Statewide Legal Aid Organizations
- South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS)
- Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents (housing, family law, public benefits, consumer rights).
- Website: sclegal.org
- Statewide Hotline: 1-888-346-5592
- Regional Offices: Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Florence, Orangeburg, Rock Hill, and more.
- South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program
- Connects low-income residents with volunteer attorneys.
- Website: scbar.org/probono
- Phone: 1-803-799-6653
Regional Legal Aid Providers
- Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services
- Free legal help for low-income residents in the Lowcountry.
- Website: charlestonprobono.org
- Phone: 1-843-853-6455
- Greenville County Bar Association Pro Bono Program
- Services in Upstate South Carolina (Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson).
- Website: greenvillebar.org/pro-bono
Specialized Legal Assistance
- Disability Rights South Carolina
- Advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
- Website: disabilityrightssc.org
- Phone: 1-866-275-7273
- South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA)
- Legal support for domestic violence survivors.
- Website: sccadvasa.org
- 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center
- Focuses on systemic issues (housing, immigration, food insecurity).
- Website: scjustice.org
- Phone: 1-803-779-1113
- Veterans Legal Services (SCLS)
- Free legal help for veterans.
- Website: sclegal.org/veterans
- Senior Legal Assistance (SCLS)
- Services for residents 60+ (elder abuse, Medicare, wills).
- Website: sclegal.org/seniors
Hotlines
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (National) or SCCADVASA: 1-800-260-9293
- Tenant Rights Hotline: 1-888-346-5592 (SCLS Housing Unit)
- Senior Legal Helpline: 1-888-346-5592 (SCLS Senior Program)
- Disability Rights Hotline: 1-866-275-7273 (Disability Rights SC)
- Immigration Assistance: Contact SC Appleseed: 1-803-779-1113
Self-Help and Referral Tools
- South Carolina Courts Self-Help Center
- Forms, guides, and resources for self-representation.
- Website: sccourts.org/selfhelp
- LawHelpSC.org
- Legal information and referrals.
- Website: lawhelpsc.org
- South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service
- Low-cost consultations with attorneys.
- Website: scbar.org/lawyerreferral
- Phone: 1-800-868-2284
Pro Bono Programs
- Pro Bono Program of the SC Bar
- Statewide pro bono services.
- Website: scbar.org/probono
- Charleston Legal Access
- Low-cost legal services for those above poverty level but unable to afford standard fees.
- Website: charlestonlegalaccess.org
Law School Clinics
- University of South Carolina School of Law Clinics
- Free services in immigration, veterans’ rights, and juvenile justice.
- Website: sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/law/clinics
- Charleston School of Law Clinics
- Focus on veterans’ benefits and criminal record expungement.
- Website: charlestonlaw.edu/clinics
Native American Legal Resources
- Catawba Nation Legal Department
- Legal services for tribal members.
- Website: catawba.com
- Native American Rights Fund (NARF)
- National advocacy for Indigenous communities.
- Website: narf.org
Key Notes
- Eligibility: Most programs prioritize low-income residents (under 200% of the federal poverty level).
- Apply Online: South Carolina Legal Services offers an online intake form: sclegal.org/get-help.
- Urgent Issues: For emergencies (evictions, domestic violence), contact hotlines directly.
- Tribal Members: Contact the Catawba Nation or NARF for advocacy.