Attorney II - 61069392

The South Carolina Human Affairs Commission seeks an accomplished attorney dedicated to advancing civil-rights enforcement in the areas of fair housing and employment discrimination. In this role, you will manage a diverse caseload from intake through resolution, litigating precedent-setting matters before administrative panels and state or federal courts and negotiating settlements that secure meaningful relief for aggrieved parties while promoting systemic compliance. You will provide legal guidance to investigative staff and brief executive leadership on emerging legal and policy developments.

The position offers the opportunity to effect statewide change within a mission driven agency committed to upholding equality, supported by a collaborative team environment and flexible hybrid work options. 

Responsibilities of the Attorney II:

• Serve as lead counsel for SCHAC in administrative hearings, state and federal court proceedings, and before partner agencies and community organizations, safeguarding the Commission's interests and advancing civil-rights enforcement.

• Perform in-depth legal research and analysis; review discrimination complaints for jurisdiction, sufficiency, and strategic merit, and recommend appropriate litigation or conciliation approaches.

• Scrutinize investigative reports for factual accuracy and legal adequacy, issuing determinations on probable cause and advising on next steps to strengthen case outcomes.

• Provide authoritative guidance to investigators and program personnel on the Fair Housing Act, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, and related statutes, ensuring all enforcement activities comply with law and policy.

• Brief the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner of Compliance Programs, Division Directors, and Governing Board on complex policy questions and emerging legal risks; design and deliver in-house trainings.

• Undertake high-impact assignments and cross-functional initiatives that further SCHAC's mandate to eliminate unlawful discrimination throughout South Carolina.
  
  

A Juris Doctorate degree or its equivalent from an ABA accredited law school and at least two (2) years' experience as a practicing attorney. Must be a member in good standing with the South Carolina Bar.

Additional Requirements

• This position will require constant public contact.
• Occasional travel required.

• Prior experience litigating discrimination matters under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, or the Fair Housing Act.
• Experience with mediation/alternative dispute resolution.
• Working knowledge of state administrative-procedure rules.
  

The SC Human Affairs Commission is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application.  Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment.  Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education.  A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The SC Human Affairs Commission offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees: 

1. Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
2. 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
3. 15 days sick leave per year
4. 13 paid holidays
5. Paid Parental Leave
6. S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
7. Retirement benefit choices * 
   1. State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
   2. State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.