Attorney Iv, Commission Counsel

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid leave and holidays

Parental leave

Workers’ compensation benefits

Job summary

State of South Carolina, Office of Commission Counsel in Columbia, seeks an attorney IV to handle delegated legal work supporting day-to-day operations. The role emphasizes strong written work product and disciplined adherence to deadlines with minimal supervision.

The ideal candidate has a JD from an ABA-accredited school, at least five years of related experience, and excellent legal writing plus proficiency in Microsoft Office and Westlaw for research.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from ABA-accredited law school.
• Five years of related legal experience.
• Excellent legal writing skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Oversees meetings, hearings, scheduling, and drafting correspondence and panel reports.
• Reviews compliance with confidentiality and orders.
• Attends appointments and training for Commissions on Lawyer and Judicial Conduct.
• Prepares orders and reports in disciplinary cases; ensures accuracy and proper citation.
• Researches topics using Westlaw, statutes, case law, and jurisdiction orders; maintains precedent database.
• May supervise staff in absence of Commission Counsel; cross-trains staff on case management tools.

Skills

Legal writing

Oral communication

Written communication

Legal research

Education

Juris Doctorate (ABA-accredited)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat

Westlaw

Job description

Job Responsibilities

Under limited supervision, this attorney is responsible for specifically delegated legal work to assist in the day to day operations of the Office of Commission Counsel. This attorney IV position will provide a significant amount of written work product and must possess strong written communication skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

• Oversees and attends meetings and hearings of Commissions on Lawyer and Judicial Conduct to include scheduling, agenda and file review, and drafting of correspondence, orders, and panel reports within established deadlines. Oversees compliance by lawyers and/or judges with conditions of admission, reinstatement, deferred discipline, discipline, and orders relieving the receiver.
• Reviews and approves the release of disciplinary history information in compliance with governing confidentiality rules.
• Oversees appointments and re-appointments for both Commission. Responsible for training and education for Commissions on Lawyer and Judicial Conduct
• Prepares correspondence, orders, and reports in attorney and judicial disciplinary cases, including incapacity cases. Edits and finalizes work products for accuracy, clarity, and correct legal citation. Assists Commission Counsel in compiling statistical information and in preparing annual discipline report.
• Prepares draft summaries of dismissals and confidential resolutions of judicial complaints by Commission on Judicial Conduct
• Provides research on variety of topics at request of Commission Counsel and Deputy Commission Counsel using Westlaw, court rules, statutes, case law, and Supreme Court or Administrative Orders. Responsible for database of precedent with respect to lawyer and judicial misconduct.
• In the absence of Commission Counsel or Deputy Commission Counsel, may be called upon to supervise personnel in the Office of Commission Counsel or Office of the Receiver. Responsible for staff cross training and development, to include training staff on case management software. Performs all other duties as directed by Commission Counsel.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law and five (5) years of related work experience. Must possess excellent legal writing skills, as well as computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, etc.)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, Code of Judicial Conduct, Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Evidence, and Appellate Court Rules.
• Knowledge of standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to efficiently and accurately analyze complex legal issues, to apply state law and judicial decisions, and effectively draft logical and clear legal documents.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to handle sensitive or difficult issues with non-lawyers, lawyers, and judges. Understanding importance of confidentiality and ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Competency in legal research. Knowledge of South Carolina law and procedure, Westlaw, and the Bluebook System of Citation. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to work in an autonomous environment with excellent self-direction, initiative, and motivation.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Use discretion in assigning tasks to staff including administrative assistants and paralegals.
• Required to advise Commission Counsel or Deputy Commission Counsel of any issues, problems, or concerns relating to job duties.
• Ability to work in a team environment and listen to new ideas and recommendations from others.
• Must be able to supervise the office in the absence of Commission Counsel or Deputy Commission Counsel.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

Member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing.

Preferred Qualifications

Seven (7) years of experience as an attorney, including two (2) years of demonstrated experience with legal writing.

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