South Carolina Lawyers Weekly
The American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service recently recognized five South Carolina lawyers and two law firms for their contributions to Free Legal Answers, a virtual clinic offering free legal advice to income-eligible individuals across the country.
The individual honorees are Tommy Geddings of Manning; Rebecca Wray of Greenville, and Tara Nauful, Sarah Cox, and Ashley Dixon of Columbia. Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte and Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, both of Columbia, are the recognized firms.
Each state has its own legal answers website where users may present basic legal questions, and volunteer lawyers provide their advice without the expectation of long-term representation. Officials say that the process is quick, easy and promotes access to legal information on non-criminal matters for those who may not have resources to hire a lawyer.
The South Carolina Bar is highlighting these members as part of National Volunteer Month.
Betsy Goodale, director of the South Carolina Bar’s Pro Bono Program, said that Free Legal Answers is a beneficial option for attorneys who are in the market for pro bono work but who are not able to take on a pro bono case. Last year, Goodale said, South Carolina attorneys answered more than 2,200 questions through the service.
“We are grateful for our volunteers who give their time and knowledge to help South Carolinians in need and are especially thankful to those top volunteers for answering so many questions in 2021,” Goodale said.
