SCAJ Leadership Academy
The South Carolina Association of Justice Leadership Academy is a selective professional development program designed to help trial lawyers strengthen the leadership skills needed to succeed at the highest levels of practice and service.
Applications are open for the next Leadership Academy class. Participants are selected by a committee and limited to a small group each year to ensure meaningful engagement, personalized learning, and lasting professional relationships.
The Leadership Academy is built for attorneys who want to grow not only as advocates, but as leaders within their firms, their communities, and the profession.
• Lead with Purpose
• Advocate with Impact
• Shape the Future
The Inaugural 2025 Graduating Class
Why the Leadership Academy?
Built for Leaders!
The practice of law demands more than technical excellence. It requires strong communication, sound judgment, and the ability to lead in high-stakes situations. The SCAJ Leadership Academy focuses on developing the core leadership skills trial lawyers use every day. Through interactive, real-world learning experiences, participants gain practical tools they can immediately apply to their practice and professional lives.
This is not a traditional lecture-based CLE. The Academy emphasizes discussion, collaboration, and practical application.
Participants will strengthen skills in:
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ADVOCACY & COMMUNICATION with juries and decision makers
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STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP and sound judgment
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NEGOTIATION & CONFLICT MANAGEMENT under pressure
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PROFESSIONAL RESILIENCE and career sustainability
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GOVERNANCE & ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
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LEGISLATIVE & POLICY ENGAGEMENT for civil justice
Who should apply?
The Leadership Academy is ideal for SCAJ members who are interested in developing leadership skills, expanding their professional impact, and contributing to the future of the civil justice system.
We are now accepting applications for the
2026-2027 CLASS.
Space is limited!
2026-2027 Academy Sessions
Session 1: Set the Course | The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy
- Explore how compelling storytelling can enhance advocacy, connect with juries, and influence decision-makers.
- Craft narratives that resonate with different audiences.
- Study the role of emotion and authenticity in effective storytelling.
Session 2: Leadership | Insights from SC Legal Giants
- Inspirational lessons from the careers of legendary figures in the South Carolina legal profession.
- Key takeaways from their most significant cases and decisions.
- Insights into maintaining integrity and resilience in the legal field.
Session 3: Navigating High Stakes Conversations
- Develop skills to handle high-stakes, emotionally charged conversations with clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel.
- Techniques for managing difficult dialogues with empathy and assertiveness.
- The role of active listening and effective communication.
- Strategies for de-escalating conflicts and reaching resolutions.
Session 4: Understanding and Shaping the SCAJ Legislative Agenda
- Influence legislation and advocate for policies that align with the values and the mission of SCAJ to advocate for fairness under the law.
- A day at the General Assembly learning about the process and meeting with legislative leaders.
- Conversations with SCAJ lobbyists exploring legislative agenda and strategies.
Session 5: Living Beyond Burnout
- Review the principles of resilience and wellness as foundational elements of professional and personal success.
- Understanding resilience as a sustainable approach to long-term well-being.
- The role of self-care in maintaining peak performance and preventing burnout.
- Strategies for integrating resilience practices into daily routines and professional life.
Session 6: Mastering Board Governance
- Training in effective board governance, emphasizing the role of legal professionals in guiding organizational leadership.
- Fundamentals of board governance and fiduciary duties.
- Strategies for effective board participation and leadership.
- Navigating challenges in board dynamics and decision-making.
SCAJ Leadership Academy
Online Application
Please complete the following application for the upcoming 2026-2027 Class of the SCAJ Leadership Academy. All applications will be confidentially reviewed by the SCAJ Leadership Academy Selection Committee, and the final list of successful applicants will be announced.
Meet the Coach
Jes Averhart is the founder of Jes & Co. specializing in stakeholder engagement and leadership development. Jes advises executive leadership on growth strategies and talent development. Her cross-industry corporate engagement includes companies within Research Triangle Park and the American Underground, a Google for Startups Tech Hub (aka, the “Startup Capital of the South” by CNBC).
Other Ways to Contact Us
Physical Address
929 Gervais St, Suite D
Columbia, SC 29201
Mailing Address
PO Box 11557
Columbia, SC 29211