Local Rule 83.I.09: Student Practice
D.S.C. — Attorney rule
83.I.09: Student Practice.
(A) Upon the approval of the judge to whom the case is assigned, an eligible law student, with the written consent of an indigent and the indigent's attorney of record, may appear in this court on behalf of that indigent in any case. Upon the written consent of the United States Attorney or his or her authorized representative and the consent of the presiding judge, an eligible law student may also appear in this court on behalf of the United States. Upon the written consent of the South Carolina Attorney General or his or her authorized representative and the consent of the presiding judge, an eligible law student may also appear in this court on behalf of the State of South Carolina. In each case, the written consent shall be filed with the clerk of court.
(B) An eligible law student may assist in the preparation of pleadings, briefs, and other documents to be filed in this court, but such pleadings, briefs or other documents must be signed by the attorney of record. A student may also participate in court proceedings with leave of the court, but only in the presence of the attorney of record. The attorney of record shall personally assume professional responsibility for the law student's work and for supervising the quality of the student's work. The attorney of record should be familiar with the case and prepared to supplement or correct any written or oral statement made by the student.
(C) In order to make an appearance pursuant to this rule, the law student must:
(1) Be duly enrolled in a law school approved by the American Bar Association.
(2) Have completed legal studies amounting to at least four (4) semesters (or the equivalent if the school is on some basis other than a semester basis), be enrolled in a clinical law course, and appear only as a requirement of that course.
(3) Be certified by the dean of the law school as being of good character and competent legal ability, which certification shall be filed with the clerk of court and may be withdrawn by the dean at any time by mailing notice to the clerk of court.
(4) Be introduced to this court by an attorney admitted to practice before this court.
(5) Neither ask for nor receive any compensation or remuneration of any kind for legal services from the person on whose behalf the student renders services, but this shall not prevent an attorney, legal aid bureau, law school, public defender agency, a state, or the United States from making such charges for its services as it may otherwise properly require.
(6) Certify in writing that the student has read and is familiar with the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct.