South Carolina · UPL
Unauthorized practice of law in South Carolina
If a notario, immigration consultant, disbarred attorney, or unlicensed 'legal service' took your money in South Carolina, you have real remedies under state law. Here's how it works — and how to recover.
Reviewed July 2026 by the FakeLawyerReport editorial team
The law in South Carolina
Governing statute: S.C. Code § 40-5-310
South Carolina makes it a felony to practice law without being admitted by the state Supreme Court. The Commission on the Unauthorized Practice of Law investigates and refers cases.
Penalties in South Carolina
Felony — up to 5 years and/or a $5,000 fine per violation, plus civil injunctions.
Notarios and immigration consultants
South Carolina prohibits notaries from advertising legal or immigration services in any language and specifically bars use of 'notario'.
Common hotspots
We see the highest concentration of UPL victims in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and Rock Hill. Scam operators often cluster near immigration offices, family courts, and low-income housing courts — anywhere people need legal help and can't easily afford a licensed attorney.
How to verify a South Carolina lawyer
Before paying anyone who claims to be an attorney, look them up on South Carolina Bar's official directory. If they aren't listed as active, they cannot legally represent you.
What you can recover in South Carolina
- A refund of every dollar you paid.
- Statutory damages under South Carolina's UPL and consumer-protection laws.
- Attorneys' fees in many cases — meaning it costs you nothing out of pocket.
- Referral to a licensed South Carolina attorney to try to fix the underlying case.
How to report
- File a complaint with South Carolina Bar — most state bars have a dedicated UPL committee.
- File a consumer complaint with the South Carolina Attorney General.
- Submit your case on this site for a free, confidential review — we'll match you with a licensed attorney who handles UPL recovery in South Carolina.
Related scam types
Frequently asked questions about UPL in South Carolina
Is a notario a lawyer in South Carolina?
No. In South Carolina, only an active member of South Carolina Bar may practice law. A notary public — even one who advertises as a 'notario' — cannot give legal advice, fill out immigration forms for you, or represent you.
How do I report a fake lawyer in South Carolina?
File a complaint with South Carolina Bar and the South Carolina Attorney General's consumer protection division. You can also submit your case on this page for a free, confidential review with a licensed South Carolina attorney.
What are the penalties for unauthorized practice of law in South Carolina?
Felony — up to 5 years and/or a $5,000 fine per violation, plus civil injunctions.
Can I get my money back if a fake lawyer scammed me in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina law allows victims of UPL to recover a full refund of what they paid, plus statutory or civil damages, and in many cases attorneys' fees — meaning it can cost you nothing out of pocket.
How do I verify a South Carolina attorney's license?
Search South Carolina Bar's official public directory at https://www.scbar.org/lawyers/lawyer-directory/. If the person isn't listed as an active member, they cannot legally represent you in South Carolina.
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