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South Carolina Access to Justice Commission

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South Carolina Access to Justice Commission

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Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from South Carolina Access to Justice Commission, Nonprofit Organization, Columbia, SC.

We are a Supreme Court Commission that works to expand access to civil legal assistance for all South Carolinians by assessing essential civil legal needs, fostering collaboration, and identifying innovative solutions.

10/08/2026

Not sure where to turn with a legal problem?

The SCATJ Legal Resource Finder connects South Carolinians with legal aid organizations and trusted self-help resources based on their location, income, and legal issue.

Whether you need legal assistance or are looking for information to help navigate a problem on your own, the Resource Finder is a place to start.

⚖️ Find legal resources: www.scaccesstojustice.org/get-help

10/06/2026

Access to justice is a statewide issue.

South Carolina Legal Services averages more than 20,000 answered telephone calls each year from people seeking legal assistance across all 46 counties of South Carolina.

That number represents thousands of South Carolinians reaching out for help navigating civil legal problems—and it highlights the importance of accessible legal resources in communities across our state.

South Carolina Legal Services and organizations throughout South Carolina are working to connect people with the legal help they need. At the SC Access to Justice Commission, we’re committed to supporting that work and expanding access to justice statewide.

⚖️ Find legal resources: www.scaccesstojustice.org/get-help

10/01/2026

Meet the first recipient of the Ellen Hines Smith Access to Justice Award: Kieley M. Sutton!

On September 30, the SC Access to Justice Commission presented its inaugural award to Kieley Sutton, Assistant Public Defender in Richland County and founder and Executive Director of the Rainy Day Fund.

Kieley’s work reflects a commitment to removing the barriers that can keep people from accessing the justice system. She started South Carolina’s first Driver’s License Reinstatement Clinic, serves as the defense attorney for the City of Columbia Homeless Court, and helped establish Ask-An-Attorney programs at Transitions Homeless Shelter and the Richland County Public Library.

Through the Rainy Day Fund, she also addresses the financial barriers that can make it difficult for people to move beyond legal system involvement.

The Ellen Hines Smith Access to Justice Award honors attorneys who make meaningful contributions to improving access to the courts for people facing socioeconomic, geographic, disability-related, or other barriers. Kieley’s work embodies that mission by meeting people where they are and creating practical pathways to help them move forward.

Please join us in congratulating Kieley Sutton, the inaugural recipient of this award, and celebrating the legacy of Ellen Hines Smith!

⚖️ Learn more about the award and Kieley’s work: www.scaccesstojustice.org/ehs-award

09/29/2026

Celebrating a Legacy of Access to Justice

This week, the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission will present the inaugural Ellen Hines Smith Access to Justice Award, honoring an attorney whose work has made a meaningful difference in expanding access to justice for South Carolinians facing barriers to legal help.

The award honors the legacy of Ellen Hines Smith, a pioneering South Carolina attorney, judge, and public-service leader who dedicated her career to serving underserved communities, building partnerships, mentoring attorneys, and finding innovative ways to expand access to justice.

We look forward to celebrating this year's recipient and continuing Ellen's legacy of justice, service, and compassion for all.

Learn more about the award and Ellen Hines Smith's legacy ⚖️ https://www.scaccesstojustice.org/ehs-award

09/24/2026

“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

Justice doesn’t happen all at once. It takes commitment, collaboration, and people willing to keep moving the work forward.

Across South Carolina, access to justice means making sure people have a meaningful opportunity to understand their rights, navigate the legal system, and be heard.

Join the greater mission of the SCATJ Commission to ensure justice is accessible to all people ⚖️ https://www.scaccesstojustice.org/how-you-can-help

09/22/2026

Commission Spotlight: Judge Frank R. Addy, Jr., Circuit Court Judge and member of the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission.

For Judge Addy, access to justice means making sure that “your voice is heard and your legal problem is addressed fairly.” As a member of SCATJ, he is committed to promoting an open and accessible judicial system where everyone, regardless of resources, can access the courts and have confidence in the outcome.

We’re grateful for Judge Addy’s service and his commitment to a fair and accessible justice system for all South Carolinians.

Get to know Judge Addy and the rest of the Commission ⚖️ https://www.scaccesstojustice.org/who-we-are

09/17/2026

It'sConstitution Day!

The Constitution establishes the framework for our government and protects fundamental rights—including the right to due process and equal protection under the law.

But rights are most meaningful when people can understand and exercise them.

On Constitution Day, we’re reminded of the importance of a justice system that is accessible to everyone.

Learn more about access to justice in South Carolina ⚖️ https://www.scaccesstojustice.org/

09/15/2026

Not Sure Where to Start? We can help.

If you're facing a legal problem, figuring out where to turn can be the first challenge.

The SCATJ Legal Resource Finder can help South Carolinians identify legal aid organizations they may be eligible for, as well as self-help resources based on their income, location, and legal issue.

Find legal help before you need it ⚖️ https://www.scaccesstojustice.org/get-help

09/10/2026

Did You Know? In criminal court, a lawyer is guaranteed. In civil court, most stand alone. 70% of people who appear in civil court in South Carolina do so without a lawyer.

For many people, navigating the legal system without representation can be difficult, especially when the issue involves housing, family, employment, finances, or another basic need.

The justice gap is real. Understanding its scope is the first step toward addressing it.

What is South Carolina's Justice Gap? Learn more here ⚖️ https://www.scaccesstojustice.org/the-sc-justice-gap

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we recognize the workers who keep South Carolina’s communities, businesses, and families moving forward.

When workplace issues become legal issues, access to reliable legal information and resources can make a meaningful difference.

A fair and accessible justice system helps ensure that people can understand their rights and seek help when they need it.

Happy Labor Day from the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission!

Address

Columbia, SC
29202

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.scaccesstojustice.org/

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