Mobile legal services unit expands access to justice for disaster survivors and underserved South Carolinians
EASLEY, S.C. — South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) will officially debut its new mobile legal services unit, Liberty, at the final installment of the Pickens County Long-Term Recovery Group’s Disaster Workshop Series, “Recovery, Resilience and Healing: Supporting Communities After Disaster,” on Tuesday, August 25, at Easley Presbyterian Church.
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.
South Carolina Legal Services extends its heartfelt condolences on the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham.
Throughout his years of public service, Senator Graham recognized the importance of ensuring that all South Carolinians have meaningful access to civil legal assistance. We are grateful for his longstanding support of South Carolina Legal Services, Legal Services Corporation, and the vital role we play in expanding access to justice for vulnerable individuals and families.
On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff, and the clients we serve across South Carolina, we express our sincere appreciation for Senator Graham’s support and extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones during this difficult time.
Greenville, S.C. (April 27, 2026) — More than a year after Hurricane Helene brought destructive winds, heavy rainfall and widespread flooding to South Carolina, many residents are still facing long-term legal and financial challenges tied to recovery. South Carolina Legal Services is urging storm survivors to seek free legal assistance as insurance disputes, FEMA appeals and housing instability continue across the state.
Each April, South Carolina Legal Services joins organizations across the country in recognizing Second Chance Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with criminal records and the opportunities available to help them move forward.
An estimated 70 to 100 million Americans have a criminal record. For many, this creates long-term barriers to employment, housing, education, and financial stability. Even after individuals have completed their sentences and paid their debt to society, these barriers, often referred to as collateral consequences, can continue to limit their ability to rebuild their lives and fully participate in their communities.
By Fred Pfeil, Esq. - Director of LITC
If you file a federal income tax return — even if you don't expect to owe anything — there's good news: tax year 2025 brings several significant changes that may put money back in your pocket. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, Congress expanded deductions and credits that directly benefit working families, seniors, and lower-income households. Here is what you need to know before you file your 2025 return in early 2026.
Every year, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) reminds us why consumer law exists in the first place: Markets are not neutral. They are often structured in a way where incentives, power and information matter the most. In courtrooms across the country — including here in South Carolina — a persistent narrative often surfaces in consumer protection litigation:
“They borrowed the money. They ran up the charges. They signed the contract. Therefore, they owe the amount the creditor claims.”
This framing reduces complex financial transactions to a moral judgment where the consumer made a “bad decision.” Case closed. But consumer protection law was never designed to reward hindsight morality. It was designed to regulate systems.
By SCLS Consumer Fraud Unit
Many homeowners have built up a lot of value, or equity, in their homes. Some companies now advertise a way to get cash from that equity without taking out a loan or making monthly payments. These offers are often called home equity investments, shared appreciation agreements, or home equity sharing contracts.
Despite the names, courts are increasingly finding that these deals work like high-cost mortgage loans—and can put homeowners at serious risk.
This year, the Upstate Medical-Legal Partnership welcomed Denise Strickland as its first Scarborough Fellow. Denise is a 2027 J.D. candidate at the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law. She was awarded the Fellowship through the Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough Center on Professionalism for 2025.
The main focus for Denise this summer was investigating and making recommendations for MLP’s potential expansion into Greenwood and Laurens counties, with the goal of integrating legal support into holistic care models to strengthen family stability, safety, and long-term well-being. This initiative aims to identify and resolve health-harming legal needs among children, families, and caregivers where they are.
As a founding member of the South Carolina Elder Justice Network, SCLS proudly announces that the Network was honored with the prestigious Federal Bureau of Investigation Director’s Community Leadership Award.
On an annual basis, each FBI area of responsibility nominates worthy candidates who have worked collaboratively with the local FBI office in furthering the overall mission and goals of the Bureau. FBI Columbia Field Office Special Agent in Charge, Kevin Moore, presented the award to members of the Elder Justice Network in a special ceremony on November 19.
