by Zack Ohanesian, SC Bar Pro Bono Program Manager
The South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program hosted a successful Expungement and Pardon Clinic at the Littlejohn Community Center in Clemson on March 11. This initiative was made possible through strong community partnerships and dedicated legal professionals.
This clinic would not have been possible without the collaboration of key organizations, including Time Served, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with prior criminal system involvement through legal services and systems-change advocacy, and South Carolina Legal Services, South Carolina’s only state-wide legal services organization. Additionally, a special thanks to the SC Bar Young Lawyers Division for funding SLED record checks, a crucial step in the expungement and pardon process.
We are deeply grateful to Judge Gary Clary and Mayor Robert Halfacre for their instrumental roles in securing the venue and supporting this event. The Littlejohn Community Center proved to be an outstanding partner, providing a welcoming and accessible space for members of the public to receive legal guidance on expungement and pardons.
Thanks to these combined efforts, 28 individuals received personalized guidance on next steps to clear their records. Removing these convictions can open doors to employment, stable housing, and a fresh start in life—opportunities that are often out of reach for those with a criminal record.
The success of this event was due in no small part to the dedication of South Carolina Bar members who volunteered their time and expertise. Genie Heslin, Cherie Barton, and Dalton Barfield played key roles in reviewing records, explaining legal options, and offering compassionate counsel. Their commitment to pro bono service embodies what it means to be #RaisingTheBar.
As the SC Bar Pro Bono Program continues its mission to expand access to justice, we look forward to more opportunities like this to serve our communities. Thank you to all who made this event possible—you have helped change lives for the better.
Below: Volunteers prepare for clients at the Littlejohn Community Center
