Staff Attorney III

The South Carolina Judicial Branch invites applications for Staff Attorney III in the Court of Appeals, Staff Attorneys’ Office. The Staff Attorney III is a senior level position that provides support to the Chief Staff Attorney and Deputy Chief Staff Attorney in managing the day-to-day operations of the Staff Attorneys’ 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. 
 

• Supervise Staff Attorneys' Office, manage emergency motions, communicate with Chief Staff Attorney or Deputy Chief Staff Attorney, oversee non-emergency issues.
• Manage review of expedited appeals, assign cases, provide training, maintain case spreadsheet, ensure timely review, coordinate with Clerks' Office.
• Oversee review of post-conviction relief cases, assign cases, maintain case spreadsheet, provide training to staff attorneys.
• Manage review of petitions for rehearing, train staff attorneys, coordinate with Clerk's Office, verify accuracy of court agenda items and orders.
• Provide counsel and advice to staff attorneys, update staff attorney manual, assist with analysis and preparation of cases.
• Independently review and analyze direct appeals and post-conviction relief petitions, conduct legal research, draft bench memoranda and proposed dispositional opinions, distribute cases to Court.
• Peer-edit and finally edit other staff attorneys' work product, ensure correct citation and legal authority.
• Assist Chief Staff Attorney and Deputy Chief Staff Attorney in preparing staff attorney memoranda and opinions, train new staff attorneys, manage C-Track events and reports.
• Independently respond to questions and concerns regarding assigned cases and motions from the Court, prepare written responses, handle questions from the Clerk's Office.
• Review assigned motions, provide guidance and advice on legal issues, orally present proposed recommendations, draft memoranda, handle emergency motions when necessary.
• Function as a law clerk, confer on oral argument cases, draft bench memoranda, attend oral arguments, draft proposed opinions, review opinions from other chambers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)
 

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law.
• Three (3) years of experience in a staff attorney or related attorney position.   
• Member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing.   

• Knowledge of theories, practices, and principles of effective management.  
• Knowledge of South Carolina law and procedure, Westlaw, and the Bluebook System of Citation.  
• Knowledge of court and staff attorney policies and procedures or similar knowledge based on prior experience in the South Carolina Judicial Branch or another appellate court.

• Ability to assist in managing an office of fifteen attorneys, including the ability to prepare and give presentations and train other attorneys.  
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues, to apply state/federal law and judicial decisions, and to effectively draft logical and clear legal documents.   
• Ability to exercise excellent self-direction, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.  
• Ability to interact and maintain relationships with judges.
• Ability to work in a team environment. 
• Ability to listen to new ideas and recommendations from others.  
• Ability to speak effectively when addressing judges and co-workers.  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion in dealing with sensitive information.  

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

• Must be able to supervise the office in the absence of the Chief Staff Attorney or Deputy Chief Staff Attorney.  
• Must be able to independently review and analyze assigned direct appeals, post-conviction relief petitions, and motions.  
• Must be able to work directly with judges, and use independent discretion in responding to judges' questions or concerns regarding legal issues pending before the Court.  
• Required to review and follow the guidelines and procedures set forth in the Staff Attorney Manual relating to legal writing, writing style and format, and office procedures and policy.  
• Required to advise the Chief Staff Attorney of any issues, problems, or concerns relating to job duties.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• Five (5) years of experience as an attorney, including two (2) years of demonstrated experience supervising staff.  
• Minimum of 3.2 GPA and Journal or Moot Court experience.  
• 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.