BLOG
SC Bar Foundation Empowers Grantees at the Annual SC Bar Convention
Date: February 14, 2025
For the first time ever, the SC Bar Foundation provided scholarships for its grantees to attend the annual SC Bar Convention, held in Columbia this year.
For many nonprofit attorneys and legal aid professionals, attending the Convention is not 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. Not only were these legal aid and public interest champions able to attend, but the Foundation took it a step further by planning a full day of continuing legal education (CLE) sessions that were designed by and for the grantees, to include ethical issues faced in the nonprofit context, unconscious bias training, and how to put together a “public interest toolkit” to provide more holistic services to clients. Grantees networked amongst themselves and also with leaders in the legal profession. The weekend concluded with the Bar’s 50th Anniversary Gala. This incredible opportunity provided invaluable networking, targeted legal education, and fostered a continued spirit of collaboration.
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. Here are some of their heartfelt expressions of appreciation:
“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!”
“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.”
“Thank you for all that. LOVED IT.”
“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.”
“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 [us] 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!”
“I want to thank the Foundation for sponsoring and allowing me to represent [my organization] at the 2025 Bar Convention. It was good to meet you and other attorneys who work with nonprofit organizations.”
“I want to let you know how much your work and generous support are appreciated. Your contribution to our cause is very impactful and has facilitated our growth.”
“Thank you for inviting [us] to the SC Bar Convention last week. We really appreciated the time and space to meet with our partners from various organizations[.] You put on a fantastic event, including the heartwarming keynote by Chief Judge Lockemy – we wish we could have stayed longer.”
“I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for allowing me to attend the SC Bar 2025 Convention. [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 strengthen 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 low-income 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!
