LowCountry Legal Aid

Posted by Barry Connor 
 

 Carol Giangola spoke to the Bluffton Rotary Club on June 21, 2008 about LowCountry Legal Aid, Inc. (LCLA).  LCLA is a unique, private, non-profit organization which opened in August, 2000. Its mission is to provide legal education, advice and representation, free of charge to low income residents of the Greater Hilton Head Island Community Area, including Bluffton.

 

LCLA is unique in that they use the services of retired attorneys residing in the Greater Hilton Head Island Area.  They are also unique in that they do not receive any public funding.  Since opening its doors, they have had a high demand for services and have helped over 1200 clients.

LCLA's volunteer attorneys receive a special license to practice law in South Carolina under the supervision of a South Carolina lawyer.  As South Carolina does not have reciprocity with any other state, this license allows LCLA to utilize the skills of retired attorneys without their sitting for the Bar Exam.  The volunteer attorneys must provide pro bono services and are not allowed to earn any fees.  LCLA works in conjunction with the South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program.

 

LCLA is wholly funded by grants and private donations.  LCLA is a grassroots organization and it desires to continue to change to meet the needs of its growing clientele, without any governmental restrictions.  The Hilton Head Island Foundation provided the seed money to open LCLA's doors and through the generous donation of an anonymous individual they opened a second office in 2004. 

 

LCLA has received national recognition for its efforts and its hope is that it can serve as a model for other such organizations around the nation.