The Southern Conference of Bar Presidents, to be held
October 5-8, 2025, at the Mills House Hotel in Charleston, SC,
brings together current Bar Presidents, President-Elects, Past Presidents, and
Executive Directors of 21 Bars across the southeast to network, talk about
trendy legal topics and exchange ideas on how best to manage their
organizations.
This year’s event includes a great lineup of topics including a look into one of South Carolina’s notorious criminals – Pee Wee Gaskins, a conversation on the global challenges regarding Rule of Law, a discussion about the Mother Emanuel AME tragedy in Charleston, NIL discussion and one of the most recent high-profile trials in South Carolina. We also have a cast of amazing speakers, including Attorney Dick Harpootlian, NBC Today Show Host Craig Melvin,Chief Attorney Creighton Waters, SC Attorney General Aan Wilson, USC Coach Dawn Staley, Fox Sports Anchor Lindsay Czarniak, Judge Jay Richardson, Judge Clifton Newman, USC Joseph E. Rice School of Law Dean William Hubbard, Governor David Beasley and Retired South Carolina Chief Justice Costa Pleicones.
There are several ticketed events to choose from on Monday and Tuesday (late morning or early afternoon - see registration for pricing) including:
MONDAY, October 6 – International African
American Museum OR Casual Crabbing
International African
American Museum (2:00 pm)
Since opening their doors in 2023, the International African American Museum (IAAM) has become a significant cultural institution in Charleston, South Carolina. The IAAM stands on the site of Gadsden’s Wharf, where up to 40% of all American enslaved persons disembarked. The facility features nine distinct galleries which tell the powerful story of how enslaved and free Africans shaped American history. (INCLUDES TRANSPORTATION)
Casual Crabbing (2:00
pm)
Learn the tricks of crabbing with a Charleston native who has been doing it for years. First, you will meet at a dock on a beautiful river to master the delicate art of throwing a cast net. You can even set bait and fish... it is as hands-on as you would like! Do not worry about having the right skills; there will be plenty of activities available for everyone. The freshest seafood is what you can catch yourself, so expect to nab a crab, shrimp, and a variety of fish too.(INCLUDES TRANSPORTATION)
TUESDAY, October 7 – Architecture Tour OR Home
& Garden Tour
Architecture Tour (11:00
am)
Guest will begin their tour with an hour-long private tour of American College of Building Arts. Next, they will travel to Charleston’s downtown historic district to embark on a guided walk to learn about the city’s architectural evolution, from Georgian mansions to the iconic Rainbow Row. An experienced guide will unveil the stories behind the intricate details, from wrought-iron gates to piazzas, while explaining the influences of various styles.
Home & Garden Tour
(11:00 am)
Begin the morning with
an intimate visit to the private garden of Mrs. Louisa Pringle Cameron. Guests
will be invited to explore the garden while Louisa shares her story of becoming
a certified master gardener and life as an author, watercolorist, lecturer, and
podcaster. At the conclusion of the garden visit, guests will depart for a
guided stroll through Harleston Village learning about the history of
Charleston as they make their way to the next stop, the Nathaniel Russell
House, one of Charleston’s most well-preserved 19th century homes. Guests will
be guided through the home and gardens learning about the people who once lived
at the home, and the preservation efforts that have kept the home alive today.
GOLFING any day - If you are interested in golfing while you’re in Charleston, you can set your own tee times at Wild Dunes Resort https://www.wilddunesresort.com/activities/golf/
Enjoy Dinner & Dancing at the Gibbes Museum
beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7th.
The South Carolina Bar is an accredited CLE provider in South Carolina only. Attorneys are responsible for seeking their own credit in other jurisdictions.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in CLE programs and publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the South Carolina Bar, its sections, or committees.
The South Carolina Bar believes that all Bar members have the right to both meaningful learning and to the exchange of ideas in a civil environment. The Bar reserves
the right to remove or exclude any person from a Bar event if that person is causing inappropriate disturbance, behaving in a manner inconsistent with accepted standards
of decorum, or in any way preventing fellow Bar members from meaningful participation and learning.
