South Carolina Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement – 2026
Rule 413 of the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules governs lawyer discipline: the Commission on Lawyer Conduct, how complaints are investigated and prosecuted, hearing procedure before a panel, the sanctions available, incapacity, reinstatement, and resignation in lieu of discipline.
Browse all 35 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.
Rule 1
Purpose
Rule 2
Terminology
Rule 3
The Commission on Lawyer Conduct
Rule 4
Organization and Authority of the Commission
Rule 5
Disciplinary Counsel
Rule 6
Commission Counsel
Rule 7
Grounds for Discipline; Sanctions Imposed; Deferred Discipline Agreement
Rule 8
Proof
Rule 9
Civil Rules Applicable
Rule 10
Right to Counsel
Rule 11
Ex Parte Contacts
Rule 12
Access to Disciplinary Information
Rule 13
Immunity from Civil Suits
Rule 14
Time, Service and Filing
Rule 15
Oaths; Subpoena Power
Rule 16
Lawyers Charged with or Convicted of a Crime
Rule 17
Interim Suspension
Rule 18
Notification to Complainant; Limited Right to Review
Rule 19
Screening and Investigation
Rule 20
Motion by Disciplinary Counsel to Re-open Dismissed Complaints
Rule 21
Discipline by Consent
Rule 22
Formal Charges
Rule 23
Answer
Rule 24
Failure to Answer; Failure to Appear
Rule 25
Discovery
Rule 26
Hearing
Rule 27
Review by Supreme Court
Rule 28
Cases Involving Allegations of Mental or Physical Incapacity And/or the Inability to Participate in a Disciplinary Investigation or Assist in the Defense of Formal Proceedings
Rule 29
Reciprocal Discipline and Reciprocal Incapacity Inactive Status
Rule 30
Duties Following Disbarment, Suspension, or Permanent Resignation
Rule 31
Order of Receivership
Rule 32
Reinstatement Following a Definite Suspension of Less Than Nine Months
Rule 33
Reinstatement Following a Definite Suspension for Nine Months or More or Disbarment
Rule 34
Employment of Lawyers Who Are Debarred, Disbarred, Suspended, Transferred to Incapacity Inactive Status, or Permanently Resigned in Lieu of Discipline
Rule 35
Resignation in Lieu of Discipline