Deputy Chief Staff Attorney

The South Carolina Judicial Branch invites applications for Deputy Chief Staff Attorney in the Court of Appeals, Staff Attorneys’ Office. The Deputy Chief Staff Attorney assists the Chief Staff Attorney in managing the day-to-day operations of the Staff Attorneys' Office.  Manages the office in the Chief Staff Attorney's absence, including responding to requests of the Court and making final decisions relating to the office.  

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. 
 

• Independently advises the Court as requested on legal issues, providing insight on matters of court policy, law, and procedure.   Responds to questions from the Court relating to staff attorney work and is available to the Court for consultation relating to other legal matters pending before the Court.  
• Independently reviews motions, including expedited and emergency motions that contain legal questions that must be considered by a judge or panel of judges.  Orally communicates to judges proposed recommendations for the resolution of the motions or legal questions before the Court.  Reviews, edits, and finally approves or rejects staff attorney work product. Provides counsel and advice to staff attorneys regarding the legal analysis of their assigned cases and the preparation of memoranda, proposed opinions, and proposed orders to ensure consistent, quality staff attorney work is regularly distributed to the Court for consideration. 
• Trains staff attorneys on appellate issues, including the appealability of orders, issue preservation, and standard of review by both conducting individual conferences and also facilitating group training meetings. 
• Drafts written memoranda on motions addressing the legal question before the Court, the applicable law, the analysis of how the law applies to the facts, and the overall recommended disposition of the motion. Drafts and self-edits orders resolving motions for the consideration of a judge or panel.  
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)
 

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of work experience in a staff attorney or related attorney position.  
• Member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing.   
• Two (2) or more years of experience directing and supervising staff.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)..   

• The South Carolina Appellate Court Rules.  
• The Judicial Branch's and Court of Appeals' policies, standards, and procedures, and the ability to communicate and apply the policies and procedures. 
• Extensive knowledge of the laws of South Carolina and federal law. 
• Theories, practices, and principles of effective management. 

• Maintain professional relationships with judges, including the ability to advise the Court and make recommendations on matters of law and policy.  
• Supervise and manage a staff of fifteen attorneys, while motivating and fostering a positive and productive environment. 
• Prioritize and delegate responsibilities. 
• Maintain confidentiality and use discretion in dealing with sensitive information.  
• Present complex legal material, teach, and train attorneys of various levels of experience. 
• Analyze complex legal issues and write effectively, logically, and clearly.  
• Brainstorm, develop, and implement new ideas.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• Five (5) years of experience as an attorney.
• Three (3) years of demonstrated experience supervising staff.  
• Prior experience using Westlaw, the Bluebook System of Citation, and C-Track.

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.