Assistant Solicitor I

Aiken County (SC); Aiken (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Aiken County (SC) seeks a qualified attorney to prosecute felony cases in General Sessions Court. The role requires a JD and SC bar admission, plus 4–5 years of trial experience in criminal prosecution.

Expect ongoing CLE—14 hours yearly—and collaboration with investigators, paralegals, and fellow attorneys. The position involves case preparation, evaluation, and trial work, with a focus on achieving just dispositions while managing a substantial caseload.

Qualifications

• JD degree and SC bar admission required.
• 4–5 years of trial experience in criminal prosecution.
• Annual CLE: minimum 14 hours.
• Ability to prepare and try cases, coordinate with investigators and paralegals.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cases for trial or negotiate pleas, depose clients, interview, coordinate with investigators and paralegals to ensure thorough case preparation.
• Evaluate case merit with investigators; decide whether to proceed to trial or close; may present to Grand Jury as needed.
• Handle a full caseload of warrants; try cases in General Sessions Court; assist other attorneys as needed.

Skills

Trial experience

Criminal prosecution

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

SC bar admission

4-5 years trial experience

14 hours CLE per year

Job description

This position is responsible for prosecuting felony cases in General Sessions Court.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Case Preparation – Upon assignment, the incumbent will prepare the case for trial or will negotiate the plea. This will include taking depositions, interviewing the client, negotiating with other attorneys involved, and coordinating the efforts of investigators and paralegals to ensure the details of the case are completely vetted and the documentation thorough and accurate. The incumbent may specialize in a certain type of law, such as felony DUIs, drug-related crimes, juveniles, or sex crimes. The incumbent will maintain communications with the law enforcement agencies, victims, and legal team on both sides throughout the investigation and trial.
2. Case Evaluation – While working with the investigator, the incumbent will continuously be evaluating the merits of the case to determine whether or not there is enough evidence, and what type of evidence is still needed in order to bring the case to trial. If there is insufficient evidence, the incumbent is responsible for notifying everyone, and for closing the case without taking it to trial. If necessary, the case may go to Grand Jury for disposition.
3. Case Trial – The incumbent handles a full case load of warrants for prosecution. This position tries cases in the General Session Court, and the preferred outcome is a guilty verdict, or a plea that can be successfully negotiated. The ability to present and persuade is critical to the successful verdict. The incumbent may also assist other attorneys in the prosecution of their cases.

This position operates with some autonomy but collaborates closely with the more senior attorneys to ensure departmental goals are met and cases tried successfully. The major challenge of this position is case load and being able to move effectively and efficiently through use of technology to allow for faster case dispositions. At any given time, the incumbent may have up to 300 warrants, representing over 100 defendants.

Note

The list below is not comprehensive; this job is also responsible for other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB

This job has specific physical requirements such as lifting, driving, ability to travel, etc.

REQUIRED EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND JOB-RELATED EXPERIENCE

• Minimum Level of Job-Related Education: JD and passing SC bar exam
• Minimum Amount of Job-Related Experience: minimum 4-5 years practicing with trial experience
• Minimum Level of any Required Qualifications, Licenses, Certificates, Registrations, or any Relevant Knowledge, Job Skill or Equivalent Experience: 14 hours CLE per year