The South Carolina Supreme Court is revoking state Rep. Marvin Pendarvis’ law license

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – The South Carolina Supreme Court has revoked Rep. Marvin Pendarvis’ license to practice law in the state.

The order, issued Friday by Chief Justice Donald Beatty, prohibits Pendarvis (D-Charleston) from practicing law in the state “until further order” of the court. He is also prohibited from making withdrawals from his clients’ escrow and escrow accounts.

It comes as the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating legal malpractice claims against the Charleston area attorney.

A former client filed a lawsuit against Pendarvis for alleged mishandling of his civil lawsuit against the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office.

The man said he hired Pendarvis to represent him in a 2021 civil lawsuit against the sheriff’s office for unlawful arrest on a kidnapping charge. Attorneys said Pendarvis failed to provide competent representation, settled the case without the client’s authorization and even forged the client’s signature on a settlement agreement.

The court appointed a third party to manage the “client files, trust accounts, escrow accounts, operating accounts and other law firm accounts” maintained by Pendarvis, the order said.

Pendarvis has represented District 113 in the South Carolina House of Representatives since 2017. He is running for re-election in 2024.