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How do I start a nonprofit? |
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Where can I go for legal advice on matters pertaining to my nonprofit organization ? |
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SCANPO has several options available
to you: Option 1: If you need legal representation or have a more involved legal question that requires the representation of an attorney, SCANPO can refer you to an attorney that has agreed to provide legal services to SCANPO members at a reduced rate. This attorney will prepare complete startup documentation for any organization seeking to establish existence as a nonprofit for a flat fee of $350. However, there is no limit to the type of issue this attorney will address. Hourly cost for this service is $75 for SCANPO members. For additional information about this service, please contact SCANPO. Option 2: The S.C. Bar Pro Bono Program and the USC School of Law Pro Bono Program have combined efforts to offer legal assistance to certain qualified nonprofit organizations. USC law students interview applicants to determine if the nonprofit organization meets certain criteria to receive pro bono assistance. During the interview, law students make an initial determination as to the type of legal assistance needed. Qualified applicants are then referred to an attorney that participates in the Bar's Pro Bono Program. The screening process enables staff to best match client needs with attorney skills. For more information about this program, contact SCANPO. Nonprofit organizations may also contact the USC School of Law Pro Bono Program directly at (803) 777-3405 or the S.C. Bar Pro Bono Program at 799-4015. Option 3: As a service to the public, the S.C. Bar operates the Ask-A-Lawyer program. This is a program where volunteer lawyers from the S.C. Bar are available to answer your legal questions for free. These attorneys can answer legal questions on a variety of matters, explain how the court system works, or refer you to a state or legal organization that might be able to help you. Ask-A-Lawyer attorneys are available from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays. To use Ask-A-Lawyer, call (888) 321-3644. Option 4: The S.C. Bar Lawyer Referral Service can give you the name of a lawyer that is willing to advise you at a discounted rate of $25 for the first 30-minute consultation. If additional legal service is needed, the fee is something for you and your lawyer to negotiate. You may call the Lawyer Referral Service at (803) 799-7100 in Richland and Lexington counties or 1-800-868-2284 (statewide). Referrals are also available online at www.scbar.org. South Carolina Bar |
