BLST in South Carolina

Basic Lawyer Skills is, in many ways, the foundation upon which other, more advanced CLAE trainings are built, underlining the shared standards and approaches that set legal services apart. In 2008, CLAE sponsored four Basic Lawyering Skills trainings, attended by 120 lawyers from Florida, South Carolina, Mississippi and New England

Geared primarily for new lawyers, Basic Lawyering Skills typically serves as an introduction to legal services practice. However, when Andrea Loney, Executive Director of South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS), contacted CLAE about sponsoring it in her state, she had something else in mind entirely. 

Loney’s tenure at SCLS began shortly after five disparate legal aid programs – each with their own priorities and structures – merged to form it. “We didn’t really know what level anybody was at,” Loney explains, “so we decided to have a basic lawyering skills training for all of our attorneys.” Initially, CLAE considered this ‘across-the-board’ approach to be somewhat unorthodox. Loney had a vision, however, and in partnership with SCLS, we quickly came to share it.

Basic Lawyering Skills is a vehicle for building community and instilling in participants a deeper appreciation of the legal services’ community’s unique mission, history, culture and values. It also fosters an understanding of what constitutes high quality practice, and a commitment to put the client first – from client interviewing and counseling to case analysis and strategy development, motions, negotiations and trial practice. 

CLAE’s fluid mix of presentation, small group discussion and opportunities to practice new skills engenders a rich camaraderie that everyone appreciates, no matter levels of experience. Loney continues, “We wanted to have all of our attorneys go through that training at the same time. Not only was it an opportunity for us to ensure that everyone had the same basic information, but it was also an opportunity for new attorneys to learn from some of our more senior staff.” 

“All of our attorneys,” Loney reflects, became “a lot more cohesive, willing to work together, to get to know and provide mentors for each other.” What’s more, she adds, “I know that my staff are using the techniques and the information gained, and the resource materials as well.” Altogether, South Carolina’s engagement with CLAE has been a huge success, satisfying on both sides. “Very positive,” says Andrea, “and a great investment.”