Associate Counsel

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Tuition assistance

Self-development opportunities

Health insurance

Telecommuting

Job summary

South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) seeks an Associate Counsel to litigate tax and regulatory matters and provide formal and informal legal advice to the department and its employees. The role involves drafting determinations, researching complex issues, and representing SCDOR in Administrative Law Court and other venues.

Ideal candidates hold a Juris Doctor with five years of practicing attorney experience, admission to the SC Bar, and Rule 403 compliance.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Five years’ experience as a practicing attorney.
• Member in good standing of the South Carolina Bar and Rule 403 compliance.

Responsibilities

• Litigate tax and regulatory matters for SCDOR.
• Issue department determinations in protested matters.
• Provide formal and informal legal advice to SCDOR and staff.
• Research complex legal issues and draft advisory memos.
• Represent the Department in tax and regulatory litigation in courts.
• Draft appellate briefs and handle oral arguments if needed.
• Communicate legal positions to other government entities.

Skills

Interpretation of laws

Legal analysis

Judicial procedures

Written and verbal argumentation

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Who We Are

At the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR), we are funding a better state to live, work, and play. Offering excellent benefits, hybrid work schedules, tuition assistance, and self-development opportunities, we are a trustworthy partner to our customers and an innovative workplace that supports work-life balance and empowers our employees to reach their highest potential. Open the door to a career at the SCDOR and discover why 93% of our employees see how their work contributes to the SCDOR’s success—by collecting 95% of South Carolina’s general fund, our team serves with purpose and impacts the success of our community.

Job Responsibilities

At the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR), we are funding a better state to live, work, and play. Offering excellent benefits, hybrid work schedules, tuition assistance, and self-development opportunities, we are a trustworthy partner to our customers and an innovative workplace that supports work-life balance and empowers our employees to reach their highest potential. Open the door to a career at the SCDOR and discover why 93% of our employees see how their work contributes to the SCDOR’s success—by collecting 95% of South Carolina’s general fund, our team serves with purpose and impacts the success of our community.

Learn more about why you should join our team at dor.sc.gov/careers.

We Are Looking For Teammates Who Are

• Able to interpret and apply laws in court decisions
• Able to analyze facts, evidence, and legal instruments
• Knowledgeable of judicial procedures and court rules
• Able to express written and verbal arguments and conclusions clearly and logically

What You Will Do

As Associate Counsel, you will litigate tax and regulatory matters on behalf of SCDOR, issue the department determinations in protested matters, and provide formal and informal legal advice to SCDOR and its employees.

Primary Job Duties Include

• Analyzing files in both tax and regulatory matters, researching the issues raised therein, communicating with the taxpayer and their representatives, and drafting Department Determinations regarding the protested matters
• Conducting research on complex legal issues and drafting advisory memos and briefs
• Representing the Department in all aspects of tax and regulatory litigation in the Administrative Law Court and other courts
• Researching and writing appellate briefs and handling oral arguments (as necessary)
• Giving formal and informal advice to Department staff and to other state agencies on Department procedures, interpretation of relevant legislation, and other matters of law
• Communicating the Department's legal positions to other constituent Governmental entities and seeking cooperation from other Governmental entities

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• A Juris Doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and five years' experience as a practicing attorney
• Must be a member in good standing of the South Carolina Bar and have completed Rule 403 requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in business litigation, state and local tax law, administrative law practice, or an accounting background
• Extensive knowledge of the laws and trial procedures of the State and Federal Courts
• Thorough knowledge of general case, statutory, and common law
• Comprehensive knowledge of the policies, standards, and procedures of regulatory and tax matters of the SCDOR
• Thorough knowledge of the judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and rules
• Ability to interpret laws in court decisions
• Ability to analyze facts, evidence, and legal instruments
• Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically

Additional Comments

• EEO: The SCDOR is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation.
• Training: As an Associate Counsel, you will be mentored in a collegial and collaborative environment to ensure you have the knowledge and skills to successfully perform your job.
• Hours: Flexible hours may be available from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday (37.5 hours per week).
• Telework schedule: This position may be eligible to work remotely up to two days per week after one year of employment with SCDOR.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.