South Carolina S 515: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DR. BILL JONES ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS CHANCELLOR OF COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS AS HE CONTINUES TO SERVE THE LORD.

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 515 Text of Previous Version (Apr. 01, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 515

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE 
HONORABLE ALEX KINLAW JR., A FORMER JUDGE FOR THE 13TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, UPON 
THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE BENCH AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS 
AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate have learned that 
the Honorable Alex Kinlaw Jr., a former judge for the 13th Judicial Circuit, entered 
a well-deserved retirement on December 31, 2024, after decades of faithful and 
outstanding service to the citizens of the Palmetto State, most particularly 
those of Pickens and Greenville counties; and

Whereas, prior to his 2018 election as a judge to the 13th Judicial 
Circuit, he presided as a resident judge for the 13th Judicial Circuit's Family 
Court, beginning in 2009. During that time, he served as the judge for the 
Juvenile Drug Court (2011-2018); and

Whereas, in preparation for his career, this native of Georgetown 
received a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina in 1975 and 
completed his J.D. at the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1978. 
While a law student, the young Alex Kinlaw was vice president of the Black 
American Law Students Association and interned in the Post-Conviction Relief 
Division of the South Carolina Attorney General's Office and the South Carolina 
Criminal Justice Academy. He also attended the School of Criminal Defense 
Attorneys in Houston, Texas; and

Whereas, before joining the bench, Judge Kinlaw was in private 
practice in Greenville and Greenwood counties. Having become certified to 
handle death-penalty cases, he served as lead counsel for four such cases and also 
had a brief stint as a part-time prosecutor in the 8th Circuit. His areas of 
practice include criminal, civil, domestic relations, and bankruptcy; and

Whereas, in addition, Judge Kinlaw worked as an assistant public 
defender with the Greenville County public defender and served as a staff 
attorney with the Legal Services Agency of Western Carolina; and

Whereas, his memberships include the Resolution of Fee Disputes 
Board, Commission on Legal Education and Specialization, South Carolina Black 
Lawyers Association, Donald J. Sampson Bar Association, and National Bar 
Association. Further, he was a member of the National Conference of Family 
Court Judges and National Conference of Drug Court Professionals and also has 
been involved with the Legal Services Board of Western Carolina (chairman), 
Urban League of the Upstate Board (chairman), State Legal Services Agency Board 
of Directors, Greenville Mental Health Board, and Greenville Cultural Exchange 
Board; and

Whereas, Alex Kinlaw finds strength for his labors in his family: his 
wife, Yvette, and their two sons. The family attends Reedy River Missionary 
Baptist Church, where Judge Kinlaw serves as vice chairman of the Deacon 
Ministry; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is grateful for the legacy of 
leadership and jurisprudence Judge Kinlaw has bestowed on this great State and 
appreciates his long and enduring service to the citizens of South Carolina. 
Taking great pleasure in wishing him well in retirement, the members trust he 
will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, 
therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South 
Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize 
and commend the Honorable Alex Kinlaw Jr., a former judge for the 13th Judicial 
Circuit, upon the occasion of his retirement from the bench and wish him 
continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy 
of this resolution be presented to the Honorable Alex Kinlaw Jr.

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