Attorney II, Court Services

The South Carolina Judicial Branch invites applications for the Attorney II position in Columbia, SC.  
Under limited supervision, provides legal guidance to and advises the summary courts and their staffs on substantive and procedural legal issues.

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.

• Provides legal guidance to the summary court judges and clerks.   Answers questions via e-mail, phone calls, and letters.       
• Reviews and responds to phone calls, letters, and other inquiries from the public, inmates, legislators, law enforcement, clerks of court, and other government or court-related entities.     
• Updates and maintains court forms related to the summary courts, as well as other summary court materials such as information contained on the Judicial Branch website.
• Reviews legislation and case law affecting summary court and communicates changes to summary court judges, clerks, and staff via memoranda and e-mail.  Monitors Attorney General Opinions and Judicial Advisory Opinions and conveys relevant information to the summary courts.  Presents on these topics at conferences and educational programs.  
• Drafts administrative orders related to the summary courts.   
• Assists in compilation and administration of certification examination three times a year.  Coordinates the facility and room where the examination is held.  Creates questions for the examination. Provides a test review and guidance for test takers who do not pass the examination.       
• Serves as the designee of the Board of Magistrate and Municipal Court Certification to review proposed seminars to determine their eligibility for MMJCLE credit.  Sends approval paperwork to the CLE Commission.  Contacts judges who have not filed compliance reports with the CLE Commission.  Answers questions regarding MMJCLE requirements and course eligibility from course sponsors and attendees.     
• Engages and coordinates with the Summary Court Judges Advisory Committee, including calling meetings as directed by the Chief Justice or Committee Chair.
• Coordinates the Rule 512, SCACR summary court judge mentoring program.
• Works with Chief Justice, State Court Administrator, Director and Deputy Director of Court Services to establish and revise policies and procedures as relate to the summary courts.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• A Juris Doctor degree or its equivalent from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law with a minimum of three (3) years' experience in the practice of law.  
• Member of the South Carolina Bar.  
• Must have dependable transportation as this position requires occasional statewide travel.     

• Knowledge of the laws of South Carolina. 
• Strong verbal and writing skills are necessary. 
• A high degree of independence and discretion is expected for most job functions. 
• Ability to operate a computer and use the Internet and basic software programs. 
• Demonstration of a strong, consistent, dependable work ethic. 
• Must be detail-oriented and possess excellent time management skills.    
• Must be able to work in an autonomous environment with excellent self-direction, initiative and motivation and use individual discretion in the interpretation and application of office management policies, practices and procedures.  
• Expected to advise the supervisor of any issues, problems, or recommendations relating to job duties.                

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• Practical experience in the trial courts of the South Carolina Unified Judicial System.  
  

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;
• Six weeks or two weeks of Paid Parental Leave;
• Workers’ Compensation Benefits.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The South Carolina Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, or disability.