A house RESOLUTION

TO commend EMMA DEAN, FORMER CHIEF COUNSEL TO THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, for HER THIRTEEN YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE COMMITTEE and her dedication to the house of representatives, AND TO WISH HER CONTINUED SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT AS SHE TAKES UP NEW CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

Whereas, for thirteen years, the Judiciary Committee of the South Carolina House of Representatives enjoyed the benefit of the dedication, experience, and leadership of Emma Dean, who on January 2, 2023, stepped down from her position as Chief Counsel to the committee to accept new challenges and opportunities as Executive Director of the South Carolina Bar; and

Whereas, prior to her service as Assistant Chief Counsel (2010-2015) and Chief Counsel (2015-2023) to the Judiciary Committee, she was in private practice in the appellate and civil defense areas at Nelson Mullins in Columbia. She also previously had served as a law clerk to South Carolina Supreme Court Justice John Kittredge; and

Whereas, upon her departure from the House staff, this dedicated public servant takes with her a strong track record of solving complex legal issues including, but certainly not limited to, constitutional, criminal, and redistricting matters; and

Whereas, Emma is also the loving wife of husband, Gavin, and together they share the joy of raising their four children: Miles, Wills, Jonathan, and Megan; and

Whereas, she also has managed to use her time and talents to give back to her profession and her community.  She is a recipient of the Silver Compleat Lawyer Award from the University of South Carolina School of Law, has served on the Chief Justice's Commission on the Profession since 2010, and is a member of the South Carolina Supreme Court Historical Society Board and the University of South Carolina School of Law Alumni Council. Further, she is a member of the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association and the Richland County Bar Association; and

Whereas, Emma received a bachelor's degree in economics and politics from Washington and Lee University. A native of Due West, she is also a 2006 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law. In her community, she has served on the Trinity Learning Center Board and coached basketball and YMCA Youth soccer; and

Whereas, to this day, Emma Dean has dedicated her career to serving with excellence the people of South Carolina. Mindful of the consistent commitment and outstanding leadership she has bestowed on this great State, the House takes much pleasure in expressing their gratitude to her for the many kindnesses she has extended to them over her tenure and for the professionalism with which she did the work of the committee and the House. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, commend Emma Dean, former chief counsel to the Judiciary Committee of the South Carolina House of Representatives, for her thirteen years of distinguished service to the committee and her dedication to the House of Representatives, and wish her continued success and fulfillment as she takes up new challenges and opportunities in the days ahead.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Emma Dean.

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