The SC Bar encourages local organizations to contact its Speakers Bureau to request attorney speakers for group meetings and events.

The Speakers Bureau is a free statewide service connecting civic groups with attorneys who have volunteered to share their legal knowledge with the community.

The Bar often receives requests for lawyers to speak to citizens about issues such as estate planning, elder law or family law. The Speakers Bureau then pairs a volunteer with the organization based on the topic, location and needs of the audience.

Other common requests include question and answer sessions for senior citizens, overviews of the law or what is involved in a legal career for schoolchildren and summaries of landlord/tenant laws for government aid recipients. However, volunteers are available who can speak professionally and intelligently on a variety subjects, so most requests can be accommodated.

“The group was able to discuss issues of concern ... and [the attorney] gave them information that guided them in finding what resources were available,” said Sharon Lone, executive director of Communities in Schools of Saluda, who arranged a Speakers Bureau event for her Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group.

There are no fees involved; lawyers simply donate their time and expertise to serve the communities where they live. To request a speaker or learn more about the program, contact Jacque Riley at (803) 799-6653, ext. 155 or jacque.riley@scbar.org. The SC Bar, which has a membership of more than 11,500 lawyers, is dedicated to advancing justice, professionalism and understanding of the law.