In recognition of Black History Month, the Charleston School of Law Office of Student and Career Services and the Center for Diversity in the Legal Profession will host “Reaching Back as we Climb,” a Professionalism Series event on Wednesday, February 13 at noon in the Charleston Museum Auditorium.
The panel of Charleston School of Law alumni will offer current and prospective students insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by minority attorneys, as well as advice for succeeding in this demanding yet rewarding profession. The Alumni will also discuss their perspectives on the importance of diversity within the legal profession and explain more about their expertise.
Charleston School of Law 1L student Imani Capers will moderate the panel. Capers earned her undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina Upstate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Pre-Law.
The Law School alumni and panelists include:
Salley practices civil litigation at Maron Marvel Bradley Anderson & Tardy LLC on Daniel Island. As a Charleston Law student, Salley served as the President of the Student Bar Association, President of the Environmental Law Society, and was a member of both the Trial Advocacy and Moot Court boards. In 2019 Salley was recognized by the South Carolina Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers and received the Arthur Gasque Howe Trial Advocacy award. He is also a member of the Charleston School of Law Forensics Club, recognizing his demonstrated leadership, professionalism, public service and academic commitment.
Burkins-Rivers (’20) is a Charleston native and a graduate of the Charleston School of Law. She is an associate attorney at Strang Immigration Law. As a Charleston Law student, she served as the President of the Immigration Law Association. Prior to law school, Burkins-Rivers also worked in California for a wrongful death civil litigator, a personal injury litigator, and for an in-house litigator for an insurance company.
Hanchard Ferguson (’16) serves as general counsel for the City of Charleston Housing Authority. She represents the Housing Authority in litigation and provides legal counsel and direction on compliance, negotiation and contracts.
The event is free and open to the public. The event will be held next Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. in the Charleston Museum Auditorium.
Charleston School of Law will host its annual ceremony on Tuesday, April 22 at 5:00 p.m. on the second floor landing area. The school will recognize outstanding achievements by faculty, students and staff.
Final Exam Week for the Spring 2025 semester will be held at Charleston School of Law will be held Wednesday-Saturday, April 30–May 3 and Monday-Thursday, May 5 – May 8.
