South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 5 - Attorneys-at-law
Section 40-5-20. Supreme Court empowered to promulgate rules and regulations concerning practice of law; establishment of South Carolina State Bar.

The Supreme Court may from time to time prescribe, adopt, promulgate and amend such rules and regulations as it may deem proper (a) defining and regulating the practice of law, (b) determining the qualifications and requirements for admission to the practice of law, (c) prescribing a code of ethics governing the professional conduct of attorneys at law, (d) prescribing the procedure for disciplining, suspending, disbarring and reinstating attorneys at law, (e) organizing and governing an association to be known as the South Carolina State Bar which shall be composed of the attorneys at law of the State, and which shall act as an administrative agency of the Supreme Court of South Carolina for the purpose of improving the administration of justice, and (f) fixing an annual license fee for the practice of law in this State, the payment of which shall entitle but not require any attorney to be a member in the South Carolina State Bar and providing for the collection and the disbursement of such license fees. At such time as the South Carolina State Bar is established all offices, appointments or official duties heretofore delegated or given to the South Carolina Bar Association or any officer of the same by statute or appointment of the State of South Carolina or any branch thereof shall be vested in the South Carolina State Bar and its officers.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 56-97; 1957 (50) 553; 1967 (55) 338.

Structure South Carolina Code of Laws

South Carolina Code of Laws

Title 40 - Professions and Occupations

Chapter 5 - Attorneys-at-law

Section 40-5-10. Inherent power of Supreme Court to regulate practice of law; other powers cumulative.

Section 40-5-20. Supreme Court empowered to promulgate rules and regulations concerning practice of law; establishment of South Carolina State Bar.

Section 40-5-40. Supreme Court empowered to appoint boards to examine applicants, investigate complaints, and hear disciplinary proceedings; subpoena powers.

Section 40-5-50. Filing of rules and regulations; effective date; conflict with other laws.

Section 40-5-60. General Assembly not precluded from prohibiting practice of law by any class.

Section 40-5-70. Additional provisions concerning Supreme Court rules and rules of the State Board of Law Examiners.

Section 40-5-80. Citizen may prosecute or defend own cause.

Section 40-5-210. State Board of Law Examiners.

Section 40-5-220. License granted only by Supreme Court; applications for licensure.

Section 40-5-230. Effect of article on disciplinary powers of courts.

Section 40-5-310. Practicing law or soliciting legal cause of another without being enrolled as member of South Carolina Bar.

Section 40-5-320. Practice of law by corporations and voluntary associations unlawful.

Section 40-5-330. Attorney may not argue more than two hours without court permission.

Section 40-5-340. Penalties for purchasing claims for suit.

Section 40-5-350. Soliciting legal business unlawful.

Section 40-5-360. Splitting fees with lay persons unlawful.

Section 40-5-370. Furnishing advice or service to debtor in debt pooling plan involving deposit for distribution to creditors as practice of law violation constitutes misdemeanor; penalty.

Section 40-5-380. Pro bono work by attorneys employed by the State.

Section 40-5-390. Nonrefundable flat fee.

Section 40-5-510. Removal, suspension, and imprisonment of attorneys for contempt or disorderly conduct.

Section 40-5-520. Additional causes of removal or suspension; hearing required.