SC has long been the toughest State on unauthorized practice of law, requiring that all title certifications, for insurance or otherwise, be by licensed SC attorneys--closings, too.  However, there is a distinction between "searching / abstracting" and "examining".  The abstractor does the legwork on the public records, submits a report to the attorney and the attorney "examines" the documents to interpret them and apply them (or not) subject property.  Although this may seem unnecessary for the short, simple searches, it is wise and safer for involved searches.   I doubt attorneys will want to return to actually searching the public records themselves.  Too much time, often grimy, unpleasant conditions; and the prices would have to go through the roof to compensate attorneys at their hourly rate.   They are likely to institute a requirement either for licensing or for the work to be "under the direction and supervision of a licensed attorney".  I've long supported the idea of special licensing, because just having a law degree does not mean you know anything about real estate matters.  But, look who's in the drivers seat....