Do you know what your rights and responsibilities are under the law? While you may not be an attorney, it’s important to know the law and how it affects your everyday life. The S.C. Bar Pro Bono Program is sponsoring “Law School for Non-Lawyers,” a seven-week program designed to give the public an overview of the South Carolina legal system and insight into common legal problems people face.
The course consists of 14 chapters and details what legal resources are available, as well as where people can go for help. Participants receive a book outlining each topic, which includes an overview, helpful tips and further resources.
The series will be held on Tuesday evenings from March 11 through April 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. Classes will be held at Trident Technical College located at 7000 Rivers Ave. in Charleston. The schedule is as follows:
- · March 11—overview of state courts and alternative dispute resolution
- · March 18—juvenile justice and overview of child protection hearings
- · March 25—family law, real estate and landlord-tenant law
- · April 1—wills, estates and probate, health care and elder law
- · April 8—S.C. workers’ compensation and employment law
- · April 15—bankruptcy law, consumer law and debt collection
- · April 22—criminal law and torts
"Law School for Non-Lawyers allows the public to learn about different areas of the law and how the legal system impacts their daily lives," said Cindy Coker, director of the S.C. Bar Public Services Division. "People from all different backgrounds find the course helpful: from those who need legal help to those considering careers in the legal field. The program provides legal knowledge in easy-to-understand terms, giving participants the ability to make educated, confident decisions."
The deadline to enroll is Wednesday, March 5. The cost of the seven-week course is $45, which covers the cost of printing course materials. Registrants are not required to attend all of the classes and may choose to attend only those that interest them the most.
To register visit www.scbar.org/PublicServices/LawSchoolforNonLawyers or call (843) 574-6152. For all other questions, contact the S.C. Bar Pro Bono Program at (803) 799-6653, ext. 158.
The South Carolina Bar, which has a membership of more than 14,500 lawyers, is dedicated to advancing justice, professionalism and understanding of the law.
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