A Message from the President

• Citation: Vol. 38 No. 1
• Year: 2026

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Vol. 38 Issue 1 Pg. 6

South Carolina Lawyer

Spring, 2026

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The Path to Bar Leadership

BY CHRIS KOON

Have you ever thought about serving on our Bar's Board of Governors, or perhaps as an officer? Our Bar's future is dependent on good leadership, and we have no shortage of talent in this state. Someone recently told me that the path to Bar leadership can seem like a mystery. We can't afford to miss out on quality leaders for this reason, so I want to share some information about the process.

The Board of Governors includes elected officers—President, Presidentelect, Immediate Past President. Secretary, and Treasurer—who each serve a one-year term. In addition, two members from each of the state's four judicial regions are also elected, each to a three-year term.

There are two ways to become a candidate for election to these offices. First, you can be nominated by the Bar's Nominating Committee. Eight members of the Nominating Committee are elected by the Bar's House of Delegates, two from each judicial region. They serve staggered terms of three years. The Immediate Past President chairs the Nominating Committee.

By November 15 each year, the Nominating Committee must meet and nominate candidates for President-elect, Treasurer, Secretary, and any vacant seats from the judicial regions. Eveiy other year, the Nominating Committee also nominates a candidate to serve a two-year term as Chair of the House of Delegates. The Nominating Committee's membership and meeting date are always advertised in the eBlast several times in advance of its meeting. If you're interested in being considered, you only need to let the Nominating Committee know. It's as simple as that!

The Nominating Committee considers many factors when evaluating candidates, including Bar service, reputation, and representation. By December 15 each year, the Bar publishes the names of the nominees for each position. At that point, a second path to office becomes available. Any other qualified member of the Bar can submit a petition signed by 25 or more members nominating them to an office. On January 15, the nominations are closed, and if any offices are contested, an election is held between the Nominating Committee nominee and the petitioner(s). The Bar's annual budget includes funding in case such an election is necessary.

In addition to the elected members of the Board of Governors, there are also ex-officio members who serve by virtue of their participation elsewhere within the Bar. These include the President-elect and Immediate Past President of the Young Lawyers Division: President and Immediate Past President of the Senior Lawyers Division: and the Chair of the House of Delegates. Finally, there are two at-large members who are appointed by the President.

There are many paths to leadership in our Bar, and I hope you don't become discouraged if you pursue one unsuccessfully. With so many great members, we're often blessed with an embarrassment of riches. I was passed over several times before the Nominating Committee deemed that I was ready, and considering the folks that were chosen before me, it was hard to argue with the committee's wisdom. I think they got it right each time.

If you're thinking about getting more involved through Bar leadership, I hope this is helpful, and I'd be happy to talk to you in more detail. Great leaders are always needed!