Attorney IV

The South Carolina Judicial Branch is seeking an Attorney to join their team as Attorney IV in the Office of Commission Counsel. 
Under limited supervision, responsible for specifically delegated legal work to assist in the day to day operations of the Office of Commission Counsel. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

Oversees and attends meetings and hearings of Commissions on Lawyer and Judicial Conduct to include scheduling, agenda and file review, and drafting of correspondence, orders, and panel reports within established deadlines. Oversees compliance by lawyers and/or judges with conditions of admission, reinstatement, deferred discipline, discipline, and orders relieving  the receiver.

Reviews and approves the release of disciplinary history information in compliance with governing confidentiality rules.

Oversees appointments and re-appointments for both Commission. Responsible for training and education for Commissions on Lawyer and Judicial Conduct

Prepares correspondence, orders, and reports in attorney and judicial disciplinary cases, including incapacity cases. Edits and finalizes work products for accuracy, clarity, and correct legal citation. Assists Commission Counsel in compiling statistical information and in preparing annual discipline report.

Prepares draft summaries of dismissals and confidential resolutions of judicial complaints by Commission on Judicial Conduct

Provides research on variety of topics at request of Commission Counsel and Deputy Commission Counsel using  Westlaw, court rules, statutes, case law, and Supreme Court or Administrative Orders. Responsible for database of precedent with respect to lawyer and judicial misconduct.

In the absence of Commission Counsel or Deputy Commission Counsel, may be called upon to supervise personnel in the Office of Commission Counsel or Office of the Receiver. Responsible for staff cross training and development, to include training staff on case management software. Performs all other duties as directed by Commission Counsel.

A Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law and five (5) years of related work experience. 
Must possess excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, etc.) 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, Code of Judicial Conduct, Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Evidence, and Appellate Court Rules.

Knowledge of standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat.

Ability to efficiently and accurately analyze complex legal issues, to apply state law and judicial decisions, and effectively draft logical and clear legal documents.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.  Ability to handle sensitive or difficult issues with non-lawyers, lawyers, and judges. Understanding importance of confidentiality and ability to maintain confidentiality of information. 

Competency in legal research. Knowledge of South Carolina law and procedure, Westlaw, and the Bluebook System of Citation. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Must be able to work in an autonomous environment with excellent self-direction, initiative, and motivation.

Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Use discretion in assigning tasks to staff including administrative assistants and paralegals.

Required to advise Commission Counsel or Deputy Commission Counsel of any issues, problems, or concerns relating to job duties.  

Ability to work in a team environment and listen to new ideas and recommendations from others.

Must be able to supervise the office in the absence of Commission Counsel or Deputy Commission Counsel.


CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

Member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing.

Seven (7) years of experience as an attorney, including two (2) years of demonstrated experience supervising staff.

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