The South Carolina Bar Ethics Advisory Committee provides the full text of all ethics opinions since 1990 online. To find the opinion you need, simply use the search form below.
The opinions in this database contain the advice of the Committee based on the state of the law at the time of each opinion. Opinions are not updated to reflect changes in the Rules of Professional Conduct, more recent opinions, or other law. Further research may be necessary. Earlier opinions are available through vLex Fastcase.
Frequently Asked Questions are also available.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 05-01
Absent appropriate consent, Lawyer may not work on the civil case. As a deputy solicitor, Lawyer interviewed witnesses, had contact with the same boys’ home and prosecuted the earlier sexual abuse case. Lawyer’s personal and substantial involvement prohibits Lawyer’s participation, unless the appropriate government agency consents after consultation, but the firm may still handle the matter if Lawyer is properly screened.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 04-13
A lawyer may practice law under the supervision of a lawyer not licensed in South Carolina but must comply fully with the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 04-12
A public defender may not undertake or maintain a caseload that results in the attorney violating ethical obligations of competence (Rule 1.1), diligence (Rule 1.3), and communication (1.4).
Ethics Advisory Opinion 04-11
A lawyer may practice law and operate another business from the same location. The lawyer must ensure that his obligations under the Rules of Professional Conduct are met. A shared receptionist and open air office for a law practice and another business present significant ethical hazards for the lawyer.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 04-10
Law Firm A may not undertake the defense of the claim. Under the facts presented by the inquirer, the members of the Ethics Advisory Committee believe that the information learned by the associate constitutes an impermissible conflict of interest, not curable by the erection of “Chinese Wall” nor by consent.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 04-09
Absent a disclaimer that the out-of-state lawyer is not admitted to practice in South Carolina, the South Carolina office of a multi-state firm may not display the business cards of its non-South Carolina lawyers, which reflect the address of the South Carolina office.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 04-08
Rule 1.9, Conflict of Interest: Former client would prohibit the subsequent representation of the grandparents because the new representation would be “substantially related” to Lawyer A’s prior role as Guardian ad Litem.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 04-07
A lawyer may not advise a client to consult with a lawyer for the purpose of creating a conflict of interest.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 04-06
Unless the URL is false or misleading, it is permissible for a law firm to use a descriptive Web address.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 04-05
In general, a lawyer may advertise through any media so long as the content of the advertisement is not false or misleading.