As we navigate our ever-changing world, the threat of losing our tangible and intangible cultural heritage looms larger than ever. From the rapid urbanization of certain areas to pollution within heritage zones, the battle to safeguard these vital cultural assets is ongoing. However, amidst the challenges, opportunities arise. Among those well-situated to bend the course of these challenges in favor of preservation are legal practitioners. Lawyers-especially those from the largest law firms in South Carolina-can make a significant impact on this cause.
Understanding the Law’s Role in Heritage Conservation Legal frameworks such as the UNESCO World Heritage Convention serve as the backbone for protecting cultural and natural resources. Countries that have ratified the convention are guided by rules and regulations that aim to map and protect sites of importance, and identify and reduce threats to those sites. South Carolina, for example, boasts the bones of the world’s largest dinosaur, the Great Blue Heron, and endangered river snails in the South Carolina Heritage Corridor. These resources-some unique to the state-face potential threats and need guidance that legal instruments can provide.
Commitment to Community The largest law firms in South Carolina are found most often on the frontlines of community service. They provide pro bono advice, offer expertise in complex real estate cases, and support local charities. This expertise can be funneled into the realm of cultural and natural heritage by advising and supporting local non-profits and community organizations. In South Carolina, a vibrant network of non-profit groups advocates for community, environmental, and tourism development. The merger of the powers of pro-bono expertise with unrestricted local networks would lead to effective advocacy for heritage sites.
Conservation Disputes: The Role of the Lawyer When parties are unable to reach a consensus, lawyers wield the weapon of choice: advocacy. Be it through mediation, arbitration, or litigation, lawyers can step in to resolve conflicts over heritage sites. By facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties, they can often reach an agreement and inspire a collaborative effort at preservation. In some cases, they might handle the legal aspects of bringing an action before a court to seek a judicial order in favor of a favored outcome for the concerned parties. Given the time-sensitive nature of many heritage corridors, this means that having the right law professionals around is necessary.
Case Study: Law Firm Advocacy for Heritage In 2019, Columbia law firm Robinson, McFadden & Moore, P.A successfully represented the Historic Charleston Foundation in an eminent domain case that threatened the city’s historic homes and neighborhoods. Not only did the firm employ effective strategies in communicating their argument, but the media coverage brought to light the potential loss of an important part of South Carolina’s history. It also led to a sense of awareness about the pivotal role that law firms can play in protecting cultural heritage.
Collaboration: Education Meets Law While there are many inspirational storylines involving law firms working on behalf of preservation efforts, the prospects for collaborations are endless. Drawing from the successes and failures of similar projects, the creation of guidelines, legal templates, and the ongoing discussions about cultural heritage can be adopted by schools and embedded within educational curriculums. These guidelines can be useful in stimulating conversation about legal protection for heritage assets, and the interplay between law and culture.
Financial Implications Without legal frameworks, the valuation of cultural heritage would be more subjective and consequently, harder to preserve. By acknowledging the economic value of culture, designers, engineers, and planners can work together to allocate resources towards the enhanced conservation of heritage zones. The cooperation of these experts will lead to better opportunities for tourism, increased funding for community development, and increased access to important cultural sites. The dangers of capitalizing on cultural heritage can more easily be avoided when the expertise of the largest firms in South Carolina are involved.
Collaboration between South Carolina Law Firms and Historical Institutions Through the years, South Carolina’s largest law firms have collaborated with different historical bodies in the state. In 2018, for example, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP sponsored the 15th Monumental Charleston conference, which looked at issues faced by the 18th-century U.S. Capitol building. The firm engaged experts who shared relevant insights and contributed to the success of the event. The partnership of law firms and cultural heritage facilitators and educators has untapped potential. Together, they can engage, educate, and raise awareness of important cultural assets.
Lawyers at the Forefront of Heritage Preservation As we have seen throughout the years, legal professionals, especially those associated with the largest law firms in South Carolina can do more than merely litigate. They can be strategic partners in the development, planning and conservation of cultural and natural heritage. Their advice and ability to advocate and negotiate on behalf of a site is unmatched, and as South Carolina continues to evolve, the role of lawyers within the community will continue to serve us well.
For more information on heritage conservation, you can visit Wikipedia’s page on Cultural Heritage.