Us for the 2026 Senior Symposium in Georgetown!
Learn More About the Senior Lawyers Division
This committee conducts lunch and learn programs throughout the state on competency issues, career transitioning, health and retirement, limited practice issues, closing/selling a practice and technology. To recommend potential speakers or other topics or to join the Membership Committee, contact the SLD Membership Committee Chair David Cantrell .
The SLD Pro Bono Award & Opportunities to Serve
The committee works with the Pro Bono manager of the South Carolina Bar to expand the ways senior lawyers can assist indigent South Carolinians who need legal counseling. It also supports and manages the Senior Lawyers Division Pro Bono Award by promoting, recruiting applicants, assisting with selection and presentation of award. For additional information or to join the committee, please contact Pro Bono Chair Bobby Kilgo.
The Publications Committee is focused on producing publication and/or resource materials germane to the profession on succession planning, wellness, special ethics and practice issues, and Division activities to enhance Division member’s experience with the SC Bar. For additional information or to join the committee, please contact Don Wildman at dwildman@jshwlaw.com or by calling (864) 582-8121.
Enhance Your Final Years of Practice
The Senior Wellness Committee identifies and promotes health and wellness programs specific to the needs of senior lawyers. For additional information or to join the committee, please contact Emily G. Johnston, Senior Wellness Chair.
2025 Senior Lawyers Division Pro Bono Award Recipient
Jane H. Downey
Of Counsel, Baker Donelson
SLD Executive Officers
Hon. Neal W. Dickert
President/BOG Representative
H. Mills Gallivan, Sr.
President-Elect / Convention Coordinator
Barbara Ohanesian
Immediate Past President/BOG Representative
Abigail R. Rogers
Secretary
SLD Executive Council
Beverly A. Carroll
Region I
Alexandria P. Stathakis
Region I
Dennis M. Gerald
Region II
Stephen T. Savitz
Region II
Hon. James E. Lockemy
Region III
George M. Hearn, Jr.
Region III
Emily G. Johnston
Region IV
David L. Tedder
Region IV
Dennis M. Gerald
At-Large
Angela H. Robinson
At-Large
Greg Ohanesian
At-Large
Hon. A. Sandy Cruickshanks, IV
HOD Representative
Darra W. Cothran
HOD Representative
Hon. Catherin H. Kennedy
ABA SLD Representative
Mark C. Wilby
Out-Of-State Representative
Prof. Gerald “Jerry” M. Finkel
Charleston School of Law Rep.
Prof. Robert M. Wilcox
USC Joseph F. Rice School of Law Rep.
SLD Committee Chairs
David D. Cantrell, Jr.
Membership
Robert L. Kilgo, Jr.
Pro Bono/Retiree
Donald B. Wildman
Publications
Emily G. Johnston
Senior Wellness
Nancy S. Layman
Special Projects
Hon. Carolyn C. Matthews
SC Supreme Court Liaison
SLD Member Resources
Active members of the Bar who are at least 60 years of age and who have been admitted to practice law for 30 years or more may submit an affidavit to include year of birth, year of admission (this does not have to be with the S.C. Bar) and the desire to be exempt (exempt status pursuant to Section III. A of the Commission’s regulations shall apply to both the CLE and LEPR requirements).
Requests should be submitted to the S.C. Supreme Court Commission on CLE & Specialization, P.O. Box 2138, Columbia, SC 29202. For more information, visit www.commcle.org or contact the Commission at (803) 799-5578 or commcle@bellsouth.net.
Nominate A Colleague
Each year the Senior Lawyers Division honors members who have made outstanding contributions through pro bono service. The award recognizes those who have improved the civil legal system and legal profession by providing legal services to individuals unable to afford an attorney. One award will be presented per judicial region. Nominations must be submitted electronically by October 31 each year. Late submissions will be considered for the next award cycle. Self-nominations are encouraged.
Past Recipients
2022 | M. Malissa Burnette & Pamela D. Robinson
2023 | Francis J. Cornely
2024 | J. Howard Yates, Jr.
2025 | Jane H. Downey
The annual Honorable J. Mark Hayes, II Law Day Essay Contest is sponsored by the Senior Division of the South Carolina Bar. The purpose of the contest is to promote a better understanding of the Rule of Law and civic responsibility in South Carolina’s youth. The contest is opened to all 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade students in South Carolina. In 2021, the contest was named in honor of Circuit Judge J. Mark Hayes, II, in recognition of his work with the contest since its inception.
2026 Awards Packet
Past Winning Essays
The Boomer Times served as the official newsletter of the Senior Lawyers Division for several years. You can access archived versions below.
Upcoming Meetings
There are no upcoming public events at this time.