The Supreme Court of South Carolina

RE: Administration of Amended Lawyers Oath contained in Rule 402, SCACR.

ORDER

Since the amendment of the Lawyers Oath contained in Rule 402, SCACR, questions have arisen as to how the Oath will be administered and who will be required to take the Oath. The Chief Justice's Commission on the Profession is preparing a curriculum for a seminar, which will be available at Continuing Legal Education Seminars. Additionally, local Bar Associations as well as other associations of members of the Bar will be provided materials to present their own one hour CLE on the Oath. Presenters of the seminar will not be limited but the curriculum developed by the Commission must be used at all seminars.

At all seminars where the Oath is administered, a Justice of the Supreme Court, a Judge of the Court of Appeals, or a Circuit Court Judge will be available to administer the Oath. The South Carolina Bar's 2005 Dues Statement will provide space for members to certify that they have taken the Oath.

All members of the Bar, regardless whether they are required to meet the requisite CLE hours shall be required to attend a seminar and take the Oath. These members include inactive members, members who have reached the age of sixty and practiced for thirty years and senior members. However, these members shall not be required to pay any fees associated with the seminar.

As to out-of-state members, any member who does not live in South Carolina but undertakes representation in any cases in South Carolina shall attend a seminar and take the Oath in person. Those out-of-state members who do not take cases in South Carolina, shall notify the South Carolina Bar of their status and will be mailed a copy of the Oath and required to attest the Oath has been taken.

Columbia, South Carolina
January 9, 2004