Attorney II, Court Services

Under limited supervision, the Attorney II position provides legal services to Court Administration and advises trial courts and their staffs on substantive and procedural legal issues. 

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.
 

• Provides legal guidance to the trial court judges and clerks, with a particular emphasis on the judges and clerks of the magistrate and municipal courts.  Answers questions via e-mail, phone calls, and letters.        
• Reviews and responds to phone calls, letters, and other inquiries from the public, inmates, legislators, law enforcement, circuit clerks of court, and other government or court-related entities.      
• Performs legal research and provides legal opinions and guidance to the State Court Administrator, Director and Deputy Directors of Court Services, Court Representatives, and other Judicial Branch personnel as needed.  
• Reviews legislation and case law affecting trial courts and communicates changes to trial court judges, clerks, and staff via memoranda and e-mail.  Monitors Attorney General Opinions and Judicial Advisory Opinions and conveys relevant information to the trial courts and clerks.   Occasionally presents on these topics at educational programs and conferences.      
• Reviews, creates, and revises or recommends rescinding of court forms based upon changes to statutes, case law, court rules, and orders of the Supreme Court of South Carolina.
• As requested, reviews, revises, and provides legal guidance related to contracts to which the Judicial Branch will be a party. Works with Court Administration divisions to ensure contracts comply with applicable state and federal requirements. Contacts Judicial Branch General Counsel to advise of potential issues.
• Provides legal guidance to Court Services Manager, Circuit Court Representative, Family Court Representative, Probate Court Representative, and Summary Court Representative.
• Reviews Judicial Branch policies and procedures as they relate to state and federal privacy requirements and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI) requirements. Works closely with Judicial Branch IT security regarding privacy matters.
• Represents the Judicial Branch and Court Services at various internal and external stakeholder meetings regarding Judicial Branch duties or initiatives when requested.  
• Provides legal advice and guidance to Court Data Manager and Court Data Specialists, including conducting legal research, interpreting statutes, ensuring proposals and language align with standing rules or orders, and verifying that all data complies with State laws.
• All other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• A Juris Doctor degree or its equivalent from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law with a minimum of three (3) years' experience in the practice of law.   
• Member of the South Carolina Bar.   
• Must have dependable transportation as this position requires occasional statewide travel.           

• Knowledge of the laws of South Carolina. 
• Strong verbal and writing skills are necessary. 
• A high degree of independence and discretion is expected for most job functions. 
• Intermediate skills with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. 
• Demonstration of a strong, consistent, dependable work ethic. 
• Must be detail-oriented and possess excellent time management skills.              

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• Practical experience in the South Carolina Judicial Branch trial courts.

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.