S.C. Code Ann. § 14-15-15

Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, all court reporters employed by the Judicial Department shall be subject to removal by the judge or the Judicial Department only for just cause. In the event that a vacancy occurs in a circuit or family court judgeship, the judge who fills the vacancy shall not be empowered to replace the court reporter previously hired by his predecessor. The judge may hire a court reporter when a vacancy occurs in the court reporter's position.