Attorney III

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 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. 

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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. 

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• Trial (Civil or Criminal) experience.

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.