The Honorable DeAndrea Gist Benjamin will be joining the faculty at Charleston School of Law as a “Jurist-in-Residence” this summer.
Judge Benjamin serves as a United States Circuit Judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Confirmed to the court in February 2023, she is the second African American woman and the first person of color from South Carolina to serve on the Fourth Circuit.
Drawing on her experience as a federal appellate judge and former state trial court judge, practitioner, and law clerk, Judge Benjamin will bring a wealth of experience to the classroom at Charleston Law.
Students enrolled in the summer course — Judicial Clerkships: Behind the Bench — will learn the role of a judicial law clerk in trial and appellate courts, and be equipped with the skills, practical knowledge, and writing abilities needed to successfully clerk for a judge and beyond.
In addition, the course will provide an overview of the federal and state judicial systems, with a focus on the Fourth Circuit and South Carolina, shed insight into the mechanics of a judge’s courtroom and chambers, and prepare students for the day-to-day duties of a law clerk.
A lifelong Columbia native, Judge Benjamin was born in Columbia, South Carolina.
She graduated from Winthrop University in 1994 with a B.A. in Psychology and received her law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1997.
Judge Benjamin has been active in local and national bar associations and other professional organizations, including:
Judge Benjamin was a member of the South Carolina Bar Board of Governors and the House of Delegates.
She is also a member of the American Bar Association, the South Carolina Bar, the Richland County Bar Association, the South Carolina Black Lawyers Association, and the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association.
Judge Benjamin is also a member of the John Belton O’Neall Inn of Court, Federal Judges Association, and the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation.
While on the bench and throughout her career, Judge Benjamin has been engaged in community service, including serving as president of the Columbia Chapter of the Links, Inc., parliamentarian for the Columbia Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc., board member for Congaree Girl Scouts, and board member of Pathways to Healing.
