Today, we have an incredible victory to celebrate.
The South Carolina Court of Appeals reversed the circuit court's decision in Rush v. Shady Moss Apartments, securing an important victory for our client, Jeffery Rush. The Court held that Mr. Rush was entitled to the opportunity to cure an alleged lease violation before facing eviction, a decision that preserves fundamental due process protections for tenants in federally subsidized housing and reinforces the principle that housing stability should not be lost without the protections the law requires.
This outcome is far more than an appellate win. It represents our mission in action.
Every day, South Carolina Legal Services exists to ensure that justice is not determined by a person's income. Today's decision means our client has another opportunity to remain housed because dedicated advocates fought to ensure the law was applied appropriately and fairly. That is exactly why we do this work.
This victory is also a wonderful example of what makes SCLS special.
The appeal was originally filed by then-SCLS Staff Attorney Bronte Marie Anelli, who later transitioned into private practice with The Porter Law Group before oral argument. Rather than ending her involvement when she left SCLS, we worked together to allow Bronte to continue representing the client through the appeal. Doing so ensured continuity for the client while providing Bronte with the invaluable opportunity to argue before the South Carolina Court of Appeals.
That partnership reflects something we deeply value at SCLS: our commitment to our clients extends beyond employment dates. Former SCLS attorneys remain part of our broader access-to-justice community, and we are proud when they continue serving low-income South Carolinians alongside us.
In fact, Bronte's continued involvement is a reminder that there are many ways to remain connected to our mission. Our Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) Program offers former staff, and attorneys across South Carolina, the opportunity to continue making a meaningful difference by accepting cases and partnering with SCLS to expand access to justice.
This victory also highlights the tremendous leadership of Mark Fessler, our Director of Litigation and Training.
Mark’s name does not appear on the appellate briefs, but his greatest contribution often happens long before oral argument. Through his strategic guidance and commitment to attorney development, Mark continually helps SCLS attorneys tackle increasingly complex litigation and develop into exceptional advocates. His investment in our attorneys not only strengthens individual careers, it strengthens our clients' representation and the future of civil legal aid in South Carolina. Today's result is another example of that commitment paying dividends for our clients.
Congratulations to Bronte, Mark, and everyone who supported this case. Most importantly, congratulations to our client. Today's decision reminds us that when talented advocates, dedicated mentors, and a mission-driven law firm come together, we change lives, and sometimes, we change court decisions. Reversed!
