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In re Little

Citations: 277 S.C. 499; 289 S.E.2d 647; 1982 S.C. LEXIS 347

Court: Supreme Court of South Carolina; March 17, 1982; South Carolina; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Joseph Wallace Little was admitted to the South Carolina Bar on April 17, 1964. On February 15, 1982, he submitted a resignation letter to the Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court, expressing regret over his decision due to his inability to fulfill the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) requirements. Despite attempts to resolve the issue with Bar representatives, he found no viable solution and continued to pay annual fees, even while under suspension for non-compliance. Ultimately, Mr. DuRant indicated that accepting fees under these circumstances was inappropriate, leaving Little with no reasonable choice but to resign. The resignation was accepted, and he was ordered to deliver his law license to the Clerk of the Supreme Court within five days. His name will be removed from the roll of attorneys.

Legal Issues Addressed

Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Requirements

Application: The case illustrates the consequences of failing to meet MCLE requirements, resulting in suspension and eventual resignation from the Bar.

Reasoning: On February 15, 1982, he submitted a resignation letter to the Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court, expressing regret over his decision due to his inability to fulfill the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) requirements.

Payment of Annual Fees While Under Suspension

Application: An attorney under suspension for non-compliance with MCLE requirements continued to pay annual fees, which was ultimately deemed inappropriate by Bar representatives.

Reasoning: Despite attempts to resolve the issue with Bar representatives, he found no viable solution and continued to pay annual fees, even while under suspension for non-compliance.

Resignation from the Bar

Application: The resignation was accepted due to the attorney's inability to meet professional requirements and the lack of solutions to rectify his non-compliance, leading to his removal from the roll of attorneys.

Reasoning: The resignation was accepted, and he was ordered to deliver his law license to the Clerk of the Supreme Court within five days. His name will be removed from the roll of attorneys.