Attorney II

The South Carolina Judicial Branch invites applications for Attorney II 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. 
 

• Receive, screen and investigate complaints regarding alleged ethical misconduct by a lawyer or judge pursuant to the applicable rules of conduct; refer complaints to other agencies when appropriate; negotiate and draft agreements for discipline with a lawyer or judge for submission to the appropriate Commission. 
• Prosecute formal charges, which includes engaging in limited discovery and exchange of information as provided by the applicable rules and trial before the Commission, drafting and submitting a proposed Commission Panel Report, receiving and reviewing the final Panel Report filed by the Commission Panel, preparing exceptions to the Panel Report where appropriate, drafting briefs for submission to the Supreme Court, and engaging in oral arguments before the Court.
• In cases where there is a potential for a risk of harm to the public, such as where a lawyer or judge has been arrested or charged with a serious offense, seek interim suspension or the appointment of a Receiver pursuant to the applicable rules.
• Keep accurate and updated notes in Time Matters.   Attend regularly scheduled office meetings regarding the status of cases, including terms of diversion agreements, AFDBCs, and appropriate levels of discipline.  Meet with and direct investigators on various assignments.   Meet with Disciplinary Counsel and Deputy Disciplinary Counsel on the status of cases.  Work cooperatively with support staff, professional staff, and a diverse range of individuals.    
• Represent the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, with prior approval by Disciplinary Counsel, by speaking at and participating in various CLE programs, law schools, bar associations, committees, in-house programs and other local and national professional organizations, which includes preparation of materials and a Power Point presentation as needed, attending the program and presenting the lecture.  
• All other duties as assigned.    

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)
 

• Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school and admission to or eligibility for admission to the practice of law in South Carolina.  Three (3) 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)

• Appellate practice experience including familiarity with the SC Appellate Court Rules, legal research, drafting of briefs or motions, and presenting oral argument before an appellate court. Proficiency in electronic case management.

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.