South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct – 2026

Rule Preamble A Lawyer's Responsibilities Rule Scope Scope Rule 1.0 Terminology Rule 1.1 Competence Rule 1.2 Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority Between Client and Lawyer Rule 1.3 Diligence Rule 1.4 Communication Rule 1.5 Fees Rule 1.6 Confidentiality of Information Rule 1.7 Conflict of Interest: Current Clients Rule 1.8 Conflict of Interest: Current Clients: Specific Rules Rule 1.9 Duties to Former Clients Rule 1.10 Imputation of Conflicts of Interest: General Rule Rule 1.11 Special Conflicts of Interest for Former and Current Government Officers and Employees Rule 1.12 Former Judge, Arbitrator, Mediator or Other Third-party Neutral Rule 1.13 Organization as Client Rule 1.14 Client with Diminished Capacity Rule 1.15 Safekeeping Property Rule 1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation Rule 1.17 Sale of Law Practice Rule 1.18 Duties to Prospective Client Rule 1.19 Succession Planning Rule 2.1 Advisor Rule 2.2 [Reserved] Rule 2.3 Evaluation for Use by Third Persons Rule 2.4 Lawyer Serving as Third Party Neutral Rule 3.1 Meritorious Claims and Contentions Rule 3.2 Expediting Litigation Rule 3.3 Candor Toward the Tribunal Rule 3.4 Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel Rule 3.5 Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal Rule 3.6 Trial Publicity Rule 3.7 Lawyer as Witness Rule 3.8 Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor Rule 3.9 Advocate in Nonadjudicative Proceedings Rule 4.1 Truthfulness in Statements to Others Rule 4.2 Communication with Person Represented by Counsel Rule 4.3 Dealing with Unrepresented Person Rule 4.4 Respect for Rights of Third Persons Rule 4.5 Threatening Criminal Prosecution Rule 5.1 Responsibilities of Partners, Managers, and Supervisory Lawyers Rule 5.2 Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer Rule 5.3 Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants Rule 5.4 Professional Independence of a Lawyer Rule 5.5 Unauthorized Practice of Law; Multijurisdictional Practice of Law Rule 5.6 Restrictions on Right to Practice Rule 5.7 Responsibilities Regarding Law Related Services Rule 6.1 Voluntary Pro Bono Publico Service Rule 6.2 Accepting Appointments Rule 6.3 Membership in Legal Services Organization Rule 6.4 Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests Rule 6.5 Nonprofit and Court Annexed Limited Legal Services Programs Rule 7.1 Communications Concerning a Lawyer's Services Rule 7.2 Advertising Rule 7.3 Solicitation of Clients Rule 7.4 Communication of Fields of Practice and Specialization Rule 7.5 Firm Names and Letterheads Rule 8.1 Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters Rule 8.2 Judicial and Legal Officials Rule 8.3 Reporting Professional Misconduct Rule 8.4 Misconduct Rule 8.5 Disciplinary Authority; Choice of Law