PastIn Person

Southeast/Southwest People of Color Conference

by University of South Carolina School of Law

The Southeast/Southwest People of Color Conference is an annual event dedicated to addressing issues pertinent to people of color within the legal profession. Organized by the University of South Carolina School of Law, the conference serves as a platform for legal scholars, practitioners, and students to engage in meaningful discussions and share insights on challenges and advancements affecting communities of color.

The conference covers a broad spectrum of topics, including civil rights, social justice, diversity in the legal field, and the impact of legislation on minority communities. Sessions often feature panel discussions, workshops, and keynote addresses that delve into these critical areas, fostering a comprehensive understanding and dialogue among attendees.

In addition to the educational sessions, the event provides ample networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with peers, mentors, and leaders in the legal community. Notable speakers, including esteemed judges, attorneys, and academics, are typically featured, offering valuable perspectives and experiences that enrich the conference experience.

This conference is ideal for legal professionals, academics, and students who are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal system. Attendees gain valuable knowledge, resources, and connections that empower them to advocate for and implement positive change in their respective spheres.

Speakers(9)

C. Thomas Wyche

Attorney at Wyche Law Firm

C. Thomas Wyche was an attorney at Wyche Law Firm in Greenville, SC, and was recognized as one of the nation's great conservationists. He was the chief architect of the conservation of over 100,000 acres of the South Carolina mountains and was an accomplished nature photographer.

Edward P. "Pat" Perrin

Attorney at Perrin, Perrin, Mann & Patterson, LLP

Edward P. "Pat" Perrin practiced law in Spartanburg, SC, focusing on corporate, banking, and contract law and estate planning. He was involved in various community organizations and received numerous awards for his service.

John G. McMaster, Jr.

Attorney at McMaster Law Firm

John G. McMaster, Jr. practiced law in Columbia, SC, and served in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He was involved in various legal and community organizations, including serving as president of the Richland County Bar Association.

John S. Rainey

Chair at Santee Cooper

John S. Rainey was a practicing attorney and served as chair of the board of Santee Cooper from 1990 to 2000. He was also involved in various public service roles, including chairing inaugural committees for South Carolina governors and serving on the board of visitors of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Martha M. Horne

Deputy Solicitor at Sumter County Solicitor's Office

Martha M. Horne served as assistant solicitor and later as deputy solicitor in Sumter County, SC. She was active in the South Carolina Bar and various community organizations, receiving multiple awards for her service.

Robert W. Foster Sr.

Attorney at Foster Law Firm

Robert W. Foster Sr. was an attorney in Charleston, SC, and served as a professor of law at the University of Louisville. He was active in various legal and community organizations and was a dedicated member of the Columbia Drama Club.

The Honorable David W. Harwell

Justice at Supreme Court of South Carolina

David W. Harwell served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1963 to 1973 and was a Justice of the Supreme Court of South Carolina. He was active in various state and national alternative dispute resolution committees and organizations.

The Honorable Jean Hoefer Toal

Chief Justice at Supreme Court of South Carolina

Jean Hoefer Toal served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Carolina from 2000 to 2015, and as Associate Justice from 1988 to 2000. She was also a Representative from Richland County in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1975 to 1988.

The Honorable Ramon Schwartz, Jr.

Speaker at South Carolina House of Representatives

Ramon Schwartz, Jr. served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1968 to 1984, including terms as Speaker Pro Tempore and Speaker of the House. He was recognized for his contributions to the state's economic development and community service.

Event Details

Date
March 19-22, 2015
4 days
Location
🇺🇸 Columbia, United States
University of South Carolina School of Law
Audience
Legal professionals, academics, and students interested in diversity and inclusion within the legal system.

Related Events

Featured

CLOC Global Institute 2026

May 11-14, 2026
🇺🇸 Chicago, United States
Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC)
In PersonLegal Education
Happening now

ABA International Law Section Annual Conference 2026

May 12-14, 2026
🇺🇸 Washington, D.C., United States
American Bar Association International Law Section
In PersonLegal EducationLegal Profession
Happening now

CMI Colloquium Rio 2026

May 12-15, 2026
🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Comité Maritime International (CMI) and Associação Brasileira de Direito Marítimo (ABDM)
In PersonLegal Education
Happening now

ABA ILS 2026 Annual Conference

May 12-14, 2026
🇺🇸 Washington, D.C., United States
American Bar Association International Law Section
In PersonLegal EducationLegal Profession
Happening now

FINRA Annual Conference 2026

May 12-14, 2026
🇺🇸 Washington, D.C., United States
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
In PersonLegal Education
Happening now

New Jersey State Bar Association 2026 Annual Meeting and Convention

May 13-15, 2026
🇺🇸 Atlantic City, United States
New Jersey State Bar Association
In PersonLegal EducationLegal Profession
Happening now

World Technology Law Conference 2026

May 13-15, 2026
🇺🇸 Washington, D.C., United States
International Technology Law Association (ITechLaw)
In PersonLegal Education
Happening now

2026 Eleventh Circuit Judicial Conference

May 13-14, 2026
🇺🇸 Aventura, United States
United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
In PersonLegal EducationLegal Profession
Happening now

ABA Equal Access to Justice Conference 2026

May 13-16, 2026
🇺🇸 Charlotte, United States
American Bar Association
In PersonAccess to JusticeLegal Education+1
Happening now