USC School of Law – Pro Bono Program

Legal Aid · South Carolina · Free

Law students provide free legal assistance under licensed-attorney supervision at the USC campus in Columbia. Student teams help fathers and low-income residents with intake, research, and basic filings in family and civil matters. Call the law school or visit during weekday hours to be screened. Bring a photo ID, proof of income, and all paperwork related to your case.

Contact & Details

Address: 701 Main St, Columbia, SC 29208

Phone: 803-777-3405

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

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About Legal Aid for Fathers

Legal aid in the United States is delivered through a network of nonprofit organizations, law school clinics, pro bono attorney programs, and court-based self-help centers. Most legal aid organizations serve people with incomes at or below 125–200% of the Federal Poverty Level, though some programs have higher thresholds for certain case types. Legal Services Corporation (LSC)-funded programs exist in every state and handle family law, housing, public benefits, and consumer cases. Law schools often run clinics where supervised students provide free representation. Bar associations coordinate volunteer attorneys through Modest Means and pro bono panels. For fathers specifically, the most common legal aid needs are custody, child support modifications, paternity establishment, and protective order responses — all areas most legal aid programs handle.

Legal Aid in South Carolina

South Carolina family courts handle divorce, custody, and support in each of its 16 judicial circuits. The Child Support Services Division operates under the Department of Social Services. Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant are the largest cities. South Carolina Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program statewide.

More Legal Aid in South Carolina

  • SC Bar Pro Bono Program — Connects low-income fathers and residents with volunteer attorneys for free civil legal help across South Carolina. Covers family, consumer,
  • Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program — Legal aid for low-income Charleston-area fathers and families in family, housing, and consumer matters. Attorneys help with custody response
  • South Carolina Access to Justice Commission — Resources connecting low-income fathers and residents with free civil legal services statewide. The Commission coordinates legal aid provide
  • Greenville Pro Bono Legal Clinic — Walk-in legal clinics offering free brief legal advice to Greenville-area fathers and low-income residents. Volunteer attorneys review famil
  • Charleston School of Law – Legal Clinics — Free legal clinics staffed by supervised law students serving Charleston-area fathers and low-income community members. Clinics cover family
  • SC LawHelp.org — Online directory of free legal services and self-help resources for South Carolina fathers and low-income residents. Browse topic guides, co

Legal Aid — Common Questions

How do I qualify for free legal aid?
Most Legal Services Corporation (LSC)-funded programs serve households at or below 125–200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Eligibility also depends on case type — family law, housing, and public benefits are universally covered; other areas vary. Call your state's legal aid intake line to confirm.
What if I don't qualify for legal aid but can't afford a private lawyer?
Look for 'Modest Means' panels through your state bar association — they connect middle-income clients with lawyers at reduced rates. Law school clinics also provide free representation in specific case types. Many attorneys will handle a limited scope representation (one motion, one hearing) for a flat fee.
Can legal aid represent me in a custody case?
Yes, most LSC programs handle custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and protective order cases. They typically prioritize cases involving abuse, dependent children, or urgent risk. Simple uncontested matters may be referred to self-help centers instead.
How long does legal aid intake take?
Same-day phone intake for simple matters; 1–2 weeks for full assessment and case assignment. Walk-in clinics and advice-only sessions are faster. Bring government ID, proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letters), any court papers you've received, and a summary of your situation.