Assistant Attorney General (Attorney I), Criminal Appeals

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Paid parental leave

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Sick leave

Vacation days

Holidays

Retirement plan

Deferred compensation

Job summary

The State of South Carolina seeks an Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Appeals Section to represent the State in criminal appeals across the state and, when necessary, before the United States Supreme Court.

Under general supervision, the attorney prepares briefs, conducts necessary research, and handles post-conviction matters as needed while advising victim advocates and meeting strict deadlines. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Must be a member in good standing with the South Carolina Bar.
• Rule 403 requirements must be satisfied prior to start date.

Responsibilities

• Represents the State in criminal appeals throughout the appellate process, including briefing and research.
• Argues before the South Carolina Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and other courts as needed.
• Responds to requests from solicitors and law enforcement with timely advice and information.
• Maintains and updates calendars, and ensures proper processing and filing of pleadings.

Skills

Oral arguments

Legal research

Brief writing

Case management

Education

Juris Doctorate Degree

Tools

Westlaw

LawBase

Job description

About Criminal Appeals

Under general supervision, performs professional legal work for the State, its subdivisions, and officials. Assigned to the Criminal Appeals Section as Assistant Attorney General.

• Under limited supervision, represents the State of South Carolina in criminal appeals resulting from criminal prosecution throughout the state and performs professional legal work relating to criminal appeals through the entirety of the appellate process, which includes reading transcripts, conducting necessary research, and preparing briefs and related pleadings in our state’s appellate courts and the United States Supreme Court as necessary.
• Under limited supervision, represents the State during oral arguments before the South Carolina Supreme Court, South Carolina Court of Appeals, and other courts as necessary in connection with the legal work related to criminal appeals.
• Provides responses to requests for advice or assistance from solicitors and law enforcement entities regarding criminal matters or issues, and timely responds to telephone calls and other contacts.
• Performs related duties required or assigned by the division director or section supervisor, such as handling post-conviction relief appeals when necessary and other cases outside primary subject assignment.
• Promptly advises victim advocates of any development and/or status of assigned cases in accordance with the State’s constitutional responsibilities to victims of crime.
• Must maintain an accurate calendar of all due dates.
• Collects and reviews incoming mail, provides appropriate processing instructions, and ensures all due dates are noted on the calendar. The attorney must place his or her initials on all mail and incoming letters, pleadings, emails (that are filed), or other documents to verify that the attorney has reviewed the matter.
• Is responsible for ensuring LawBase is properly and promptly updated to reflect the action in all cases for which the attorney is responsible.
• Is responsible for maintaining and promptly closing all case files, which includes ensuring all documents are clipped down in all files unless too large to secure with fasteners (i.e., lengthy transcripts or bound briefs).

This position also includes an excellent benefits package:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
• Paid parental leave.
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouses, and children.
• Fifteen days of annual (vacation) leave per year.
• Fifteen days of sick leave per year.
• Thirteen paid holidays per year.
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs.

Juris Doctorate Degree

Necessary Requirements:

Must be a member and in good standing with the South Carolina Bar. Must satisfy Rule 403 requirements prior to your start date.

Additional Requirements:

• Position may require overnight travel.
• Position may be required to travel and transport files.

• Must be flexible to travel, must be organized, and be able to work independently in meeting deadlines;
• Excellent written skills required; operates dictation equipment.
• Will operate Westlaw.
• Must be able to transport files to court.

DRUG SCREENING, CREDIT CHECK, DELINQUENT TAX CHECK, SLED BACKGROUND CHECK, AND GRIEVANCE CHECK ARE REQUIRED.

THIS OFFICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. EEOP Utilization Report available upon request.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities. If you have a limitation or disability that requires an accommodation during the application process, please let us know by emailing [e-mail]