The bill H. 3275 proposes amendments to the South Carolina Code of Laws, specifically targeting the authority of the Supreme Court regarding the practice of law and the South Carolina Bar. It allows the Supreme Court to define and regulate the practice of law while determining the qualifications and requirements for attorney licensure, explicitly stating that any law or rule mandating membership in the South Carolina Bar is superseded and rendered ineffective. Additionally, it removes inconsistent provisions related to the Bar and clarifies that attorneys are not required to be members of the South Carolina Bar to practice law.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 40-5-310 to stipulate that no individual may practice law or solicit legal causes unless they are licensed by the Supreme Court, eliminating the previous requirement of being a member of the South Carolina Bar. This change aims to streamline the process of legal practice in the state and ensure that the Supreme Court retains the authority to regulate legal activities. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 40-5-20, 40-5-310
Latest Version: 40-5-20, 40-5-310
12/06/2024: 40-5-20, 40-5-310