Bar News

• Citation: Vol. 38 No. 2
• Year: 2026

Bar News

Vol. 38 Issue 2 Pg. 8

South Carolina Lawyer

Summer, 2026

2026-27 Committee, Section, and Volunteer Sign Ups Now Open

It's that time! The new Bar year begins July 1, and we are gearing up for many exciting things ahead. Don't miss your chance to join your colleagues in strengthening your network, supporting the legal community, and educating students and the public about the profession.

Please note: If you currently sit on a committee, we request that you still fill out the form if you wish to continue service this year.

The Honorable William W. Wilkins, Jr. Receives the Chief Justice's Lifetime Achievement Award

Congratulations to the Hon. William W. "Billy" Wilkins on receiving the Chief Justice's Lifetime Achievement Award! Chief Justice John Kittredge remarked, "Our recipient today has achieved greatness on all fronts. In terms of legal intellect and skill, Judge Wilkins has set the highest standards. ... He has received every superlative there is, and deservedly so. Billy Wilkins is a 'Who's Who.'" The award was presented before an audience of over 400 attorneys of the South Carolina Bar who gave Judge Wilkins two standing ovations.

Lawyer Referral Service Disontinuing 800 Number in July

The South Carolina Bar will discontinue the Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) 1800 number in July 2026. Members who provide the LRS contact information should now share the local number: 803 799 7100. This update was reflected on the Bar's website last fall.

The transition to the local number will help streamline LRS operations and reduce the cost of maintaining the tollfree line. Reminders will continue to be shared with members, and clerks of court will also be notified.

Thank you for helping ensure a smooth transition and for your continued support of the LRS program

The Honorable Joseph F. Anderson Elected to Judicial Conference of the United States

U.S. District Judge Joe Anderson was recently elected to represent the Fourth Circuit on the Judicial Conference of the United States, which is the policy making body for the federal court system. By statute, the Chief Justice of the United States serves as its presiding officer and its members are the chief judges of the 12 courts of appeal, and a district judge from each of the 12 geographic circuits. Chief Justice Roberts also selected Judge Anderson to serve on the eight person Executive Committee of the Conference, which sets the agenda for, and makes recommendations to, the full Conference.

Access to Justice Commission Honors Justice John Few for His Service as Chair

At the close of their May 28 meeting, the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission honored Justice John Few for his service as Chair of the Commission during his tenure on the Supreme Court. The Commission is charged with identifying the scope of the need for civil legal services, and developing a long-term plan for ensuring that all South Carolinians can access our system of justice.

Installation of S.C. Bar President and Officers

The South Carolina Bar held its Annual Assembly on Thursday May 21 at the new S.C. Bar Headquarters & Conference Center in Columbia. During the proceedings, President Nekki Shutt and the following officers were sworn-in:

• President Nekki Shutt

• President-elect Lindsay A. Joyner

• Treasurer Bradley K. Richardson

• Secretary Elizabeth Scott Moise

• House of Delegates Chair S. Leslie McIntosh

• Board. 1st Judicial Region, Daniel J. Ballou

• Board, 3rd Judicial Region, Paid Michael Burch

• Board, 4th Judicial Region, Temitope O. Leyimu

• Board, At Large Member, Sheila M. Abron

• Board, YLD Representative, Samantha E. Albrecht

• Board. YLD Representative, La'Jessica M. Stringfellow

• Board, SLD Representative and SLD President, Neal W. Dickert

• YLD President Mary Catherine Harbin

• ABA State Bar Delegate, Julianne Farnsworth

• ABA State Bar Delegate. Mary E. Sharp

2026 Employment &Labor Law Section Distinguished Lawyer Presented to S.C. Bar President Nekki Shutt

Nekki Shutt of Burnette, Shutt &McDaniel PA in Columbia has been named the 2026 Distinguished Lawyer by the South Carolina Bar Employment and Labor Law Section. She was recognized at the section's midyear meeting May 15 in Columbia.

Making an Impact: S.C. Bar Pro Bono Program Community Law Week Clinics

Over the course of a week in May the S.C. Bar Pro Bono Program traveled 817 miles and made four stops in Bennettsville, Rock Hill, Anderson, and North Charleston. Thanks to 25 volunteer attorneys, we provided 145 pro bono hours and served 84 clients seeking help with matters such as estate planning, family law, employment, public benefits, and property issues.

This project was funded by a grant from the South Carolina Bar Foundation, and we appreciate the Foundation's continued investment in access to justice.

In Memoriam

Alton Glenn Greene. Jr., 87, of Latta, passed away on December 24, 2025.

Thomas Charles Salane, 78, of Columbia, passed away on May 1, 2026.

Gary Tusten Pope, 76. of Charleston, passed away on May 8, 2026.

Otto Walter Ferrene. Jr., 87, of Hilton Head Island passed away on April 12, 2026.

The Honorable Roberts Vaux, 80. of Bluffton passed away on April 26, 2026.

The Honorable Harry A. Chapman. Jr., 90, of Greenville passed away on April 29, 2026.

Young Lawyers Division Presents 2025-26 Awards

At the 2026-27 YLD Leadership Retreat in May, YLD President La'Jes- sica Stringfellow presented Archer Swearingen's Destinee Wilson with the 2026 Young Lawyer of the Year award, and Halligan Mahoney & Wil- liams' Assatta Herbert with the Grady B. Anthony Public Service Award.

Law Related Education Lawyer of the Year Presented to Susan B. Hackett

During the May House of Delegates meeting, Law Related Education Committee Chair Dr. Tiffany Richardson presented the Law Related Education Lawyer of the Year Award to Susan B. Hackett in recognition of her outstanding dedication and service to advancing LRE initiatives.

Trial &Appellate Advocacy Section Award Presented to William E. Applegate, IV.

During the May House of Delegates meeting, Trial &Appellate Advocacy Section Chair Susan B. Hackett presented the Trial &Appellate Advocacy Section Award to William E. Applegate. IV.

Hot Off the Press! The Latest S.C. Bar Publications

Service of Process in South Carolina, 6th Edition

Author: John S. Nichols, Esq.

Cost: Book Only: $65

Release: January 2026

South Carolina Evidence Handbook Annotated, 18th Edition

Author: Justin S. Kahn, Esquire

Cost: Book + Download: $140

Release: January 2026

South Carolina Business Torts, 2nd Edition

Author: Cory E. Manning

Cost: $75

Release: March 2026

Planning for Your Future: Succession Strategies for South Carolina Lawyers

Author: Barbara M. Seymour, Esquire

Cost: $45

Release: May 2026

South Carolina Evidence, 3rd Edition

Autor: Danny R. Collins, Esquire [Edited and Updated by The Honorable Daniel M. Coble]

Cost: $115

Release: June 2026