Schedule

Name

Consumer Law Section presents, Helping Clients with Everyday Consumer Issues. 2026 Economic Outlook for Consumer: Are you ready for 2026? Whether you practice in a big firm, a small firm, or as a solo, we all need to hear the economic outlook for consumers, especially since we are all consumers ourselves! Come hear the 2026 economic outlook for consumers so you can be both personally and professionally ready for 2026. Second Act: Protecting Seniors from Financial Scams and Navigating the Inevitable: Lawyers play a crucial role in protecting clients, families, and themselves from the growing threat of elder financial fraud. This session covers the latest tactics used by scammers—such as phishing emails, spoofed calls, tech support pop-ups, and social media messages—and explains how fraudsters extract funds through gift cards, wires, and digital payments. You’ll gain practical guidance for safe communication, effective verification, and fostering open conversations about suspicious contacts. Equip yourself and your clients with proven tools to recognize, prevent, and respond to financial scams targeting seniors. Don’t miss this essential update on safeguarding what matters most. The Two Sides of the Debt Collection Coin: Creditor vs Debtor: This session will focus on both sides of Debt Collection in South Carolina. Whether you have a client trying to collect on an unpaid debt or you have a client who has been sued on a debt, this session is for you. Come hear about the advantages and disadvantages of Magistrate Court v. Common Pleas; potential claims, counterclaims, and defenses available to each side; and receive basic forms to help you represent your clients, regardless of which side you represent.

Name

Construction Law Section presents, From Demand to Decision. This seminar will feature timely presentations that go beyond construction law and are geared to be equally informative for attorneys practicing in other areas of the law. One session features a sitting circuit court judge and arbitrator comparing the litigation process in circuit court versus arbitration, discussing the similarities and differences between the two forums from the beginning of a case to its conclusion. Another session pairs two experienced insurance coverage lawyers with an insurance carrier claims professional to address the legal and practical components of the Tyger River doctrine from every angle. Finally, we will have a thorough update on developments impacting construction law over the past year, which includes cases that touch upon a broad range of topics, such as contractual risk transfer and motions practice, as well as recent legislation impacting contribution and allocation of fault.

Name

Workers’ Compensation Section presents, Staying in the Know- Trends and Current Issues Facing Workers’ Compensation Practitioners Today. The focus of this program is to keep all workers’ compensation practitioners on both the defense and claimant side updated on all current trends issues facing the practice today from new guidelines regarding Medicare Set Asides to transitional duty to new obstacles to settling cases in mediation and case law and legislative updates for all pending and proposed legislation affecting workers’ compensation practitioners. Commissioner Beck will present observations from the Commission’s viewpoint with regard to dos and don’ts when trying a case to new arguments currently being brought before the Commission.

Name

Military & Veterans’ Law Section presents, Military Discharges and Their Civilian Ramifications. Military Discharges and their characterizations have lasting impacts on a servicemember’s life and future. In this seminar we discuss discharges, their impact on their servicemember’s life and future, and the analysis and decision-making process in determining what discharge and characterization of discharge servicemembers leave the military with. These weighty decisions are not taken lightly and require consideration of a myriad of factors from the commander’s perspective.

Name

Health Care Law Section presents, Health Law: Trials, Tribulations, Triumphs, and Trends. The Health Law Section has put together a varied afternoon of panels and speakers to appeal to all practitioners in this area. First up, authorities on Artificial Intelligence (AI) will speak about its use and the potential for abuse in the healthcare field. Next, we will hear from attorneys who will discuss private equity’s growing role in the healthcare field. A former acting U.S. Attorney now in private practice, as well as state and federal government attorneys will discuss trends in the healthcare fraud enforcement space with some lessons for compliance. We will wrap the afternoon up with a quick look at what legislation to be aware of that has recently passed and what is being considered as we look ahead.

Name

Government Law Section presents, Beautifying Government Law. John Nichols, Of Counsel with Bluestein Thompson Sullivan, LLC provides consultation regarding professional responsibility and ethics and will provide practical information regarding the use artificial intelligence. South Carolina SLED general counsel, Adam Whitsett will provide insight and knowledge on how to handle code enforcement and sovereign citizens. Ken Roper, has years of experience as the former Pickens County Attorney and now as Pickens County Administrator, is going to share his knowledge about emergency services by counties, municipalities, and special purpose districts. Complexity of code enforcement from notice of violation to finish will be explained by Brad Farrar, who has decades of experience as a local government attorney and currently serves as the county attorney for Aiken County.

Name

The International Law Committee will offer a lively retrospective on 2025, a year of many international developments. The first panel will cover immigration and feature a discussion of how an immigration practitioner’s day has changed since January 2025. The second panel will focus on international trade and transactions; how are new tariffs affecting international business practice in South Carolina, and what should practitioners know to guide clients through a rapidlychanging trade environment. What about in-bound foreign investment? How has that practice changed in the last year? What should foreign direct investment lawyers know for the coming years? The final panel will discuss international dispute resolution in a rapidly evolving international scene. How are methods of dispute resolution changing and what trends can be expected?

Name

Trial & Appellate Advocacy Section presents, Storytelling through Written & Oral Advocacy. Effective advocacy is more than presenting facts and applying legal principles—it is about crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with decision-makers. This seminar explores the critical role of storytelling in both written and oral advocacy, offering practical insights and expert guidance for attorneys at every stage of practice. The program will open with a Civil Law Update presented by Professor Scott Bauries, who will provide a concise and insightful overview of recent developments in civil law, highlighting key trends and their implications for practitioners. Next, Professor Christine Coughlin, a leading scholar in legal writing, will discuss techniques for integrating narrative structure into persuasive legal writing. Her session will offer actionable strategies to enhance clarity, engagement, and persuasive force in written advocacy. The seminar will conclude with Dawes Cooke, an accomplished trial lawyer, who will address the art of oral advocacy. Drawing from years of courtroom experience, Mr. Cooke will demonstrate how to effectively use storytelling to build credibility, establish themes, and connect with juries and judges alike. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to leverage narrative techniques to strengthen legal arguments, both on the page and in the courtroom. This seminar is an essential opportunity for litigators, transactional attorneys, and legal writers seeking to refine their persuasive skills and elevate their advocacy. As always, this seminar is mandatory for our circuit bench.

Name

In-House Counsel Committee presents, Navigating the Dual Role of In-House Counsel: Legal Gatekeeper and Business Partner. In-house counsel play a pivotal role in both protecting the company and driving its strategic direction. This engaging 3-hour CLE program offers valuable insights into the critical balance between legal risk management and business decision-making. Participants will learn practical strategies for navigating complex vendor relationships, communicating legal concepts in business terms, and managing litigation to maximize positive outcomes. Program Highlights: Session 1: Vendor Management-Safeguarding Business Relationships Discover how to protect your organization through effective vendor management. Learn to draft strong agreements, conduct due diligence, and resolve disputes before they escalate. Real-world case studies will demonstrate how smart vendor contracts can safeguard business interests. Session 2: The LegalDecision vs. Business-Decision Dichotomy-Influencing Strategic Direction explore the dynamic role of in-house counsel as both legal advisor and business strategist. Gain the tools to influence business decisions, communicate legal risks in business terms, and address conflicts between legal and business objectives, all while keeping your organization on course. Session 3: Litigation Management-Maximizing Outcomes Through Effective Partnerships maximize your organization’s litigation strategy by mastering the art of managing outside counsel relationships. Learn how to negotiate costs, prepare for trial, and leverage litigation as a tool for business growth and risk mitigation. Whether you’re a seasoned in-house counsel or new to the role, this program will equip you with the practical tools to thrive in the ever-evolving business and legal landscape. Join us at the 2026 South Carolin Bar Convention and empower your dual role as both legal gatekeeper and strategic business partner.

Name

Environment & Natural Resources Section presents, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Update. With a new administration in Washington and a conservative Supreme Court there are likely changes pending to environmental regulations and differing judicial interpretations of environmental requirements. Our Seminar intends to explore this along with other timely matters including changes to State Energy Laws and Procedures and Resiliency issues.

Name

Employment & Labor Law Section presents, Employment Law Update. This advanced-level seminar will explore timely topics and recent developments in employment law, including presidentially promulgated expansions to the FCA regarding DEI initiatives; representing whistleblowers in high-stakes litigation; addressing and accommodating mental health disability in the workplace; and a panel presentation on recent updates to the law that affects South Carolina teachers.

Name

Elder Law Committee presents, Trust Issues Arising in Estate Planning and Special Needs/Medicaid Planning. The panel will focus on trusts, particularly special needs trusts. Specific topics include the use of special needs trust in Medicaid planning, estate planning, and protective procedures. The seminar will also cover how the SECURE Act impacts trusts and how ABLE accounts may be useful as alternatives to special needs trusts. Finally, the speakers will have a Q&A session in which the audience is encouraged to ask any questions on these topics.

Name

Education Law Committee presents, The Evolving Landscape of Civil Rights in Higher Ed: Title VI, Title IX, and Federal Policy Priorities. With Title VI increasingly in the national spotlight due to heightened federal enforcement, this presentation dives into what universities need to know now to build effective compliance programs. It will explore the legal and practical challenges of preventing and responding to discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in educational settings. The next session will analyze recent developments in the federal legal and regulatory landscape affecting colleges and universities, with a focus on executive actions, Title IX rulemaking, and the Department of Education’s current enforcement posture. The presentation will explore how shifting political dynamics are influencing Title IX policy, civil rights enforcement, campus safety expectations, and institutional obligations under federal law. Finally we will have a panel discussion covering the various roles (investigators, advisors, and hearing officers) that attorneys perform in connection with Title IX complaints/administrative proceedings, and participants will share their experience practicing in this area.

Name

Corporate, Banking & Securities Law Section presents, 2026 Corporate, Banking and Securities Law Updates. This powerful seminar will guide you through the quickly evolving area of Artificial Intelligence, including the legal ethics implications of using it in your practice. Other topics in this seminar include advice for lawyers serving on nonprofit boards of directors and the most common securities law mistakes made by non-securities lawyers. The seminar will wrap up with 2025 South Carolina caselaw and statutory law update on items pertaining to corporate, banking and securities law.

Name

Young Lawyers Division presents, Modern Lawyering. The legal profession stands at a crossroads. While AI tools revolutionize how many practice law, firms and attorneys struggle with implementation challenges and generational tensions that can derail even the most well-intentioned technology initiatives. This seminar tackles these issues head-on, providing practical guidance and honest discussion about navigating technology changes in today’s legal landscape. The first portion will give an honest breakdown of the most widely adopted platforms by law firms—including Co-Counsel and Protige—giving an unvarnished look at the positives and negatives of each and where these tools fit into everyday practice. Then, we’ll dive into real-world cautionary tales from attorneys who have experienced the pitfalls of AI firsthand. The session will conclude with a panel that brings together lawyers from different generations for an honest conversation about the elephants in the many conference rooms: resistance to innovations, the impact of remote work, mental health, and mentorship. No matter where you are in your practice, this program will offer practical strategies for navigating these conversations and a thoughtful way to implement change in your practice and your firm.

Name

Wellness Committee presents, A Business Case for Wellness. Join us for this great wellness line up. Our first speaker Javoyne will present Attorneys and practice tools to aid in your journey to wellness. Running a law practice is demanding—but financial stress doesn’t have to add to the burden. From Burnout to Balance Sheet explores how lawyers’ beliefs and habits around money directly impact both firm success and personal wellbeing. Through practical strategies, mindset shifts, and the right financial tools, this session will show lawyers how to reduce stress, create balance, and build a healthier relationship with their practice and their finances. The second session will discuss perspectives on the practice of law as a business, why Mr. X thought the way he did and why we don’t need to follow his lead, and the mindsets necessary to run a profitable law firm in a new world while remaining honorable to an honorable profession. The last session will be about a burned-out lawyer who is a broke lawyer. Law school didn’t teach you how to set boundaries—because few realized how essential this skill would become in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven practice of law. Join Tara Simkins, lawyer turned life coach, as she connects the dots between healthy boundaries, your well-being, and your bottom line. You’ll learn how protecting your energy and time not only keeps you healthy but also makes your practice more sustainable—and more profitable.

Name

Senior Lawyers Division presents, South Carolina-From the Revolution to the 21st Century. South Carolina is making a concerted effort to recognize, and celebrate, the state’s critical role in the American Revolution. As we approach this 250th Anniversary, our Bar has been involved in this effort. Mr. Bill Davies, a retired Nelson Mullins partner, has served on the State Commission to commemorate this event. He will be a part of our CLE. The issue of tort reform has also been at the forefront this year. The Honorable Shane Massey, majority leader of the State Senate, will address tort reform, to include legislation that has passed along with pending legislation that may be addressed in next year’s legislative session. Wellness is a key to senior lawyers. A former partner in Nelson Mullins and Hull Barrett, Tara Simkins, will talk about wellness, work life balance, and how to set and stick to boundaries. Finally, a distinguished group of former trial and appellate judges, who now serve as active mediators, will talk about best practices and ethical issues in Mediations.

Name

Probate, Estate Planning & Trust Section presents, State and Federal Tax Planning, Legislative Updates, and Planning Opportunities. This presentation will cover various legislative updates at the state and federal level, including an overview of the recent approval of the state level grantor tax reimbursement, TOD designations for vehicles, the rule against perpetuities, and planning under the Big Beautiful Bill. Additional topics will include select probate topics, income tax planning using irrevocable trusts and other estate planning tools, and pre-mortem probate litigation intended to mitigate post-mortem litigation in connection with contested cases.

Name

Diversity Committee/Technology/ Innovation and Intellectual Property Committee presents, Bias, Ethics, and Accountability in Artificial Intelligence: Legal Impacts and IP Challenges.

Name

Criminal Law Section presents, Back to Basics. Join the Criminal Law section for a lively program focusing on both current trends in the world of criminal law and a refresher on frequent trial advocacy concepts. The seminar will begin with Judge William McKinnon providing a case law update from a Judicial perspective. Representative Micah Caskey and Senator Overture Walker will follow with an update from the General Assembly on both new and proposed criminal legislation. The program will then turn to a presentation on Cell Phone forensic analysis that will be beneficial to both new and experienced members of the Bench and Bar. The last hour will include “can’t miss” refreshers from numerous members of the South Carolina Judiciary who will be joined by skilled practitioners for panel discussions on familiar subjects to include cross examination and how to avoid creating PCR issues during the pendency of a case.

Name

As the title suggests, the focus of the 2026 South Carolina Bar Convention Family Law CLE is on stopping alienating and other behaviors early, before permanent damage to children is done. Presented by Dr. Yvonne M. Parnell, Founder of Family Bridges Institute, a globally recognized leader of intervention in alienation cases, and Leslie Armstrong, Esquire of Armstrong Family Law, LLC in Charleston, South Carolina, this 3.0 hour CLE will take attendees through the progression of behaviors that start as petty and end in permanent damage to children and parental relationships. Dr. Parnell and Ms. Armstrong deliver information based in statistics with an engaging approach focused on providing practical tools for attorneys and courts to recognize and address early the toxic behaviors that build over time. With their passion and charisma, this presentation will be one long-remembered by those fortunate enough to attend. This is a “can’t miss”, “must attend” presentation for anyone practicing in family law, whether as an exclusive area of practice or as an occasional part of a varied practice. We know this CLE will not disappoint! As is customary, this CLE closes with a legislative update from Representative David W. Martin of York County.

Name

Torts and Insurance Practice Section present, Torts, Reforms, and Risk: Navigating the Shifting Landscape. This seminar will explore key developments and emerging trends in South Carolina tort and insurance law. Topics will include the evolving role of bad faith and Tyger River demands, recent legislative updates with a focus on the South Carolina Tort Reform Act, and best practices for drafting contracts with an emphasis on contractual indemnity. Attendees will gain practical insights to navigate litigation, legislative changes, and risk management in today’s legal landscape, no matter which side of the “V” you are on.

Name

Tax Law Section presents, Tax Law Section Seminar. Our first presenter, Jason Luther, Chief Legal Officer and Deputy Director of Office of General Counsel at the South Carolina Department of Revenue, will provide an overview of recent trends and developments in South Carolina’s State and Local Tax jurisprudence. Jason will focus his talk on case law updates in the South Carolina Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Administrative Law Court involving matters before the South Carolina Department of Revenue over the past year, as well as recent legislative changes implemented by the South Carolina General Assembly. During our next presentation, Katie Simmons, Director with Forvis Mazars, will provide a discussion of the income tax implications of private aircraft ownership, including treatment of personal use, disallowance of expenses, and qualification for accelerated depreciation. Katie will explore the changes to bonus depreciation under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and explain what is required to be eligible. Katie will also review the state of the IRS’s Business Aircraft Campaign and provide helpful information on how to prepare for an exam. Finally, Katie will dive into common issues related to charter yacht activities. For our last presentation, Kristin Gutting, Principal with Forvis Mazars, Karen Fleming, Director with Forvis Mazars, and Caitlyn Meehan, Senior Manager with Forvis Mazars, will provide a federal tax update on the current status of the Internal Revenue Service. The panel will answer some very timely questions about the IRS examination process and current IRS focus, penalty issues, and procedural issues arising with the IRS.

Name

SC Bar Foundation presents, Nonprofit Practice. Join the South Carolina Bar Foundation to discuss trending topics affecting nonprofit legal professionals. This program is designed for public interest attorneys working in the nonprofit sector and is divided into two 90-minute sessions. Session One: Navigating Ethical Challenges in Nonprofit Practice. This session focuses on the ethical challenges that arise in nonprofit practice, and how to recognize them and resolve them. This will include a dynamic and experienced three-attorney panel moderated by Barbara Seymour. The panelists will discuss hypotheticals based on real world examples, and best practices. Through this engaging discussion, attorneys will have a deeper understanding of the legal and ethical challenges unique to nonprofit legal practice and will be better equipped to provide effective, ethical representation in these complex environments. Session two: Lawyering with Heart and Mind; Trauma-Informed Practice and Attorney Wellbeing. Legal aid organizations across the country have increasingly adopted trauma-informed approaches to better serve clients facing crises such as domestic violence, housing instability, and systemic injustice. Yet, applying these principles in the legal context—particularly within high-stress, high-volume legal aid environments—can present significant challenges. This session offers a practical framework and concrete strategies for incorporating trauma-informed practices into client advocacy. It also addresses the critical importance of attorney self-care and safety planning, equipping legal aid professionals with tools to reduce stress, manage vicarious trauma, and prevent burnout while continuing to provide compassionate, effective representation.

Name

Real Estate Practices Section presents, Who Says Dirt Law is Boring? Join your fellow dirt lawyers for updates to implement in your South Carolina real estate practice. Our first panel will be offering tips and tricks regarding deeds, easements and plats. Another panel will share insights regarding new South Carolina legislation and case law affecting dirt law. We will end with an ethics presentation including information about wholesaling, fraud, trust accounting and other mis-deeds that may impact a dirt lawyer.

Name

Administrative and Regulatory Law Committee presents, Navigating the Complexities of Administrative Practice and Procedure. In the evolving world of legal practice, administrative law is an indispensable area of expertise. Our CLE is designed to provide practical skills to navigate this intricate regulatory landscape both generally and in specific practice areas involving Medicaid and the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Whether you are new to administrative law or seeking to refine your understanding, this course will provide the best practices on how to effectively represent clients in matters before state agencies and in the Administrative Law Court.

Name

Dispute Resolution Section presents, Arbitration and Other Tricks of the ADR Trade. Get ready to learn everything you wanted to know about arbitration and other dispute resolution methods. And get ready to ask any questions to gain new insight into how these dispute resolution tools are now making their presence known across all South Carolina courts. First, Judge Clifton Newman will talk about his transition from the trial courts of South Carolina to the national arbitration arena. He will discuss arbitration, its growing impact across the nation, and its role in consumer disputes to high-level business disputes. He will also answer your questions about this dispute resolution tool that is not going anywhere soon. Second, Kelly Pope-Black is a former family court judge who now mediates and arbitrates across the State. She will share her thoughts about Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE). She will talk with us about how it can be an effective tool, especially in the family court arena. Evaluating a case before it goes to the family court may save the parties time, money, and emotional stress, and this former judge can show us the way to help our clients. Kelly will also touch on how ENE can be used in civil cases as well. Third, Angus Lawton will speak about the Fast Track Trial (FTT) procedure and the kinds of cases that are well suited for FTTs. You will also learn tips and best practices for lawyers and their clients when going through a FTT, and there will be a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the process. Angus will also add his tips of the trade about the ENE process in the civil world so that parties can resolve disputes without the time and expense of a trial. Fourth, Natalie Bluestein will give us insight into the world of Cooperative Law. She will discuss the principles of Cooperative Law and its applicability to family court cases as well as other areas of law, including probate, real property and contracts. Finally, we have a panel that will address all the questions you’ve wanted answered. From civil to probate to family law, these panelists have the answers. Plus, they’ll keep us abreast of all the changes in the Dispute Resolution world. The Dispute Resolution Section CLE is not to be missed.

Name

Children’s Law Committee presents; Do You Want to Know What’s New(s)? The Senior Counsel for Child Welfare at SCDSS, Taron Davis, will kick off the seminar describing some of the initiatives and new programs launched under the leadership of the new DSS Director Tony Catone. The new Director of the Department of Children’s Advocacy will introduce herself and provide an overview of some advocacy initiatives and goals and then the Department’s General Counsel, Tena Hardee, will provide an update on the System Improvement Division and its expansion and improvements since its inception. Representative Jason Elliott will provide an update on children’s law issues that will be discussed in this coming legislative session, as well as the upcoming year. Finally, Cody Lidge who is the Courts Program Director at the Children’s Law Center, will provide an overview of the Court Improvement Program Quality Legal Representation Project which includes a pilot project for direct representation for youth in abuse and neglect cases. He will also provide some relevant data that has been collected by the Court Improvement Program through the Court Liaisons.

Name

Administrative and Regulatory Law Committee presents, Navigating the Complexities of Administrative Practice and Procedure. In the evolving world of legal practice, administrative law is an indispensable area of expertise. Our CLE is designed to provide practical skills to navigate this intricate regulatory landscape both generally and in specific practice areas involving Medicaid and the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Whether you are new to administrative law or seeking to refine your understanding, this course will provide the best practices on how to effectively represent clients in matters before state agencies and in the Administrative Law Court.

Name

This program addresses the mental health and stress management challenges attorneys face when dealing with difficult clients and colleagues. Drawing from the presenter’s personal experience with panic attacks, burnout, and mental health recovery, participants will learn evidence-based strategies to protect their psychological well-being while maintaining professional effectiveness. The program focuses exclusively on stress management, anxiety reduction, and mental health preservation in the context of challenging professional relationships.

Name

In almost every civil and criminal case involving police use of force, experts are retained, and social science data are introduced. Police-use-of-force litigation increasingly turns on expert testimony drawn from the Force Science Institute (FSI), whose “Force Science Analyst” certifications are marketed as resting on peer-reviewed research. An empirical review (Police Quarterly 2025) systematically evaluates the 24 studies FSI itself identifies as its scientific core. Using bibliometrics and three established quality-assessment tools, the review finds that the corpus largely fails to satisfy the Daubert reliability factor-test ability, peer review, known error rate, and general acceptance -and is rarely cited in mainstream science.

Name

Join Lenne Espenschied as she talks about how lawyers must get creative to completely represent clients with weak positions. Where is the line between zealous representation and ethics violations? In the last hour she will talk about the facts. This helps lawyers identify the difference between data, information, facts, and “truth”; inferences and conclusions; claims, beliefs, values, and opinions, and other critical distinctions that would be highly relevant in a discussion of illogic and ethics.