Rule 1 Purpose

South Carolina has a set of rules that explain what happens when someone raises concerns about a lawyer's conduct. These rules exist to protect the public and keep trust in the legal system. When a lawyer breaks ethical rules, or has a health condition that affects their ability to do their job, these rules spell out how that gets handled.

The main goal is to make sure lawyers are held accountable when they do something wrong. This process is not just about punishing lawyers. It also protects clients and the public by making sure lawyers who cannot practice safely, whether due to misconduct or a medical issue, get evaluated through a fair process. If you file a complaint about a lawyer, these are the rules that will guide how your complaint gets reviewed and resolved.