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 09-11
A lawyer may appear on behalf of another lawyer to request a continuance. A lawyer may not act on behalf of another lawyer or a non-client without consent from the lawyer or entering into an attorney-client relationship with the non-client.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 09-10
A lawyer may “claim” a website listing, but all information contained therein (including peer endorsements, client ratings, and Company X ratings) are subject to the rules governing communication and advertising once the lawyer claims the listing.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 09-09
With informed consent of the Client, Lawyer may continue to represent Client from a divorce matter under a limited representation pursuant to Rule 1.2 on appeal from a Probate Court order in which their interests are aligned.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 09-08
A Special Referee is a court of record and is part of the judicial process, unlike an arbitrator. Therefore, attorney is not obligated to pay the fee of the Special Referee.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 09-07
In a standard real estate closing where Borrower has chosen and retained Lawyer, absent additional facts and circumstances, Lawyer does not represent the Lender.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 09-06
The Rules of Professional Conduct do not prohibit Lawyer from practicing in city court.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 09-05
The law clerk is NOT precluded from testifying, subject to rulings from the court on the admissibility of the testimony.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 09-04
Rule 1.16(d) states, “Upon termination of representation, a lawyer shall take steps to the extent reasonably practicable to protect a client's interest . . ."
Ethics Advisory Opinion 09-03
Attorney does not necessarily have an obligation to write the title insurance policy with Underwriter B; however, attorney has an ethical obligation to disclose the premium differences, as well as any other relevant differences between a policy issued by Underwriter A and a policy issued by Underwriter B.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 09-02
If the requirements of Rule 1.10(e), which are exceptions to Rule 1.10(a), are satisfied, the attorneys need not refer to Rule 1.7.