Throughout the years, the concept of new law has been used to describe legal services offered in new ways. This may include using nontraditional fee structures, focusing on process, benefiting clients, working with underserved communities, and creating strategies that are not normally part of traditional law practice. Some clients are able to benefit from these new methods, while others may not. There is no clear definition of new law, but it is a term that has gained traction over the past several years.
South Carolina Law has been a part of the debate over racial injustice in South Carolina. Professors and alumni have joined a chorus of voices in the fight against racial injustice. In addition to facilitating programs for thought-provoking discussions, the School of Law encourages students to develop the skills necessary to succeed in the legal field. This includes providing free tax assistance to low income residents. During the fall competition season, the School of Law’s Mock Trial and Moot Court teams broke school records.
The School of Law is moving into a brand-new home. The new building features state-of-the-art technology and grand architecture. Its new location will also provide faculty and students with opportunities for collaboration. The School of Law is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a series of events. The first is the inaugural Cybersecurity Legal Institute, held in April. This event will include a symposium and a trip to the site of the Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council case.
In addition to the symposium, the Rule of Law Collaborative will focus on supporting post-conflict and fragile countries. The Collaborative will be led by Joel Samuels and will include faculty from 14 locations throughout the Midlands.
This year’s faculty includes a number of scholars who are leading the way in the practice of law. These include Professors Bennett Nelson and Jaclyn Cherry. They also include Associate Professor Shelley Welton, who has published five articles in the top fifteen law reviews in the last five years.
Faculty are also focusing on the rights of women and gender non-conforming people. This includes facilitating a series on women and gender non-conforming people. Another program focuses on domestic violence. Professor Lisa Martin is working on a study that examines the issue of domestic violence in South Carolina.
The School of Law has also hired the first full-time professional counselor staff member. Abby DeBorde is a former federal jurist. Her goal is to help citizens understand the importance of Rule of Law in the United States. She also urges citizens to prioritize the rule of law over politics.
The school is also establishing a new Cybersecurity Legal Task Force, which will be led by Karen Painter Randall. Randall is an alumna of the School of Law and is a nationally-recognized expert on cybersecurity. The group will provide support to South Carolina law students and faculty who are interested in the subject.
The school’s pro bono program has been renamed the “Pro Bono Board.” The board has completed two annual food drives, a Harvest Hope-oween drive and a WIL to Run 5k in September.
