The South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association (SCTLA) have announced they have a new name. Now called the South Carolina Association for Justice (SCAJ), the name change is intended to reflect their new, broader mission and better represent the purpose of the organization.

The name change was approved and finalized at the 2008 SCTLA/SCAJ annual convention in Hilton Head which ran August 7- 10.

"The mission of the South Carolina Association for Justice involves more than courtroom battles," said Pete Strom, former U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina who assumed office as president at the convention. "We will also work with elected officials and policy makers to create a legal system that protects everyone, not just the rich and the influential."

SCAJ's central mission to protect the rights of people will remain, but the group has expanded its purpose to become "the state's leading advocate for justice and fairness under the law." Organizational changes are also underway.

Mike Hemlepp, recently named executive director of SCAJ, said, "Members of The South Carolina Association for Justice provide a voice for those who might not otherwise be heard. The new name of our association more precisely communicates what our organization actually does."

Hemlepp says attorneys are often the only resource ordinary citizens have to combat unfair treatment by government, corporations, and powerful special interest groups.

"Our renewed focus and message discipline will enable us to better represent our members; attorneys who protect the citizens rights to access to justice." he said. "When our opponents deride us for changing our name, it is clearly because they know our new model will be effective and agile."

Founded in 1958, SCAJ's stated mission is to protect the rights of people under the law and to hold lawbreakers accountable. SCAJ also serves as a professional resource for its members, providing continuing legal education to update their skills and keep them informed of changes in the law.