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SC Bar Foundation Empowers Grantees at the 50th Annual SC Bar Convention
Date: February 12, 2025
In January 2025, the SC Bar Foundation had the incredible opportunity to fund all 42 of its grantees to attend the 50th Annual SC Bar Convention. This milestone event brought together legal professionals from across South Carolina, fostering collaboration, continuing education, and essential networking opportunities.
For many nonprofit attorneys and legal aid professionals, attending the convention is not always financially feasible. Recognizing this, the SC Bar Foundation ensured that those dedicated to public interest law had the chance to be part of this transformative experience. From insightful continuing legal education (CLE) sessions to invaluable networking connections, attendees gained knowledge, strengthened professional relationships, and felt inspired to continue their critical work.
A Shared Experience of Growth and Learning
Grantees from various nonprofit legal organizations expressed their deep appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the convention. Their reflections highlight the impact of this experience:
Anne Caywood, Executive Director (and attorney) at Lowcountry Legal Volunteers:
“Thank you so much for allowing all of us the opportunity to experience the Bar Convention as a group of nonprofits coming together! I loved every minute of it!”
Shunna Jeter, Executive Director (and attorney) at SC Legal Services:
“Our gratitude to you for your foresight and willingness to ensure public interest attorneys and staff were able to attend the SC Bar Convention and your specifically tailored workshops. I have only received excellent feedback from our staff and partners. It was a big convening of which we all enjoyed. Your efforts were not in vain.”
Lauren Barnwell, attorney at SCVAN:
“Saturday was fantastic. Thank you for all that. LOVED IT.”
Alissa Lietzow, CEO (and attorney) at Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services:
“I wanted to take a moment and say thank you again for ensuring that the SC Bar Convention was (1) not only available to those working in the nonprofit/legal aid sector, but (2) that there was content specifically geared to our work.”
Jennifer Olmert, Executive Director (and attorney) at Upstate Mediation Center:
“I just wanted to say a big thank you to you and the SC Bar Foundation for making it possible for me to attend this year’s Bar Convention. Since it is not in our budget, this was my first time going, and it was such a great experience. Not only did I get my CLE credits taken care of, but I also had the chance to meet so many people from across the state. The networking opportunities were fantastic and will likely lead to referrals that will benefit Upstate Mediation Center and the folks we serve! I also want to express my gratitude for the organizing of such a wonderful, informative, and truly ‘cup-filling’ day of CLEs tailored specifically for the nonprofit community! I’m so grateful for this opportunity and your support!”
Jim Babb, attorney at NC Center on Actual Innocence:
“I want to thank the Foundation for sponsoring and allowing me to represent the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence at the 2025 Bar Convention. It was good to meet you and other attorneys who work with nonprofit organizations.”
Catherine Wilhoit, Board Member at Mediation & Meeting Center of Charleston:
“I want to let you know how much your work and generous support are appreciated. The MMCC is an organization committed to providing mediation services to our community. Your contribution to our cause is very impactful and has facilitated our growth.”
Laura Roach, Senior Program Manager at Equal Justice Works:
“Thank you for inviting Mikayla and me to the SC Bar Convention last week. We really appreciated the time and space to meet with our partners from various organizations, including Charleston Legal Access, Pro Bono Legal Services, One80 Place, and South Carolina Legal Services. We also enjoyed the Ethics in Nonprofits and Unconscious Bias CLE sessions; I know many of our partners are invested in the efforts to allow limited scope representation for clients with fewer resources. You put on a fantastic event, including the heartwarming keynote by Chief Judge Lockemy – we wish we could have stayed longer.”
Shontae Hook, Social Work Intern at SC Legal Services:
“I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for allowing me to attend the SC Bar 2025 Conference. As a Bachelor of Social Work student completing my internship at South Carolina Legal Services, it was truly an invaluable experience to be part of such a meaningful event. Being surrounded by passionate professionals and learning from all the presenters was inspiring. The insights I gained have reinforced my commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities through both social work and advocacy.”
Strengthening Legal Justice Through Collaboration
The SC Bar Foundation believes that access to legal education and networking opportunities strengthens the ability of public interest attorneys and nonprofit legal professionals to serve their communities effectively. This year’s SC Bar Convention was a testament to the power of bringing together dedicated individuals who are working tirelessly to advance legal justice.
By supporting their attendance, the SC Bar Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that those serving marginalized and underserved populations have the resources they need to grow, connect, and continue their mission. The relationships formed, knowledge gained, and inspiration shared at the convention will have lasting ripple effects in communities across South Carolina and beyond.
We are honored to support the dedicated professionals who fight for access to justice every day. Here’s to another year of growth, collaboration, and making a meaningful impact!
