No person may either practice law or solicit the legal cause of another person or entity in this State unless he is enrolled as a member of the South Carolina Bar pursuant to applicable court rules, or otherwise authorized to perform prescribed legal activities by action of the Supreme Court of South Carolina. The type of conduct that is the subject of any charge filed pursuant to this section must have been defined as the unauthorized practice of law by the Supreme Court of South Carolina prior to any charge being filed. A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 56-141; 1952 Code Section 56-141; 1942 Code Section 312; 1932 Code Section 312; Civ. P. '22 Section 268; Civ. C. '12 Section 3908; Civ. C. '02 Section 2811; G.S. 2159; R. S. 2287; 1721 (7) 173; 1995 Act No. 7, Part II, Section 59; 2009 Act No. 38, Section 1.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 40 - Professions and Occupations
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 40-5-80. 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 40-5-320. 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 40-5-380. Pro bono work by attorneys employed by the State.
Section 40-5-390. Nonrefundable flat fee.
Section 40-5-520. Additional causes of removal or suspension; hearing required.