Author Archives: Pam Robinson

SOAR Last Call for Volunteers

The inaugural team of law students and lawyers is almost full. We have room for 2 more law students. SOAR is a program sponsored by the Social Security Administration to help those who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless and have a mental or physical illness.  Volunteers will interview carefully screened clients, prepare the medical summary and submit the application. Volunteer lawyers will be part of the team for supervision and problem solving.

This project is a collaboration of the USC School of Law Pro Bono Program, the SC Bar Pro Bono Program, the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, the SC Department of Mental Health and the SOAR Technical Assistance team.

Orientation dates are Oct. 6,20 and 27. Online course will be taken in Nov./Dec. ( about 20 hours to complete) Volunteer work will start in Jan. Once the application is filed, the volunteer task is complete. Just a matter of waiting to hear from the SSA. Typical SOAR cases get a positive response in 90 days as opposed to the usual 2 years.

This is a unique opportunity with skills that easily transfer to many areas of the law. If you are interested in becoming an inaugural volunteer contact the Pro Bono Program TODAY.

MY Will returns!

After a long hiatus due to COVID, the My Will project is back, providing simple wills for low income senior citizens in the Midlands.  This joint project of the SC Bar Pro Bono Program. Midlands Council on Aging and the USC School of Law Pro Bono Program has been a huge success!

Using a simple will template and a questionnaire, student volunteers will team up with pro bono lawyers to draft and execute simple wills. Sorry 1L’s you have class on Friday mornings.

Sign up is easy! https://signup.com/go/kScwfvh. Template will be sent to you a few days before each event.  Dress is business casual.  Bring your laptop with the template loaded

Friday Blitz is BACK!

The ever popular Friday Blitz is back!  This is an opportunity to spend an afternoon working  with a team of volunteer lawyers drafting responses to questions posted online by the public.

Wide range of topics but never dull!  Sept. 30, Oct. 14, and Nov. 18 from 2-5 at the SC Bar Building. Sign up is easy, click here

Bring your laptop, sense of humor and willingness to dissect questions and solve problems.

12th Incoming Law Student Community Service Project UPDATE

WOW! it was not 100º or raining!  This year storage units were the theme! Several organizations had teams organizing storage units. Boxes were made, conference and race material assembled, clothes sorted, food and backpacks stuffed and all kinds of things moved.

Thanks to everyone who stepped up and made a real difference to our community. Give yourself a pat on the back!  Enjoy a few photos