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State of South Carolina

Attorney III

State of South Carolina, Richland, SC


Salary: $87,500.00 - $105,548.00 Annually

Location : Richland County, SC

Job Type: FTE - Full-Time

Job Number: 170755

Agency: Judicial Branch

Division: Disciplinary Counsel

Opening Date: 11/04/2024

Closing Date: 11/30/2024 4:59 PM Eastern

Class Code:: AE1003

Position Number:: TBD

Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)

Pay Band: Unclassified

Opening Date: 11/04/2024

EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer

Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Interested persons meeting the required qualifications may submit an application at www.careers.sc.gov. All questions on the application must be completed and should include all work history and education. A resume may be included but will not be accepted or reviewed in lieu of an incomplete application. Supplemental questions are considered a part of your application and must be completed.

Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Job Responsibilities

The South Carolina Judicial Branch invites applications for Attorney III in the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.
Under limited supervision and direction of Disciplinary Counsel, work to preserve the integrity of the South Carolina judicial system and the confidence of the public in the administration of justice, by screening and investigating allegations of ethical misconduct and incapacity of judges or lawyers, prosecuting formal charges and other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION
This job bulletin represents general duties for this position and is not intended to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

  • Analyze complaints and other information alleging ethical misconduct by lawyers or judges in accordance with the Rules for Lawyer and Judicial Disciplinary Enforcement, determining whether to dismiss or open an investigation.
  • Conduct thorough investigations into potential misconduct, including gathering and reviewing evidence such as documents, bank records, video or audio recordings, and witness statements.
  • Draft notices of investigation, review responses from lawyers or judges, and draft petitions for interim suspensions when necessary, especially in cases involving risk to the public.
  • Recommend case dispositions to the Commission on Lawyer Conduct or Judicial Conduct, including dismissal, letters of caution, or formal disciplinary actions, and negotiate agreements for discipline.
  • Prepare and prosecute formal charges, participate in hearings by presenting opening statements, examining witnesses, and presenting closing arguments, as well as draft and submit Panel Reports.
  • Prepare and draft petitions, briefs, and responses for consideration by the South Carolina Supreme Court and participate in oral arguments when necessary.
  • Act as opposing counsel in proceedings involving reinstatement or readmission of lawyers before the Committee on Character and Fitness.
  • Meet with and supervise office staff, including investigators and paralegals, providing direction on assignments and maintaining a professional, cooperative work environment.
  • Represent the Office of Disciplinary Counsel in Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs, prepare training materials, and attend relevant trainings as required.
  • Maintain accurate case notes and records using case management software.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned by the Disciplinary Counsel or Deputy Disciplinary Counsel.


Minimum and Additional Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

  • Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school and admission to the practice of law in South Carolina. Five (5) years of actual experience practicing law that includes screening potential cases, meeting with clients, interviewing witnesses, drafting pleadings and discovery, and appearing in court in jury or nonjury matters, or in administrative agencies.
  • A familiarity with the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, the Code of Judicial Conduct, and the application of the Rules to everyday practice of law issues, including a strong understanding of law office management issues.
  • Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Knowledge of:
  • South Carolina law and procedure South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct,
  • Code of Judicial Conduct, and the application of the Rules to everyday practice of law issues,
  • Strong understanding of law office management issues.
  • Investigative methods and procedures.
  • Competency in legal research
  • Standard computer applications and programs necessary to complete the functions of the job, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Time Matters.
Ability to:
  • Multitask and prioritize.
  • Efficiently and accurately analyze legal issues.
  • Competency in written and oral communication.
  • Proficiency with the South Carolina Rules of Evidence and with the South Carolina Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Competency in analysis including, but not limited to, applying disciplinary rules to facts, evaluating weight of evidence and applying disciplinary standards to recommendations for disposition of cases.
  • Competency in appropriately handling, patiently and courteously, sensitive or difficult issues with non-lawyers, lawyers, and judges.
  • Competency in legal research.
  • Input data into Time Matters in a timely and accurate manner.
Others:
  • Must be able to work with independence and discretion in working with the staff of the Disciplinary Counsel Office. Expected to consult with and advise the Disciplinary Counsel, the Supreme Court Chief Justice and the Court regarding any problems, concerns or recommendations related to the investigative and prosecutorial process for judges or attorneys. Must be able to work in an autonomous environment with excellent self-direction, initiative, and motivation.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.


Preferred Qualifications

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

  • Trial (Civil or Criminal) experience.

Additional Comments

The South Carolina Judicial Branch offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that include:
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children;
  • State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs (Temporary positions have option to enroll);
  • 15 days paid annual (vacation) leave per year;
  • 15 days paid sick leave per year;
  • Option to designate 10 days of earned paid sick leave per year as family sick leave;
  • 13 paid state holidays;
  • Paid Parental Leave; and
  • Workers' Compensation Benefits.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The South Carolina Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, or disability.

Benefits for State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

01

Do you have a Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school AND admitted to or eligibility for admission to the practice of law in South Carolina?

02

How many years of experience do you have as a practicing attorney? Please give a detailed description of your experience including areas of practice and the types of courts in which you have appeared.

03

Have you completed all Rule 403 requirements?

04

Please describe any trial (criminal or civil) experience you have?

05

How did you learn about this position?
  • NEOGOV
  • LINKEDIN
  • FACEBOOK
  • X (TWITTER)
  • INTERNAL JOB POSTING
  • COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
  • OTHER


Required Question