Joseph F. Rice School of Law

2017 News Archive

South Carolina Law Review to host artificial intelligence symposium

The South Carolina Law Review will host a symposium on February 9, 2018. It will explore the legal, ethical, and practical implications of the increasing use of artificial intelligence on the practice of law.

Law librarians successfully petition legal citation rule

Seven law librarians at the University of South Carolina School of Law, who teach legal research to law students, successfully petitioned the South Carolina Supreme Court to streamline a legal citation requirement.

Takings symposium gathers experts on coastal, land issues

On November 2-4, the ABA Real Property, Trust, and Estate Law Journal welcomed more than 100 attendees to a symposium that commemorated the 25th anniversary of one of the state's landmark cases, Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council.

Dean Miller's podcast, blog recognized by ABA Journal

Editors of the ABA Journal have selected Associate Dean for Faculty Development Colin Miller to the 2017 ABA Journal Web 100, in two categories, as a part of the 100 best digital media for a legal audience.

Second-year law student says nontraditional path proved invaluable in law school

He grew up just a few blocks from the School of Law's new building, but he never imagined law school would be the reason he returned. Now Richie Gergel says he may have taken the nontraditional route, but his passion for justice has always been evident.

Pro Bono Program's "Hope-oween" donation drive benefits Harvest Hope

The Pro Bono Board has wrapped up another successful food drive benefitting Harvest Hope Food Bank. The board's "Harvest Hope-oween" is one of two annual food drives that give law students, faculty and staff an opportunity to give back locally.

Third-year law student spends summer in Australia working with refugees

A world-wide problem led to a unique real-world experience for Carmen Jackson: The third-year student at the University of South Carolina School of Law discovered her passion this summer on the other side of the globe, helping refugees in Australia.

Women in Law raises $2k for Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands

For more than two decades, Women in Law has worked to bring awareness to issues involving women, by encouraging law students, faculty and staff, as well as the Columbia community to participate in a 5k run.

Moot Court Bar hosts annual memorial competition in new building

This annual competition gives second-year law students the opportunity to enhance their legal writing and oral arguments skills in an appellate advocacy framework. Students presented oral arguments to South Carolina Court of Appeals judges.

Ninth Annual Mock Trial Competition hosted in Judge Williams Courtroom

The University of South Carolina School of Law congratulates third-year law students Creasie Parrott and Kyle Watson for winning the ninth annual Judge J. Lyles Glenn Jr. and Terrell L. Glenn Sr. Mock Trial Competition on Sept. 22.

Pro Bono Program's new campaign to benefit Allendale Co. schools

The Allendale Fairfax Education Foundation operates like a "booster club for academics." The foundation turned to Pro Bono Program director Pam Robinson for help on their latest project: Change for Change.

Future President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom visits the School of Law

The Right Honourable Baroness Brenda Hale of Richmond DBE, the current deputy president of that court, was appointed in July 2017 as its first female president, a position she will assume in October. The position is the equivalent to Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Unique 1870's bench finds home in new law school building

Throughout the 187,500 square feet of the new home of the University of South Carolina School of Law, there are brand-new classrooms, state-of-the-art technology, and grand architecture. But as the school forges the next phase of legal education and celebrates its 150th anniversary, it looks to its roots for grounding.

Symposium commemorates 25th anniversary of landmark case

The ABA Real Property, Trust & Estates Law Journal will commemorate this anniversary with a symposium, "Takings and Coastal Management a Quater-Century After 'Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council.' The symposium will be held November 2-4, and includes a trip to the site at issue in the case.

Above and 'beyond': Third-year student participates in German autonomous vehicle conference

Thanks to Professor Bryant Walker-Smith, 3L Anthony D'Elia had the opportunity to travel to Germany as the only student to participate in Audi's "beyond initiative," discussing the ethical and legal framework surrounding autonomous vehicles.

Supreme Court Justice Alito headlines dedication ceremony

U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel A. Alito delivered the keynote address at the dedication ceremony for the new law school building. The ceremony also included some of the state's top legal and political officials.

Summer job helps 3L follow immigration law path

Third-year student Kevin Raus' summer experiences at Gardner Law, a Raleigh-based firm that specializes in immigration issues, helped him realize his future career path.

Orientation for the Class of 2020 begins Thursday, Aug. 17

The School of Law's New Student Orientation program is designed to introduce students to the legal profession, familiarize them with the expectations of the academic and professional community, and equip them with the study skills to "hit the ground running" as classes begin. This year, orientation is from Thursday, Aug.17 to Tuesday, Aug. 22.

Prof. Marcia Zug receives Fulbright Scholarship

Zug will travel to Australia to study the differences between America's Indian Child Welfare Act and Australia's Aboriginal Child Placement Principle.

Alumnus Ben Hepner credits Career Services for helping land dream job

The 2016 graduate joins the Greenville Health System's in-house counsel team, and says his experiences at the School of Law helped prepare him for a career that puts his passion into practice.

Balancing law school, marriage and a baby

Demetrius Pyburn and his wife welcomed a baby boy last fall, just as Pyburn was entering his third year of law school. They say the School of Law was instrumental in helping them continue their education and achieve their goals.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito to speak at Dedication Ceremony

The associate justice for the Supreme Court of the United States will be the featured speaker at the university event, which will recognize the opening of School of Law's new home.

Supreme Court's immigration ruling reflects influence of Judge Shedd's Fourth Circuit dissent

Both the Supreme Court and Judge Shedd, who teaches a course in Fourth Circuit Practice at the School of Law, cited Winter v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. as precedent establishing the need for courts to balance equities when considering the imposition of a preliminary injunction.

Konduros Public Service Fellows begin summer work for third year

The 2017 Fellows have been selected and are already engaged in pursuing creative solutions to some of South Carolina's most challenging legal issues.

Public interest law loan forgiveness fund applications accepted through June 30

School of Law alumni who work in the public sector are encouraged to apply for the 2017 distribution of funds by the end of the month.

Elliot Condon receives prestigious scholarship

Condon is the 2017 recipient of the Benjamin M. Mabry Scholarship.

2017 commencement address by J. Michael Luttig receives national attention

Speech featured on the legal news site "Above the Law" and also quoted by another law school commencement speaker.

Marlene Johnson-Moore serves her country through Presidential Management Fellows Program

The 2015 alumna, who works with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, says she was prepared for the opportunity, thanks to the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Law library begins move to new building

The law library will be closed from May 8-29 as the School of Law relocates to its new home at 1525 Senate Street. The library anticipates reopening by Tuesday, May 30.

Andrew Rawl connects with his community

Third year student Andrew Rawl has a passion for law and plans to use his degree to help others.

Detective Jonathan LeCompte pursues a second career in law school

Third-year student Jonathan LeCompte is pursuing his second career at the University of South Carolina School of Law after serving as a detective for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Osbelkis Perez finds her passion in Children's Law

Osbelkis Perez was drawn to the Children's Law program at USC Law, particularly the opportunity to advocate for children through the juvenile arbitration program.

SC native Rosanne Sullivan pursues food and drug law

Rosanne's passion for fitness and health paved the way for her to find her niche as a lawyer: food and drug law.

Chris Campbell finds success in Beijing

Chris has followed his passion for the law from Columbia to London, Beijing and Vienna.

Betsy Bull explores the wilds of Alaska

Betsy Bull applied to clerk in Alaska on a whim. What she found was a small, unique community and a lifestyle that fits her perfectly.

Mentors help law students succeed

Mentoring program helps students navigate the shoals of law school and beyond.

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.