GREENWOOD, S.C.— Lander University has formally established the Curtis G. Shaw Pre-Law Society, honoring the late Greenwood native and distinguished jurist whose career exemplified public service, integrity and a lifelong commitment to the law.
The society’s inaugural event featured South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice John W. Kittredge, of Greenville, as the keynote speaker, who reflected on his longtime friendship with Shaw and credited him as an influential mentor in both his personal and professional life.
Kittredge spoke not only about the path to his career in law but also talked about the character required by members of the legal profession to sustain it. He shared personal stories from his decades-long friendship with Shaw, describing him as a steady presence and trusted mentor whose counsel extended far beyond the courtroom.
“I never planned to be a lawyer,” said Kittredge. “I was encouraged to go to law school and as a result I continued on in a legal career.”
Kittredge said that in his practice as a young lawyer he often found himself in Shaw’s courtroom. “I greatly admired him for his civility and kindness,” he said.
Dr. Lucas McMillan, dean of Lander’s College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, said establishing the pre-law society represents a meaningful investment in Lander’s future because it reinforces the University’s mission to educate ethical leaders and support students with aspirations in law and public service. It also positions Lander as a growing contributor to the region’s legal and civic landscape.
While it is common for colleges and universities to have pre-law societies, the naming of the society underscores the University’s desire to recognize Shaw’s impact on the law and the community. “This society will give our pre-law students a role model whose career reflects ethical leadership and public service,” McMillan said.