2026 South Carolina Bar Dispute Resolution Section Seminar
The 2026 South Carolina Bar Dispute Resolution Section Seminar is a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) event organized by the South Carolina Bar's Dispute Resolution Section. Scheduled for January 24, 2026, from 8:30 to 11:45 a.m., this seminar aims to provide legal professionals with in-depth knowledge and practical insights into various alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods.
The seminar's agenda includes presentations on arbitration, Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE), Fast Track Trials (FTT), and Cooperative Law. Judge Clifton Newman will discuss his transition from trial courts to national arbitration, highlighting arbitration's growing impact in both consumer and business disputes. Former family court judge Kelly Pope-Black will share her expertise on ENE, emphasizing its effectiveness in family court and civil cases. Angus Lawton will delve into FTT procedures, offering tips and best practices for cases well-suited for this expedited process. Natalie Bluestein will introduce Cooperative Law principles and their applicability across various legal areas, including family court, probate, real property, and contracts. A panel discussion featuring all speakers will address attendee questions and provide updates on developments in dispute resolution.
The seminar offers 3.0 MCLE credit hours and will be held in Room 200-202. The course is approved by the Supreme Court Commission on CLE, with Course #: 260143. The event is free for members of the Dispute Resolution Section and $50 for non-members. Attendees will have opportunities to network with peers and engage directly with experts in the field, enhancing their understanding and application of ADR techniques.
This seminar is ideal for attorneys seeking to expand their ADR skills and knowledge, particularly those involved in family, civil, and probate law. By attending, legal professionals can stay informed about the latest ADR practices and strategies, thereby enhancing their ability to serve clients effectively and efficiently.
Speakers(5)
Angus M. Lawton
Attorney at Lawton Law Firm
Graduated from Duke University and the University of South Carolina School of Law, certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Practice Advocacy and Civil Trial Law, and author of 'Mediation and ADR in South Carolina'.
Bess DuRant
Attorney at Sowell & DuRant, LLC
Course planner and moderator for the panel discussion, bringing expertise in dispute resolution.
Natalie Bluestein
Attorney at Bluestein & Douglas, LLC
Graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law, involved in various committees and boards including the SC Women Lawyers Association and Charleston County Bar Association, and has organized and presented CLEs for over 25 years.
The Honorable Clifton Newman
S.C. Circuit Court Judge at Kingstree, SC
Judge Clifton Newman has transitioned from the trial courts of South Carolina to the national arbitration arena, discussing arbitration's growing impact across the nation and its role in various disputes.
The Honorable Kelly Pope-Black
S.C. Family Court Judge at Campobello, SC
Former family court judge who now mediates and arbitrates across the state, sharing insights on Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) and its effectiveness in family and civil cases.
Event Details
- Date
- January 24, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Columbia, United States
- Room 200-202, South Carolina Bar Conference Center
- Pricing
- Free for members; $50 for non-members
- Audience
- Attorneys seeking to enhance ADR skills
- CLE Credits
- 3.0 MCLE credit hours
- Attendees
- Not specified