South Carolina § 1-7-170 - Engaging attorney on fee basis.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 1-7-170 — Engaging attorney on fee basis., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1-7-170. Engaging attorney on fee basis.
(A) A department or agency of state government may not engage on a fee basis an attorney at law except upon the written approval of the Attorney General and upon a fee as must be approved by him. This section does not apply to the employment of attorneys in special cases in inferior courts when the fee to be paid does not exceed two hundred fifty dollars or exceptions approved by the State Budget and Control Board. This section does not apply to an attorney hired by the General Assembly or the judicial department.
(B) A public institution of higher learning shall engage and compensate outside counsel in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the State Fiscal Accountability Authority for matters of bonded indebtedness, public finance, borrowing, and related financial matters.
HISTORY: 2008 Act No. 353, SECTION 2, Pt 10B, eff July 1, 2009; 2011 Act No. 74, Pt VI, SECTION 9, eff August 1, 2011.
Code Commissioner's Note
At the direction of the Code Commissioner, reference in (A) to the former Budget and Control Board has not been changed pursuant to the directive of the South Carolina Restructuring Act, 2014 Act No. 121, SECTION 5(D)(1), until further action by the General Assembly. Reference in (B) to the former Budget and Control Board was changed to the State Fiscal Accountability Authority pursuant to the directive of the South Carolina Restructuring Act, 2014 Act No. 121, SECTION 5(D)(1).
Effect of Amendment
The 2011 amendment inserted subsection identifier (A) in the first paragraph and added subsection (B) relating to outside counsel.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 1-7-170
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 1-7-170 cover?
Section 1-7-170 ("Engaging attorney on fee basis.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 1-7-170?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 1-7-170" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 1-7-170 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.